FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sheri Hamilton, VISION Conference Manager
sheri@visionkc.com
Gladstone, Mo., March 31, 2025 – The 33rd Annual VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, held March 6-9 in Kansas City, once again delivered an unmatched experience for automotive service professionals. With an impressive 3,632 attendees from 48 states and 7 countries, this year’s event welcomed over 372 service facilities attending for the first time, and a record-setting 1,324 first-time attendees.
Travis Troy, VISION Co-Chair, shared his excitement over the event’s impact. “This year’s VISION was nothing short of extraordinary. Seeing professionals from all over the world come together to learn, connect, and grow is what makes this event so special. It’s more than just training—it’s about being part of something bigger, a movement that continues to push the industry forward,” said Troy.
With an astounding 38,400+ training hours completed, attendees took part in 136 dynamic sessions, covering everything from cutting-edge vehicle technology to business management strategies. Some sessions saw as many as 200 participants, reflecting the high demand for top-tier training.
This year, VISION introduced a new emcee, Aaron O’Brien, who kept energy levels high throughout the event. The Opening General Session featured Marcus Lemonis, who set the tone for the conference with an inspiring keynote on leadership and business success. On Friday, Brittany Hodak brought her expertise to the Power Summit management lunch, while Jon Dorenbos closed out the event with a powerful message that left attendees motivated and inspired during Saturday’s General Session.
One enthusiastic attendee shared, “VISION is a must for anyone in the automotive industry. The opportunity to learn from the best trainers, connect with industry leaders, and gain knowledge that directly impacts my business is invaluable. Between the training sessions, the expo, and the networking opportunities, VISION provides a complete experience that fuels our company’s growth. I’m already counting down to next year!”
The Celebration of Independents Awards Dinner & Casino Night brought together over 500 industry professionals for an evening of recognition and celebration. The event honored outstanding contributions within the automotive service industry while also recognizing students pursuing careers in the field.
“Independent shop owners and technicians are the backbone of this industry, and their dedication deserves to be recognized,” said VISION Co-Chair Jerry Holcom. “This event is our way of celebrating their hard work and commitment—not just to their businesses, but to their communities. VISION is honored to shine a spotlight on those making a lasting impact.”
With a diverse range of sessions and attendees from across the country and beyond, VISION continues to prove itself as a global hub for automotive education and networking. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants highlights the event’s dedication to empowering professionals, advancing skills, and strengthening the industry as a whole.
As the industry evolves, VISION remains at the forefront of providing the essential knowledge and skills needed for success. Planning is already underway for VISION 2026, happening March 5-8, 2026, promising even more opportunities for learning, growth, and innovation.
For more information about VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo and to stay updated on next year’s event, visit www.visionkc.com.
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VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, presented by the Midwest Auto Care Alliance, is the industry’s premier event providing the opportunity for automotive professionals to expand their knowledge and gain new skills, all while networking with leading automotive service industry professionals. VISION offers more than 120 cutting-edge management, technical, and educator training courses and features a 60,000 square-foot exhibit hall showcasing the latest tools, equipment, and technology. With a focus on delivering top-notch training and networking opportunities, VISION brings together professionals from across the automotive service spectrum. For over 30 years, VISION has been the go-to conference for staying ahead in the dynamic and ever-evolving automotive landscape. Information about MWACA and VISION can be found at www.mwaca.org and www.visionkc.com.
