Niagara Falls, Ontario — The official agenda for the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) 2025 Convention and Trade Show has been released, featuring two facility tours; an invite-only recycled auto parts stakeholder roundtable with aftermarket industry members; seven compelling presentations and 24 sponsoring companies—not to mention an exhilarating trade show on Friday afternoon.
On Thursday, March 27, OARA will bring attendees on two facility tours: Thorold Auto Solutions in Thorold and Miller’s Auto Recycling in Fort Erie.
The afternoon will continue with a recycled auto parts roundtable with industry stakeholders, followed by the classic ‘Recycled Auto Part-Y’ reception on Thursday evening.
Festivities continue on Friday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m. as OARA Chairman Greg Woodbeck takes the stage for welcoming remarks, followed by a series of presentations from renowned auto recycling industry members:
- Recycled Part Trends for Recyclers, Repairers and Insurers —Ryan Mandell, Mitchell International
- Young Leaders Panel — Tom Charlton, Pro Auto Recyclers; Adam Budden, Auto Parts Network; Max Winkler, J&B Auto Recyclers
- Recycled Parts Quality Control — Frank Serravalle, Thorold Auto Solutions and Natalie Miller, Miller’s Auto Recycling
- Succession Planning 2.0 — Becky Turcotte, Millar Private
- Keynote Industry Address — Eric Wilbert, Wilbert Family Enterprises and ARA President
From there, the trade show—featuring more than 50 booths—will open. This portion will also include a reception, ballot draws, a “Passport contest”, as well as booth draws, a 50-50 draw and more.
On Saturday, panels and presentations continue with:
- A Recap of the Recycled Auto Parts Stakeholder Roundtable
- Marketing, Branding, Social Media for Auto Recyclers — Carly Masters, Dom’s Auto Parts
- Recycled Parts Quality Control Panel
- Moderator: Natalie Miller, Miller’s Auto Recycling
- Panelists: Trevor Nissen, Hanks Auto Wreckers; Jeff McGregor, McGregor Auto Parts
- EV Handling – Safety First, Profit Always — Adrian Le Coyte and Greg Aguilera, International Auto Consultants
- Profitable EVs and Dismantling Panel
- Moderator: Corey Earl
- Panelists: Ramsey Safieh, Elite Auto Recycling, Tom Charlton, Pro Auto Recycling
- Hiring & Retention Panel
- Featuring Shannon Nordstrom, Nordstrom’s Automotive; Denis Desjardins, S&S Auto Parts; Jeff Lanoue, A&L Auto Recyclers
Finally, OARA will celebrate the legacy of Steve Fletcher with many special guests and great tributes toward this industry legacy.
“Many of you will also get to meet for the first time new OARA Executive Director Mathieu P Dagonas, and new Executive Director of ARC Wally Dingman,” added Fletcher when sharing the agenda. “This is the event of the year in the Canadian auto recycling world—and, of course, set against the backdrop of Canada’s majestic Niagara Falls.”
Click here for more information on the 2025 OARA Convention and Trade Show.
