Norcross, Georgia -- August 25, 2011 -- On August 17-20 members of the AkzoNobel Acoat selected National Performance Group gathered at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 2011 program drew approximately 200 attendees from collision repair centres throughout North America, according to the company.

The AkzoNobel Acoat selected program is comprised of industry leaders representing some of the largest collision repair centres in the North American market today.

Keynote speaker for the event was Michael Fagin, secretary, treasurer and counsel for the Highway Loss Data Institute. His topic for the program was “How Advances in Technology, Safety and the Disposable Car Affect Vehicle Reparability.” Michael shared research and advancements in vehicle safety that impact the reparability of today’s automobiles.

Early Bird sessions prior to the program included:

Lead or Get Out of the Way – This program was led by G.B. Outlaw of G.B. Outlaw and Associates noted for enabling effectiveness in organizational change management.

So, You Have a Facebook Page…Now What? – Led by Helen Todd founder of Sociality Squared, a leading communication firm that specializes in social media, participants learned how to use and apply proven Facebook marketing strategies and techniques to grow a fan base and overall business with a meaningful Facebook presence.

2011 Occupational Safety and Health Issues in the Collision Repair Industry – Led by Michael Rumley with AkzoNobel’s Health Safety & Environmental organization. Participants were provided a clear direction about roles and responsibilities when it comes to occupational safety in the workplace.

A group tour was conducted at the 3M Innovation Center and Lab. This location houses moe than 6,500 scientists and engineers in the R&D community. The work that is done in the 3M Center spans from abrasives to optics, to nanotechnology and micro-replication.

Attendees were also engaged with “Walkabout Speakers” including Paul Chow and Paul Tseng with Leanstone Technology, Brad Desaulniers and Naveen Khan with Partscheck Live, Susanna Gotsch and John Buckner with CCC Information Services, and Ed Pietrzak with LKQ Corporation.