IBIS – The collision industry’s global melting pot

For three days in May, Barcelona will be the epicentre of the world’s collision repair market as industry leaders from every corner of the globe gather at the Hotel Arts. Here they will meet with their peers and discuss industry issues, commercial opportunities, market challenges and industry developments as well as hearing from top-level speakers setting out the hot topics that will shape our industry over the next ten years.

Why is IBIS so important?

“We have been overwhelmed by the market’s response to IBIS 2012,” said IBIS Chairman Chris Mann. “Since its launch in 2001 we have seen the event grow in size, status and influence but we have always been conscious of the fact that we need to attract the industry figures from around the world who are driving the industry forward, preparing to meet the future and prepared to deal with change. I am delighted that we have succeeded in this and it is incredible that an annual meeting of 300 of the collision industry’s leading players can have such a global impact, way beyond anything we had envisaged twelve years ago when we were developing the concept of IBIS.

“The industry has changed dramatically since then, and I think it is fair to say that IBIS has played an important role in preparing the market for those changes, driving the industry, debating the tough topics and presenting practical initiatives from a variety of visionaries and innovators from both within and outside our industry - but all with a valid message for our market. We have an exciting symposium programme with the theme “Winning Relationships” and Conference Director David Lingham has done a fantastic job in bringing together a brilliant cross-section of speakers and panellists.

“IBIS would not be possible without the support provided by our Official Partners - 3M, AkzoNobel, Audatex, BASF, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Innovation Group and I am delighted to say that these blue-chip organisations have been joined by Automechanika which needs no introduction as the world’s leading organiser of exhibitions for the automotive aftermarket. We are delighted to have them on board.