2026 FLACA Accelerate Conference

Caroline Legrand | Shop Marketing Pros

FM-01 Finding and Creating Social Media Content to Help Your Customers Know, Like and Trust You

There is no shortage of content to share from an auto repair shop when it comes to helping your customers know you better. Every repair order is an opportunity to teach not only the car owner but your entire customer base about their vehicles and why you are the top-tier shop that should handle them.
In this class, Shop Marketing Pros Senior Marketing Strategist Caroline Legrand will share:

• How to turn day-to-day work into social media content
• What it means for your customers to know, like, and trust you
• How your social media plays a role in customer relationships
• How you can plan your content to provide consistent posts to your social media
• Which tools can help you to streamline your social media process (hint: they’re all free and easy to learn!)

Taking this class will equip you with the tools and tips you need to take what you already know about your shop, your staff, and the vehicles you work on and turn it into content that your customers can learn from to improve your brand awareness and reputation.

Jeremy O’Neal | WTI/Worldpac

FM-02 Lead Conversion: Master the Game

There is one thing that all auto repair shops need to be successful, CARS to fix! This course is designed to help you master the skills needed to convert today’s auto repair lead into a paying customer for your shop. As society shifts to digital platforms, shop owners need to ensure everyone in their shop is skilled at converting telephone as well as digital leads. You will leave with the skills needed to increase your telephone lead conversion rate and fill your bays with qualified repair customers. We then share with you the strategies and techniques needed to master the digital lead. You will leave with a complete library of responses to take the toughest digital lead and convert them into a raving fan!

• Learn the skills needed to covert tough price shoppers.
• Understand the mindset of the consumer and how to place your shop as the number 1 choice.
• Turn the customer who wants a price into wanting your expertise and skillset to help them solve their concerns.
• Create your own lead conversion system.
• Fill your bays with high quality customers!

Sara Fraser | AutoLeap

FM-03 From Chaos to Clarity: Enhanced Communication for Auto Repair Shops

In the fast-paced and demanding environment of automotive repair shops, effective communication is the key to success. this course presented by Sara Fraser is specifically designed to help automotive repair shop owners, managers, and staff transform their daily interactions into a well-oiled machine, leading to improved efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance.

This course will cover topics such as the importance of communication, meeting essentials, effective team collaboration, customer interaction, conflict resolution, and more.

Want to turn your shop environment into a thriving, customer-centric, and efficient business? Join us and become empowered to communicate better, deliver excellent service, and drive success. Sara is ready to take you on the journey to enhance communication in your shop.

Eric Ziegler | WTI/Worldpac

FT-01 Variable Valve Timing: Fundamentals & Diagnostic Processes

Using case studies of repaired vehicles and actual part cutaways this class demonstrates how VVT systems work, what kinds of problems they have, and what can cause these systems to set codes. The focus is a diagnostic routine that provides a flow of testing steps with technician checkpoints along the way.

Topics covered:

• Types of VVT systems
• Using scan data first
• Correlation and performance codes
• Finding problems without disassembly
• Case studies for mechanical problems, control problems, oil problems, and electrical problems
• Cheat sheets for successful scope setups
• Testing phasers, actuators, and solenoids
• What to do when codes return
• Useful specifications
• Flow of diagnostics chart that guides you to what to do next

Technicians need a trusted process they can rely on to uncover VVT problems and the routine highlighted will lead you to a successful conclusion for Asian & Domestic vehicles.

Brandon Steckler | WTI/Worldpac

FT-02 A Streamlined Approach To Diagnostic Dilemmas

Gary Smith | WTI/Worldpac

Is there a better Way?​

This class will fill the attendee with several out-of-the-box diagnostic ​thoughts, approaches and strategies for​ tracking down and successfully diagnosing those gnarly​ “ghost” faults that can be so difficult to solve.​ We will look at several methods used every day on the DiagNation Support ​Hotline to help technicians with a​ “Guided Fault Finding” pathway to solve these vexing issues, regardless of ​the system you are working with.​ Learn why the shop and technicians often make intermittent diagnosis more ​difficult, and learn how to avoid these​ mistakes and leverage a customized approach to each intermittent fault you ​approach. We will use actual case​ studies to prove these methods of approach.

