I-CAR's 2026 Volunteer and Instructor Conference Brings Together Industry Leaders to Advance Collision Repair Excellence
February 26, 2026
Annual gathering showcased innovation, collaboration and recognition of outstanding contributions to the collision repair industry
ORLANDO, FL, February 26, 2026 - I-CAR hosted its 2026 Volunteer & Instructor Conference in Orlando, bringing together collision repair instructors, volunteers, Sustaining Partners and council members for three days of forward-focused education, strategic collaboration and meaningful recognition.
The Volunteer & Instructor Conference is dedicated to the individuals who power I-CAR's training mission. The event provides an opportunity to connect, share insights and align on the future of collision repair education, workforce development and technical excellence.
General Session
Friday's General Session brought together organizational and industry voices to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping collision repair. The session opened with a presentation from Dave Luehr, who emphasized the critical role of shop culture in developing and sustaining the next generation of collision repair professionals.
I-CAR President & CEO Kyle Thompson then delivered an update outlining the organization's strategic direction and the industry's trajectory. “It's clear that I-CAR instructors and volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization,” said Thompson. “No other groups are in shops, with technicians, and meeting with their peers like our instructors and volunteers. These touch points do so much to reaffirm the value of quality instruction and remind us why training is so important.”
Following Thompson's update, Vice President of Business Development John Eck and Vice President of Marketing Arianna Sherlock engaged in a fireside conversation on leadership and I-CAR's role within the repair ecosystem.
The focus then turned to the industry's future: Vice President of Planning & Industry Talent Programming Dara Goroff addressed I-CAR's solutions for training and workforce development, followed by an update from Vice President of Technical Operations Mark Miller highlighting emerging technologies and developments in training.
Breakout Sessions
Saturday's programming featured dedicated tracks for instructors and volunteers, underscoring I-CAR's commitment to strengthening its educator and advocate network. Instructor sessions focused on grading alignment, event execution, demonstration and feedback techniques and digital mastery tools—providing practical frameworks to elevate training delivery.
Volunteer programming addressed key industry developments, including legislative updates impacting CREF fundraisers, the Registered Apprenticeship Program, and the introduction of a new CREF Donation Exchange Portal.
NABC Recycled Rides®
The conference also featured a special presentation of the NABC Recycled Rides® program, a proud testament to the collision repair industry's commitment to giving back. Carina Marshal, nominated by Jobs Partnership, is a single mother dedicated to building financial stability and independence — and she was the deserving recipient of a fully refurbished vehicle made possible through the collective efforts of NABC Recycled Rides®, vehicle donor GEICO and repair partner Joe Hudson's Collision Center. Since 2007, the program has donated more than 3,750 vehicles valued at approximately $67 million to individuals and families in need.
Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Performance Award Recipients
The weekend culminated in Saturday evening's Recognition Dinner, where I-CAR celebrated the instructors and volunteers who exemplified excellence in collision repair training throughout 2025, presented by Vice President of Delivery at I-CAR Lori Barrington, Associate Vice President of Collision Repair at I-CAR Terry Ticel and Executive Director at CREF Brandon Eckenrode.
The Lon Baudoux Instructor of the Year Award recognized educators who have consistently delivered high-quality training experiences across the country:
- Northeast: Evan Bieber
- North Central: Ken Kempfer
- South Central: Calvin Cornehl
- Southwest: Gary Lutz
- Northwest: Jeffery "Jeff" Chillemi
The Johnny Dickerson Welding Award, recognizing instructors who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the craft, was presented to:
- Northeast: Nick Saltamanikas
- South Central: Garry Briscoe
- Southwest: Joe Velasquez
- Northwest: Josh Van Heel
Additional honors were presented to those who have made exceptional contributions to I-CAR's mission:
- Horizon Award: Todd Bonecutter, recognized for his emerging I-CAR leadership and dedication to advancing the industry
- Circle of Excellence Award: Gary Opferman, representing the pinnacle of instructional excellence across all regions
- Founder's Ring: John Melendez, honored for his outstanding and enduring contributions to I-CAR and the collision repair industry
These awards reflect I-CAR's unwavering commitment to recognizing the volunteers and instructors who go above and beyond in advancing the skills, knowledge and culture that drive the collision repair industry forward.
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About I-CAR
Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge, and solutions organization designed to support the evolving needs of the Collision Repair Inter-Industry. I-CAR, which is accredited by IACET (The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training) is focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of both the industry and the consumer. For more information, please visit www.i-car.com.