The Learning Lab at Auto Glass Week™ brings a series of fast-paced, 45-minute sessions focused on the challenges, opportunities and trends shaping today’s auto glass industry. Covering everything from proven marketing strategies and audit insights to personal health and well-being, the Learning Lab offers practical takeaways for business owners, managers, technicians and other industry professionals. All Learning Lab sessions are on the show floor, and all attendees are welcome.
Thursday, Aug. 27
2-2:45 p.m. – Marketing Tank
What makes a marketing strategy successful? The Marketing Tank puts proven ideas in the spotlight, giving industry professionals an opportunity to share marketing strategies that have delivered real results.
Participants will explain what they did, how they did it and why it worked, offering attendees a firsthand look at successful campaigns, promotions and customer engagement strategies. One winning pitch will earn a grand prize: complimentary full registration and hotel accommodations for Auto Glass Week™ 2027.
The session also offers a chance to discover new approaches and proven strategies that can help strengthen marketing efforts and drive business growth.
Those interested in pitching can sign up at autoglassweek.com/forms/tank/.
Faculty: Patricia Smiley, president of Quackt Glass in Charleston, South Carolina
Friday, Aug. 28
1-1:45 p.m. – Audit Trends: Good, Bad and Emerging
What are auditors seeing in today’s auto glass shops? Auto Glass Safety Council™ director of quality and training Jeff Olive will share insights gathered from auditing hundreds of shops over the past two years.
The session will examine the most common audit pitfalls, highlight practices shops are getting right and explore new trends and techniques emerging throughout the industry. The discussion will provide a closer look at current audit expectations and opportunities for shops to strengthen their operations.
Faculty: Jeff Olive, director of quality and training for the Auto Glass Safety Council and a former gold medalist in the Auto Glass Technician Olympics. Olive has more than 30 years of experience as a technician and shop manager.
3:45-4:30 p.m. – Power Up: Getting and Staying Healthy
The demands of the auto glass industry can make maintaining health and well-being a challenge. Long hours, physical demands, stress and everyday habits can take their toll, making balance an important—and often overlooked—part of a sustainable career.
This candid and practical session will feature industry professionals who have made significant, positive changes in their lives and experienced the benefits of improved physical, mental and emotional well-being. The discussion will also address common health concerns and the habits and lifestyle changes that can contribute to a healthier, more balanced life.
Faculty: Bryan Hovey, web developer and administrative director for Key Media & Research, Whitney Mackenzie, owner of All Star Auto Glass, Chris Smith, director of operations for Central Valley Glass in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Brent Thompson, general manager of Auto Glass Experts
Saturday, Aug. 29
10-10:45 p.m. – The 10 Biggest Revenue Leaks in Every Auto Glass Shop
Many shop owners may not realize where revenue is being lost. This practical, real-world session will uncover the 10 most common revenue leaks affecting auto glass shops today, from missed calls and incomplete follow-up to billing errors, missed calibration completions, customer retention challenges, operational inefficiencies and underutilized technology.
Whether operating a single location or multiple stores, shop owners and managers will gain practical ideas for making their businesses more efficient and more profitable.
Faculty: Emily Tyson and Mike Tyson, co-owners of Windshield Wingman.
Auto Glass Week™ 2026 will take place Aug. 27–29, with pre-event education beginning Aug. 26, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio. For more information and to register, visit autoglassweek.com.