Rick White | 180Biz

FM-01 Stand Out: Creating an Unforgettable Shop Experience

You’ll discover:

• 21 practical strategies to differentiate your shop — from redefining your first impression and communication style to redesigning drop-off and pick-up moments that make customers choose you over cheaper alternatives.

• How to transform your team into experience creators — training your advisors like hospitality professionals so every interaction builds trust, reassurance, and loyalty that withstands price pressure.

• The shift from transactional service to unforgettable experiences — turning routine repairs into moments customers remember, talk about, and return for, even when money is tight.

• Why standing out matters more than ever — in uncertain times, shops that stand out don’t just survive, they thrive.

• One actionable strategy you can implement this week — stop blending in and become the shop customers refuse to leave.

Bret Beitler | Limitless Leadership

FM-02 Operational Excellence: Align and Engage Your Team

Learn how to align and engage your team with a clear “BIG WHY” vision, so your team can lead effectively and consistently operate with excellence.

Gary Smith | WTI

FT-01 Get Your Freq On: An Introduction to Automotive RF Testing

There are MANY automotive RF systems in use today, yet there is little to no formal training on how to understand, measure, and quantify RF signals across the vehicle platform.

In this unique training event, you’ll learn foundational RF concepts and explore practical tooling and creative testing methods to detect RF signals and isolate faults.

Systems covered include:

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• TPMS
• Door Lock RFA systems
• GPS
• Immobilizers
• And more

You’ll learn:
• RF fundamentals — what RF is and how it works
• Frequency and bandwidth allocations for automotive RF systems
• How to test RF and capture signals out of the air
• Testing methods and tooling, from creative DIY approaches to commercial tools
• Proven techniques, tips, and tricks for effective RF testing

Robert Descalzo | NAPA

FT-02 Tactical Diagnostic Series: Another Day in the Bay

• Balancing efficiency with diagnostic accuracy

• Incorporating scan tools, oscilloscopes, multimeters, service information, and all available resources for the modern technician

• Following customer concerns from initial complaint through completion of repair

• What an effective diagnostic plan looks like

• How to correlate relevant data to the vehicle and the customer’s concerns

• How to be better prepared for tomorrow in your bay

Jason Gabrenas | Snap-On

FT-03 Hands-On Snap on Scope Class

In this course, we will cover component operation and testing using a Snap-on lab scope. We will cover the fuel system (injectors and fuel pumps) data bus testing (single-wire and CAN), ignition testing, and more.

Since this is a hands-on class, each individual will use a provided Snap-on scope, so seating is limited.

Even though the class is taught on Snap-on equipment, the concepts used in the class can be translated to any automotive scope. Snap-on scopes will be provided for the class.

Rick White | 180Biz

FM-03 Succeed and Conquer with KPIs

• Understand Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and how to use them

• Calculate and compare your KPIs against industry benchmarks

• Know exactly how to influence those numbers to increase profitability in your shop

Josh Parnell | Limitless Leadership

FM-04 Effective Communication & the Roadmap of Delegation

• Learn how to build stronger teams through foundational conversations, a deep dive into 1-on-1s, and the impact of daily huddles

• Learn how to transition from “Player to Coach” by empowering others through the five keys to effective delegation

Jason Garbrenas | Snap-On

FT-04 Increasing Efficiency through Repeatable Workflow

With today’s increasingly complex vehicles, the ability to quickly and accurately diagnose problems is essential to a technician’s efficiency. Having a consistent and reliable diagnostic process is more important than ever. This course walks through the diagnostic process from start to finish, helping technicians develop a repeatable workflow that works for them.

Robert Descalzo | NAPA

FT-05 Understanding Automotive Electrical Components and Diagrams

Learn to read DIN-style wiring diagrams and confidently use all forms of track-style diagrams. Understand the differences between OEM wiring diagrams and redrawn diagrams, and learn how to identify the best test locations.

