AIA Canada conference highlights industry change
Under the theme of “Embracing Change and Driving Growth,” the Canadian auto care industry gathered this week for a two-day deep dive into the shifting economic and technological landscape at the Automotive Industries Association’s Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference
The event once again combined the AIA Canada National Conference and CCIF Toronto from March 11.12. It highlighted a sector in the midst of a massive transformation, balancing the immediate need for skilled talent with the long-term demands of electric vehicle (EV) adoption and artificial intelligence.
The conference opened with new president and CEO Emily Chung marking her first AIA Canada event appearance. She noted how her background as a technician and former shop owner can help bring together all sectors of the aftermarket. Not one is more important than the other, so they all must work together to see success for everyone.
Panels discussed issues like talent, with one challenging business owners to adopt more inclusive leadership styles to combat the ongoing technician shortage, and the other featured a live recording of AIA Canada’s Curbside Chat that looked at education challenges, the impact of EVs and how technology is changing the industry.
The midday breakout sessions allowed attendees to attend two of three concurrent sessions. While Murray Voth, president of RPM Training, talked about how shop owners need to work on maintaining profitability amidst rising operational costs, the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector hosted Pruthvi Brahmbhatt, senior manager of market development and planning at UAP, who explored how AI is being used to streamline service writing and diagnostics. Meanwhile, Ryan Robinson, automotive research leader at Deloitte, presented a view of the Canadian economy, noting that while supply chain volatility persists, the aging vehicle park continues to drive record demand for aftermarket services.
The afternoon took a celebratory turn with the presentation of the 2026 Industry Awards. The Distinguished Service Award and Young Leader of the Year Award were handed out.
On the second day, the focus shifted to the collision sector with CCIF Toronto.
The day before, the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector hosted its Speed Mentoring Roundtable for the second year. Mentors Zara Wishloff, Malcolm Sissmore, Allison Noseworthy, Murray Voth and Sean Stokes spoke to young and upcoming leaders about their experiences in the auto care industry, sharing insights and expertise.
Please see our video recap above and photo gallery below.
Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference
YPA Speed Mentoring Roundtable
The post AIA Canada conference highlights industry change appeared first on Auto Service World.