Melbourne 2026

Register before 11:59pm Friday, 10 April 2026 to receive an Early Bird discount!

Register here

CRA registered conference attendees will also be automatically registered for free entry to the AAAA and Collision Repair Expo.

Registration fees

All fees are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and exclude Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15%.

Definition of a member: A financially current member of the Collision Repair Association (CRA Member and CRA Associate Member).

The conference programme will offer a range of speakers, from business specialists to technical experts. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to network with peers, join group discussions, learn from industry leaders, and discover new solutions to enhance your operations.

PROGRAMME

SPEAKERS

Meet Your MC – David Boot
Dave is the Chief Executive of EV City based in Christchurch, a lively and knowledgeable commentator on the NZ vehicle industry, Dave has recently been elected to the MTA board of directors. As MC he will ensure the conference delivers to expectations as well as always being readily accessible – easily found just look for the tallest person in the room!

Jason Trewin, CEO, I-CAR Australia

Jason has a continuous improvement mindset and is able to balance operational and strategic priorities, he is future focused which provides CRA with great opportunity to understand how he sees the ANZ collision industry future. With extensive industry experience in management and operations at local and international levels, Jason’s aim is to provide a clear direction for collision training well into the future. Great insight for NZ collision repairers.

Collision Repair 2030: Adapt, Align, or Exit
The collision repair industry is undergoing structural—not cyclical—change driven by electrification, ADAS proliferation, OEM‑mandated procedures, and increasing vehicle complexity. Modern repairs now involve integrated systems, demanding engineering‑level planning, documentation, and validation. This shift is widening the gap between escalating technical requirements and current workforce capability, creating significant operational, commercial, and liability risks. The session will outline how shops can redesign processes, invest in capability, and strategically position themselves to remain competitive in the Collision Repair 2030 landscape.

Sam Street, Editor, Australasian Paint and Panel Magazine

Sam Street has been an automotive journalist and editor for over 35 years working on consumer, custom and B2B magazines. Since moving to Australia in 2010 she has been editor of Paint & Panel, a brand which now encompasses a weekly e-newsletter, conferences, podcasts and awards as well as a bi-monthly magazine. She was instrumental in founding the Women in Collision Awards over 10 years ago, an event that is strongly supported by the industry and in founding the Australian Collision Industry Alliance to promote careers in collision repair. The Paint & Panel Bodyshop Awards and her day to day work ensures that she interacts with bodyshop owners and all of the major players giving her a birds eye view of the industry.

Sam will discuss the collision repair industry in Australia and the forces driving change and future directions.

Brent Wallace & Tian Ye, BASF

Brent is Regional Head of Strategic Account Management, Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions, Coatings Solutions Asia Pacific, BASF East Asia Regional Headquarters Ltd.

Brent was born in the USA. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry from the Bowling Green State University and a Master degree in Business Administration from the University of Findlay Ohio.

Tian is Assistant Manager Market Intelligence, Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions, Coatings Solutions

Tian was born in China. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance & Sustainable Business from New York University Stern School of Business and a master’s degree in Environmental Management from the National University of Singapore

The Asia‑Pacific Shift
Asia‑Pacific vehicle trends are reshaping the competitive landscape, and Chinese OEMs are now a major force across Australia and New Zealand. Brent and Tian will unpack the rapid growth of Chinese vehicle launches, the accelerating flow of EV exports, and what these shifts signal for market direction. Their session also explores how digitalisation – spanning training, technical support, and performance management – is redefining capability in modern repair environments. A forward‑looking snapshot of the trends collision repairers need to prepare for next.

Robert Snook, CEO, Business Success Global

Robert has 42 years of 360-degree collision industry experience having worked at all levels in body shops, a paint company, multi-site distribution and co-owning a fast growing, multi-award-winning MSO bodyshop business, before selling his shareholding in November 2022. Today, he is the owner and CEO of Business Success Global, where he is a sought-after global keynote speaker, professional event moderator, licensed business coach, respected consultant, trusted mentor and engaging trainer for well-known brands across the global collision industry.

More Time. More Money. Less Stress. The difference between running a business and operating a bodyshop
Running a collision repair business today demands more than technical excellence—it requires clarity, control, and a business model that actually works for you. This session explores the stages of a bodyshop owner’s journey and how the pressures at each phase shape decision‑making. It breaks down the real mechanics of the bodyshop revenue stream, showing how to unblock cashflow, escape operational firefighting, and shift from “running a shop” to leading a scalable business. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways to achieve more time, more money, and less stress.

Lee Marshall, CE, Motor Trade Association

Lee Marshall is the Chief Executive of the Motor Trade Association, the automotive industry’s largest member organisation. He has previously held a number of senior roles in the rental vehicle sector, including General Manager (New Zealand) for Avis Budget Group, Commercial Manager for the JUCY Group and Director of Fleet and Operations at Ezi Car Rental NZ.

He is a champion for a robust automotive industry that supports and serves all New Zealanders. Under his leadership, MTA has spearheaded advocacy for an industry-led, industry-owned approach to learners and workplace training.

Driving Future Success
Whether through demographic change, new technology, a more assertive insurance industry, policy whiplash, or a variety of other disruptions on the horizon, it’s likely the industry will experience significant change in the medium term.  MTA and CRA exist to help members navigate and influence that changing landscape.  This session will be about what we see on the horizon and what it means for our industry.

Lesley Yates, Director Government Relations and Advocacy, Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association

Lesley leads the AAAA’s advocacy work, helping the industry solve its biggest headaches and persuading governments to back practical, long-term solutions.

