NACE Conference Extends Its ‘Focused Education’ to Insurers

The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) 2003 event announced that, for the very first time, insurance agents and licensed staff will be able to earn continuing education (CE) credits at its December conference.

The featured CE courses are being conducted by the professionals of the CertifiedFirst Network of quality-rated collision repair centers, who will offer a 3-credit course “Collision Repair for Insurers,” and PPG PROSTARS Certified Auto Glass Technicians, who will piggyback onto the CertifiedFirst Network offering by presenting a 2-credit course “Loss Control: Windshield Repair.”

“We are very excited to be able to offer these courses to insurers through the expertise of two world-class leaders in the collision and auto glass industry,” said Dana Bellantone, NACE Show Director. “Agents are thrilled that they’ll be able to capture their necessary CE credits while they’re at NACE, not only because they’re free, but also because of the quality and reputation of the CertifiedFirst Network and PPG PROSTARS.”

The courses will each be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, and again on Saturday, Dec. 6, and will be taught by state-certified instructors. Collision Repair for Insurers runs from 9 a.m. to noon and
Loss Control: Windshield Repair is presented from 10 a.m. to noon. Agents interested in attending should check to ensure that the courses they attend will satisfy the requirements of their particular state.

Insurance agents are required by law in most states to earn CE credits in order to maintain their insurance licenses.

“In addition to providing practical knowledge on collision and auto glass repair insurance products” said Jeff Blum, director of PPG Industries Aftermarket Automotive Alliance, which includes the CertifiedFirst Network, PPG PROSTARS and Aquapel rain repellent glass treatment, “these courses are designed to assist claims professionals in providing better service for their customers, to enhance customer satisfaction and increase opportunities for repeat and referral business and policyholder retention.”

NACE 2003 will be held Dec. 4-7, at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., and is expected to draw an attendance of 30,000+ from around the globe.

It will feature more than 45 educational sessions and an Exposition with approximately 500 exhibiting companies. Bill O’Reilly, host of “The O’Reilly Factor,” will be the NACE 2003 Keynote Speaker and Wynonna will be the Saturday evening entertainment.

For more information on the continuing education courses, or to register for NACE and make housing and air travel arrangements, visit the NACE Web site at www.NACEexpo.com.