Autologic Diagnostics, in partnership with the WORLDPAC Training Institute (WTI), hosted its fourth annual National Conference and Tech Sessions (NCTS) March 14-17 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla. The event was comprised of two days of intensive training classes that covered BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Porsche, Land Rover and Volkswagen/Audi car lines, as well as WTI classes on BMW, Mini, Volvo and shop/business management. More than 240 people from across the U.S. and around the globe attended, some from as far away as Jamaica and Australia.
“Two of the things that separate Autologic from its competitors are our world-class technical support and the extensive training we provide for our customers,” said Kevin FitzPatrick, CEO, Autologic Diagnostics Inc. “The NCTS delivers a ton of valuable technical training in a span of a few days and continues to prove it is an important annual event for both Autologic and our customers. Our NCTS event, with the continued support of WTI, continues to grow in popularity, selling out for the second year in a row!”
The NCTS event kicked off Thursday, March 14, with an evening reception. Hors d’oeuvres were served while attendees mingled with Autologic technicians and staff, many putting a face to the voice they’ve heard over the phone for so long. Training classes started early Friday morning and, for the first time, featured a four-hour class format, which allowed for more class options and maximum training. Attendees selected up to four classes for a total of 16 hours of training.
Autologic’s team of instructors included Caleb Pacheco, Justin Kidd, Tom Morgan, Dave Meseck and Steve Young, who taught classes on Porsche, CIP, Jaguar, Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, respectively. A Volkswagen/Audi class was taught by Gary Machiros and Don Bonelli. Many WTI/WORLDPAC training options also were available, including special guest instructors Eric Scharping teaching BMW Active Chassis (the only eight-hour course that was offered); Allen Osborne, Luke Murray, Drew Wolfe and Cecil Bullard teaching classes on Volvo, BMW, Mini, and shop management, respectively.
WORLDPAC’s involvement with the NCTS demonstrates the ongoing relationship between Autologic and WORLDPAC in delivering top-notch technical training to Autologic customers.
“WORLDPAC would like to thank Autologic for putting on this terrific customer event,” said Mario Recchia, senior vice president of marketing, WORLDPAC. “As usual, they put together a first-class training program and we look forward to partnering with them on future events. Autologic’s customer focus to support automotive service professionals is fully consistent with our overall corporate goals to educate our customers with the most advanced training in our industry.”
Saturday evening’s closing dinner was a St. Patrick’s Day theme; green hats and leis were placed on the tables and dinner featured Irish selections such as corned beef and cabbage and shepherd’s pie. And what St. Patrick’s Day party would be complete without plenty of Guinness and Harp? Peter Toland, managing director of Autologic Diagnostics Ltd, and Kevin Finn, chairman of Autologic, addressed the audience and thanked everyone for attending and making the event a great success. Toland also thanked WORLDPAC for all of its help and everyone behind the scenes who ran around endlessly making sure the event went smoothly. Toland also announced that he is looking forward to seeing everyone next year at the 2014 NCTS when it is back at the M Resort in Las Vegas.