You’ll also explore key questions, including:
• What to do when only OEM service information is available
• How to find all possible test locations
• How to read and effectively utilize all forms of electronic wiring diagrams

Adam Robertson | WTI

FT-06 Wicked Diagnostic Routines, Defeating the DTC Charts

This class is a smorgasbord of effective diagnostic routines that aren’t typically used in day-to-day diagnostics. Manufacturer “trouble tree” charts have been misleading technicians for decades and, in many cases, lead to wasted time and unnecessary parts replacement. This course focuses on developing a more efficient and accurate diagnostic mindset.

Topics covered include:

• Developing efficient and accurate approaches to network issues
• Understanding protocol rules and the difference between “bent” and “broken” systems
• Proper interpretation of current (amps) as a first step in electrical diagnostics
• Diagnosing circuits, such as power windows, without disassembly
• Quickly identifying the root cause of fuse issues (a real mind blower)

Noise, vibration, and electrical analysis:
• NVH diagnostics, including understanding frequency
• Locating all types of noises, including rattles, effectively

Advanced lab scope diagnostics (not your average scope class):
• Introduction to advanced lab scope operation
• Ultra low-pass filter and zoom techniques
• Techniques for locating intermittent issues

Precision testing tools and methods:
• Milli-ohm meter testing to find intermittent connection issues
• Ultra-sensitive graphing ohm meter usage (a true game changer)

Misfire and signal verification:
• Ultimate misfire detection and location using crankshaft sensors
• Coverage of VR, MR, and Hall-effect/magneto-resistive sensors
• Why all scan tools are liars—until proven otherwise
• Verifying difficult data such as ignition and injector timing

Tool integration:
• Using third-party equipment alongside the lab scope
• Power probes, circuit testers, signal generators, and more

This class is designed for technicians of all skill levels, from foundational learners to advanced diagnosticians looking to sharpen their edge.

Chavelk DeLos Santos | AutoLeap 

SM-05 Under the Hood of AI – What’s Driving the Future for Repair Shops

We’ll explore the evolution of AI in auto repair across three key timeframes: what shop owners can do right now, what’s on the horizon over the next year, and the game-changing innovations coming beyond that. The discussion is grounded in real benefit areas, including saving time, selling more, delighting customers, and generating insights, while comparing AI-powered approaches to the manual, time-consuming methods many shops rely on today. You’ll see practical, real-world examples such as service advisors using AI to draft friendly customer emails in seconds or shop owners creating social media content with no marketing experience at all. This isn’t future talk—it’s what’s possible today.

Lola Schmidt

SM-06 Power of Processes

Processes, nobody likes them. Everybody needs them. I invite you to a session developed to ignite a flame for establishing systems and processes inside your business. Creating shop culture, creating organization, and creating structure leads to a better tomorrow for your entire team. This is all found inside the processes, policies, procedures, and systems you put in place. In this class we will discover where there is opportunity to implement change inside your shop and create a personalized process and path to take back home.

Keith Perkins | CTI

ST-07 A Streamlined Approach to Network Diagnostics

This class covers modern vehicle network operation and how to efficiently diagnose them using common tooling. The overwhelming majority of network-related issues do not require decoding of individual packets of data. It is important to understand how a network exchanges information, but a deep dive into the bits, bytes, nibbles, and ticks of each network is not needed to repair the vehicle. Knowledge of the network type, the expected voltage levels, and the layout of the network wiring to the modules can provide us with enough information to gain diagnostic direction. At that point, we can use our available tooling to determine the root cause of the problem.

Topics include understanding common automotive networks and where to get help if we don’t understand them, discussing OE and aftermarket scan tool communication benefits and challenges, developing a logical diagnostic approach using service information and our own tooling, and understanding diagnosis through communication-related case studies.

Rich Falco | CTI

ST-08 Automotive HVAC Systems: Automatic Temperature Control Diagnostics

Advances in automatic temperature control technology require that diagnostic techniques advance with it. This class builds upon an understanding of ATC operation and applies skills that include service information application, scan tool use, meter and oscilloscope techniques, and network diagnostics. Many of the techniques taught in this class can also be applied to electronic manual climate control systems.

Objectives include diagnostic strategy, focus behind the firewall, identifying and utilizing specific scan tool PIDs, performing initialization as required by the system, performing pinpoint tests with a meter or oscilloscope, analyzing networking issues, and verifying post-repair operation.