Lesley was born into the automotive world. Her dad worked for Holden, and she grew up in the industrial, working-class suburb of Elizabeth in South Australia, where cars weren’t just transport – they were a way of life and a source of pride.

She went on to play a key role in securing Australia’s landmark motor vehicle Right to Repair law, which came into force in 2022 after a decade-long campaign for fair and open competition.

A frequent visitor to New Zealand, Lesley is known for her persistence, sharp wit and her unnerving talent for convincing policymakers to do the right thing for the automotive industry — whether they were planning to or not.

These days she’s focused on what comes next: keeping workshops profitable and competitive as driver safety systems, electric vehicles, skills shortages, and alternative fuels all arrive at once.

Staying in the Driver’s Seat: Right to Repair, ADAS and the Future
Right to Repair and ADAS are now embedded in everyday workshop operations, shifting control over repair access, data, and liability. This session outlines where New Zealand’s Right to Repair campaign is heading, what emerging legislation may mean for collision repairers, and the lessons Australia’s framework provides. It also examines real‑world ADAS growth and the commercial implications for safety, compliance, and profitability. A clear, practical guide on what’s coming – and how repairers can stay in the driver’s seat.

Kellie Dewar, Deputy CEO, Motor Trades Association of Queensland and Ben Chesterfield, Manager, Car Craft Group

Kellie Dewar is the Deputy CEO of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland), bringing more than 25 years’ experience across the automotive industry.

Beginning her career in new car dealerships before moving into motor vehicle finance, Kellie joined MTA Queensland in 2003 and has since played a key leadership role in the organisation’s growth and industry representation. She was appointed Deputy CEO in 2017.

In her role, Kellie oversees the Association’s industrial relations, member services, marketing and corporate services functions. She leads advocacy across all levels of government and works closely with key industry stakeholders, peak bodies and national counterparts to ensure the voice of Queensland’s automotive businesses is heard.

Through her leadership, Kellie plays a central role in advancing industry priorities, strengthening member support, and championing initiatives that build a resilient, sustainable automotive sector.

Ben began his collision repair career in 1982 as an apprentice panel beater/spray painter, later running his own collision repair business from 1986 to 1999. He then worked as a motor loss assessor until 2010, progressing to manage a loss assessor team on the Gold Coast.

Ben joined MTAQ as an industry representative for 4 years overseeing the Body Repair Division (BRD), before moving to Car Craft QLD in 2014, where he has held a management role since 2018. He chaired the BRD Committee from 2016 to 2019 and again holds the current position of Chair since 2025. Ben has served on both the MTAQ Board and the MTAQ Executive Committee.

He initiated the 2023 “Future Proofing the Industry” event, leading work on labour‑related challenges and driving ongoing collaboration across industry and partner organisations.

Ben was instrumental in the development of the “Don’t Shut the Bonnet on It” mental health initiative. Ben’s vision for real tools and support for frank and fearless conversations in the language and context of the Collision and Automotive Industry more broadly earned him the MTAQ Community Award in 2025.

Don’t Shut the Bonnet On It
“Don’t Shut the Bonnet On It” is a mental health initiative developed in partnership between MTA Queensland and TradeMutt; the social impact workwear brand known for its bold, colourful designs.

Together, they created a custom print for the automotive industry, featuring tyres and dashboard warning lights set against winding roads. More than just a striking design, the shirt is a powerful conversation starter – encouraging people to check in early, recognise the warning signs, and ensure nothing is left unaddressed under the bonnet.

In this session, Kellie and Ben will explore the meaning behind the design, the movement driving it, and why open conversations about mental health are critical across trade and blue-collar industries. They will also highlight the practical tools, resources and support services available to help individuals, teams and families build stronger, safer and more supportive workplaces.

The day will conclude with the prestigious CRA Awards Gala Dinner, celebrating the achievements of our industry and honoring excellence with the Golden Gun and Golden Hammer Apprentice of the Year awards.

These awards recognise the next generation of talent in collision repair:

• Golden Gun – awarded to the top apprentice in automotive refinishing.
• Golden Hammer – awarded to the top apprentice in collision repair/panel beating.

The 2026 Shop Awards will recognise businesses that are excelling at representing the collision repair industry, with the overall Shop of the Year top award.

This elegant evening is a highlight of the conference, bringing together members and industry leaders for networking, fine dining, and celebrating outstanding skill and innovation.

Tickets to the CRA Awards Gala Dinner is included in conference registration or can be purchased for guests.

Nestled on Melbourne’s vibrant Southbank, The Langham is an award-winning hotel renowned for its timeless elegance and exceptional service. Overlooking the Yarra River and city skyline, it offers luxurious accommodation, world-class dining at Melba Restaurant, and stylish event spaces including the opulent Clarendon Ballroom. Just steps from the Arts Centre, Federation Square, and premier shopping, The Langham combines old-world charm with modern sophistication—making it the perfect setting for our 2026 CRA Conference.

The Langham is located at 1 Southgate Ave, Southbank, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia

ACCOMMODATION AT THE LANGHAM
We’ve secured a special conference rate of AUD $325 per room, per night (including tax) for attendees at The Langham. This rate is available for stays between Sunday 10 May and Monday 18 May 2026. Nights outside these dates can be requested but are not guaranteed at the discounted rate. To book, please use the booking link and scroll to May 2026. Guests are responsible for payment directly to the hotel, and a credit card will be required at the time of booking. Please review the hotel’s cancellation policy before confirming your reservation. We recommend booking early to secure your accommodation.