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VISION Opens Applications for 2027 Awards and Training Scholarships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sheri Hamilton, VISION Conference Manager
sheri@visionkc.com
Gladstone, Mo., August 13, 2026 — VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo is officially accepting applications for its 2027 VISION Awards and Training Scholarships, continuing its tradition of recognizing the individuals and businesses whose talent, leadership, professionalism, and dedication are helping move the automotive service industry forward.
Presented as part of VISION’s Celebration of Independents, the awards and scholarships provide opportunities for automotive technicians, service advisors, educators, shop owners, businesses, and other industry professionals to earn recognition among their peers while celebrating the contributions they make to their shops, communities, and profession.
“The automotive service industry is filled with people doing exceptional work every day, and the VISION Awards give us an opportunity to put those individuals and businesses in the spotlight,” said Jerry Holcom, owner of S&S Service Center and Co-Chair of the Awards Committee. “Whether someone is building their career, leading a team, serving their community, or raising the standard for our profession, we want to hear their story. You don’t have to wait for someone else to recognize what you’ve accomplished. We encourage automotive professionals to put themselves forward, nominate someone deserving, and help us celebrate the people who make this industry better.”
2027 VISION Awards
Applications and nominations are now being accepted for eight VISION Award categories:
- Technician of the Year
- Service Advisor of the Year
- Best Social Media
- Best Website
- Best Places to Work
- Facility of the Year
- Radical Generosity Award
- Educator of the Year
The VISION Awards program recognizes excellence across the automotive service profession, from technicians demonstrating outstanding technical ability and service advisors delivering exceptional customer experiences to businesses creating strong workplace cultures and industry professionals making a difference in their communities.
Winners become part of a distinguished group of automotive service professionals recognized by VISION and receive recognition during the awards ceremony, on the VISION website and across VISION’s digital channels, along with a trophy or certificate commemorating their achievement.
VISION Training Scholarships
Applications are also open for VISION’s Management and Technical Training Scholarships, providing deserving automotive service professionals with the opportunity to further their education at VISION 2027. Scholarship recipients receive a four-day VISION training package, providing access to industry-leading education designed to strengthen their skills, knowledge, and careers.
Among the scholarships available in 2027 will be a newly established scholarship honoring Jerry Holcom, VISION Co-Founder and longtime Co-Chair. The scholarship was established following a $100,000 contribution to the Technicians of Tomorrow Educational Foundation (TTEF) in Holcom’s honor at VISION 2026. It continues Holcom’s decades-long commitment to education and developing the next generation of automotive service professionals by helping future recipients access the training and opportunities he has championed throughout his career.
opportunities he has championed throughout his career.
VISION has streamlined its application process to make applying for recognition or training support easier than ever. Applicants can create an account, save their progress and return later, submit from anywhere, and apply for multiple eligible awards through the platform. Most award applications can be completed in less than 10 minutes.
Applications for the 2027 VISION Awards and VISION Training Scholarships are due January 8, 2027. Winners will be recognized during VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, taking place March 4–7, 2027, in Overland Park, Kansas.
Whether recognizing a standout colleague, celebrating a shop’s accomplishments, or pursuing an opportunity for professional growth, automotive service professionals are encouraged to apply and become part of VISION’s longstanding tradition of celebrating excellence within the industry.
To explore the available awards and scholarships and submit an application, visit www.visionkc.com/awards-and-scholarships/.
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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.
