CTE Collision Training Expo returns with hands-on training and education

The 4th Annual NWACA event will bring collision professionals from across the region to Clover Park Technical College, May 1-2

Lakewood, Wash.—The 4th Annual NWACA CTE Collision Training Expo is set to return on May 1–2, 2026, at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, Wash., bringing together collision repair professionals from across the region for two days of high-impact training, education, and industry collaboration.

Designed to address the evolving challenges of today’s collision repair environment, CTE delivers a comprehensive lineup of over 20 classes tailored for shop owners, managers, estimators, technicians, and painters.

The event focuses on improving shop performance, advancing technical skills, and helping businesses adapt to rapidly changing vehicle technology.

Addressing Real-World Industry Challenges

As collision repair becomes increasingly complex — with advancements in ADAS, electric vehicles, materials, and repair procedures — CTE provides attendees with practical, real-world training to improve accuracy, efficiency, and safety in their operations.

Industry Instructors and Topics

The 2026 event features nationally recognized instructors, including:

Mike Anderson, Collision Advice

Craig Stevens and Graham Peach, CCC Intelligent Solutions

Bryan Kelley, Ascents Consulting

Ken Sumerlin, Hunter Engineering

Lonnie Horn and Niel Speetjens, WTI – WorldPac

And additional experts in ADAS, refinishing, and production processes

Course topics include:

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration and OEM procedures (hands-on training)

High-voltage and electric vehicle safety (hands-on training)

Advanced paint application and color matching (hands-on training)

CCC ONE optimization and next-generation platform tools

100% disassembly and parts management best practices

Collision inspections and customer-pay strategies

Leadership, culture, and shop performance metrics (KPIs)

A highlight of the event includes a full-day, hands-on refinishing course focused on 3-stage and matte finishes, providing technicians with valuable booth time and real-world application experience.

A Training Experience for the Entire Shop

CTE is uniquely designed to support the whole shop from the front to the back, allowing you to send team members from every department to train simultaneously and return with aligned processes and improved performance.

“This is one of the few events where you can send your entire team where they can learn together and immediately apply what they’ve learned.”

Keynote: ‘Igniting Excellence‘

The event will conclude with a high impact keynote presentation by Mike Anderson, titled “Igniting Excellence,” focused on leadership, continuous improvement, and raising the standard of repair across the industry. All attendees are invited to attend.

Event Details

Event: CTE Collision Training Expo

Dates: May 1–2, 2026

Location: Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood, Wash.

Registration: https://www.ctetrainingexpo.com/