By Vince Edivan • ARA Executive Director
The automotive recycling industry continues to evolve as technology transforms everything from inventory management and customer acquisition to data analytics and operational decision-making.
This October, the automotive recycling industry will gather in Atlanta, Georgia, for one of the most anticipated events of the year—the 83rd Annual Automotive Recyclers Association Convention & Expo. From October 14–17, recyclers, suppliers, service providers, and industry leaders from across North America and around the world will come together at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel and Cobb Convention Center for four days dedicated to education, innovation, networking, and business growth.
For more than eight decades, the ARA Convention has served as the premier gathering for automotive recyclers seeking to strengthen their businesses, build relationships, and stay ahead of industry change. This year’s event continues that tradition while offering expanded educational opportunities, a dynamic Expo experience, and meaningful discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of automotive recycling.
At its core, the ARA Convention is about creating connections. Whether on the Expo floor, in educational sessions, at networking receptions, or in conversations between longtime colleagues and first-time attendees, the Convention offers opportunities that cannot be
replicated by phone calls, emails, or virtual meetings. The relationships built during Convention week often lead to new business partnerships, fresh ideas, and solutions to challenges that recyclers face every day.
Technology Keynote
One of the highlights of this year’s Convention will be keynote speaker Susan Frew, an accomplished entrepreneur, technology advocate, and business growth expert whose message aligns perfectly with the challenges and opportunities facing today’s automotive recyclers. (See page 27.)
Frew has built a reputation for helping businesses leverage innovation, technology, marketing, and artificial intelligence to create sustainable growth and operational excellence. As industries across the country continue to adapt to changing customer expectations, workforce challenges, and rapidly evolving technology, her experience offers practical lessons that can be applied by businesses of every size.
Her keynote presentation will focus on embracing change, identifying opportunities in disruption, and using innovative tools to improve business performance. Rather than discussing technology as a future possibility, Frew’s approach centers on real-world applications and practical strategies that organizations can implement immediately. For automotive recyclers navigating an increasingly competitive marketplace, her message promises to be both inspiring and actionable.
Exceptional Education
Frew’s presentation also complements one of the strongest educational lineups in recent Convention history.
Throughout the week, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in sessions covering topics that directly impact the success of modern recycling operations.
Educational programming will explore artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, sales and business development strategies, leadership and company culture, succession planning, operational performance metrics, compensation structures, quality assurance initiatives, and marketing best practices.
These sessions were developed with a clear focus on delivering practical value. Industry experts and business leaders will share real-world experiences, proven strategies, and lessons learned that attendees can immediately bring back to their organizations. Whether a participant is looking to increase sales performance, improve operational efficiency, prepare for an ownership transition, strengthen employee engagement, or better understand emerging technologies, the educational program offers something for every segment of the industry.
A recurring theme throughout this year’s Convention is innovation. The automotive recycling industry continues to evolve as technology transforms everything from inventory management and customer acquisition to data analytics and operational decision-making. Businesses that successfully embrace innovation are discovering new ways to improve efficiency, increase profitability, and deliver greater value to customers.
The conversations taking place in Atlanta will examine not only where the industry is today, but where it is headed in the years ahead. Attendees will have opportunities to learn from peers who are successfully implementing new technologies and adapting their operations to meet changing market demands.
Engaging Expo
Complementing the educational programming is the Convention Expo, widely recognized as one of the most valuable components of the event.
The Expo Hall will showcase leading suppliers, technology companies, equipment manufacturers, service providers, and industry partners. Attendees will have direct access to the latest products, services, and solutions designed to help automotive recyclers improve performance and grow their businesses.
More importantly, the Expo creates opportunities for meaningful conversations. It provides a rare chance to meet face-to-face with vendors, evaluate new technologies firsthand, ask detailed questions, and build stronger relationships with the companies that support the industry every day.
For exhibitors and sponsors, the Convention continues to offer an unparalleled platform for engaging decision-makers from across the automotive recycling community. Expanded sponsorship opportunities and enhanced attendee engagement initiatives have been developed to maximize value and create stronger connections between industry partners and members.
Nonstop Networking
Networking remains one of the most frequently cited reasons attendees return to the Convention year after year.
While educational sessions provide ideas and information, it is often the conversations between those sessions that leave the most lasting impact. The opportunity to exchange insights with fellow recyclers, discuss common challenges, and learn from others’ successes creates tremendous value for attendees at every stage of their careers.
From first-time attendees looking to build their professional networks to industry veterans reconnecting with longtime colleagues, Atlanta will provide countless opportunities to develop relationships that strengthen both individual businesses and the industry as a whole.
The Convention also highlights the growing international nature of automotive recycling. As markets become increasingly interconnected and sustainability initiatives continue gaining momentum worldwide, collaboration between recyclers across borders has never been more important. The annual Convention serves as a platform for sharing ideas, discussing best practices, and fostering global industry relationships.
Celebration Time
Ultimately, the 83rd Annual Convention & Expo is about more than educational sessions, exhibits, and networking events. It is a celebration of an industry built on innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. It is an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and help shape the future of automotive recycling.
Whether your goal is to discover new technologies, strengthen business relationships, gain practical knowledge, or simply reconnect with colleagues and friends from across the industry, Atlanta will provide an experience designed to deliver lasting value.
We invite you to join us this October as the automotive recycling industry comes together in Atlanta. With an outstanding educational program, an innovative Expo, unparalleled networking opportunities, and an inspiring keynote presentation from Susan Frew, the 83rd Annual ARA Convention & Expo promises to be a memorable and impactful event for all attendees.
The future of automotive recycling is being shaped every day. Join us in Atlanta and be part of the conversation.