Eric Ziegler

ST-09 Misfire: Efficient and Effective Diagnosis

Misfires can be caused by three things: ignition, fuel, or mechanical issues. This course covers the diagnostic techniques required to rapidly narrow the offender to one of these three possibilities. Emphasis is placed on a logical approach and effective use of appropriate testing techniques. Scan tools and scopes will be the main focus of this class. However, other tools will be used as well.

Rick White | 180Biz

SM-07 Service Sales Mastery: From First Call to Final Estimate

If you want your service advisors to become confident, connection-driven professionals who boost your bottom line, then Service Sales Mastery is the class for you. We’ll break down the three conversations that drive sales, from mindset to client connection to estimate review. By the end of this course, your team will know how to turn calls into appointments and estimates into approvals. It’s not just sales training. It’s a whole new way to win at the front counter.

This high-impact course, led by Rick White of 180BIZ, is designed to revolutionize how service advisors connect, communicate, and close sales. Focused on the complete sales journey, from the first phone call to the final estimate, this class delivers the mindset, tools, and techniques advisors need to succeed in today’s auto repair environment.

Attendees will learn to:
• Build confidence and presence to influence every conversation
• Increase call conversion rates and appointment-setting success
• Create estimates that are accurate, complete, and customer-focused
• Conduct powerful post-interaction reviews that drive continuous improvement

Lola Schmidt

SM-08 Brands Build Futures

You have the opportunity to develop and grow your brand in a dynamic and engaging way. Take a journey through the world of branding and walk away with a foundation and energized focus, with new ways to build your brand, leading to a brighter and better future.

If you are stuck in the creative realm, uninspired and lost for direction, or unsure how to identify and leverage your shop’s brand, join me for a session on Brand Building. This interactive class allows shop owners and managers to understand the ground up of why brand building is important and how to better establish your brand. Let’s get creative together and build better futures for our teams by building better brands.

Keith Perkins | CTI

ST-010 Transmission Diagnostics for the Engine Technician

The modern transmission can be very difficult to diagnose properly without an understanding of the wide range of inputs and strategies that make up transmission control. Diagnostic analysis of the transmission must take into consideration the mechanical aspects of the transmission, as well as the electrical, hydraulic, and engine control influences. Many transmissions have been unnecessarily replaced when testing routines skip one of these factors, and many repeated transmission component failures have occurred when the root cause of mechanical failure was not determined during the initial diagnosis.

Some OBD II technicians may say, “That’s why I stay away from transmissions, I have enough to worry about with the engine drivability problems.” Many transmission technicians would say the very opposite. However, engine and transmission inputs and software strategies tend to overlap at a much higher level than ever before to control emissions, torque, and driving experience. In order to be successful in either case, the blending of emissions control and driving experience forces both the engine drivability technician and the transmission technician to cross the long-time established borderline between the two repair fields.

Eric Ziegler

ST-011 Engine Mechanical Diagnosis with Electronic Equipment

This class covers the use of current probes, vacuum transducers, and pressure transducers to quickly diagnose engine mechanical issues. Often, using the techniques discussed in this class, the amount of physical teardown required to confirm the diagnosis will not be necessary. This class will focus on misfire problems but will also address ignition and camshaft timing issues.

Multiple tools will be covered to achieve these goals, but technique is the key. All testing techniques will be backed up with actual “broken car” case studies. If you own a scope, you’ll want to attend this class. The information discussed will greatly expedite your diagnostic process.

Rich Falco | CTI

ST-012 GDI Gasoline Direct Injection: Analytic Test Drive

A test drive is not intended to isolate faults that may be causing a symptom or concern. The purpose of an analytic test drive is simply to gather information. Once that information has been analyzed, you can determine the proper test or tests to perform in order to narrow the problem to a vehicle system or subsystem and ultimately diagnose the root cause accurately.

This class will examine several examples of captured scan data from GDI vehicles. This data can quickly assess the condition of the engine management system, verify correct operation, or reveal clues that efficiently direct intrusive pinpoint testing. Whether the problem is DTC-driven or symptom-driven, a repeatable test drive cycle will determine whether the root cause is air (VE) related, fuel related, or adaptive related.