Mobile Tech Expo: Where Education, Access, and Opportunity Meet

By Chad Emerson, CD-SV, RIT
Owner/Detailer, CME Shine Auto Detailing
Chair, IDA Events & Education Committee

Chad Emerson, CD-SV, RIT (left) with IDA Board Member Josh Petro, CD-SV, at Mobile Tech Expo 2026

If you’re serious about growth in this industry, Mobile Tech Expo isn’t optional—it’s strategic.

Every year, detailers look for ways to sharpen their skills, strengthen their businesses, and stay ahead of what’s coming next. Mobile Tech Expo (MTE) continues to be one of the most focused and valuable events for professionals who want more than just a tradeshow experience.

This is where education meets access. This is where networking becomes opportunity. This is where forward momentum begins.

7 HOURS. 7 FOCUSED TRAINING TRACKS.

For Education Day this year (held the day before the expo began), attendees had access to 7 hours of training across seven critical areas, including:

• Business & Marketing
  
• Detailing
  
• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
  
• Profit Maximizing Strategies
  
• Tools of the Trade
  
• Insights Directly from the Exhibit Floor
• IDA Education

This well-rounded approach ensures that you’re strengthening both your hands-on skills and your business foundation, because long-term success requires both.

IDA EDUCATION THAT COUNTS 

This year’s event featured 12 IDA sessions, all of which offered CEU credits toward certification maintenance (as did all other detailing-related classes!). That means the time you invest isn’t just educational—it directly supports your professional development within the association.

The IDA educational lineup included two class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductees—Rob Schruefer, CD-SV, MC-SV, RVC, WC, RIT, and Robert Wrasman, CD-SV, RIT—alongside many other respected industry leaders.

When you’re learning from individuals who have shaped this industry for decades, you’re not just gaining techniques, you’re gaining perspective.

A DIFFERENT PACE — AND A STRONGER IMPACT

Chad (center) making connections with fellow IDA members at MTE 2026

Large industry shows have their place. The energy can be incredible. But they can also be overwhelming.

Mobile Tech Expo offers a more focused environment. The pace allows for meaningful one-on-one conversations with vendors and manufacturers. It provides real access to educators and industry legends. It gives you space to ask deeper questions and build stronger relationships.

That access matters. You’re not fighting crowds. You’re building connections.

SEE WHAT’S NEXT — BEFORE YOUR MARKET DOES

Mobile Tech Expo provides hands-on exposure to new and emerging products, tools, and technologies. From polishers and lighting systems to coatings and efficiency upgrades, you can test, compare, and speak directly with the people behind the products.

That kind of access allows you to make informed decisions—and stay ahead in your region.

Professionals who invest in staying current are the ones who set the standards in their local markets.

GROW YOUR NETWORK. GROW YOUR BUSINESS.

Chad (right) with his first Skills Validated (SV) exam certificant as a Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT) at MTE 2026 (Photo Credit: CME Shine Auto Detailing LLC on Facebook)

Events like MTE bring together detailers, PDR technicians, manufacturers, distributors, educators, and association leaders from across the country. The conversations you have may lead to partnerships, mentorship, or new revenue streams. Or they may simply give you clarity on your next move.

Either way—growth happens in the room.

THE INVESTMENT IS IN YOUR FUTURE

Mobile Tech Expo is more than a date on the calendar. It’s CEU credits. It’s Hall of Fame level instruction. It’s focused training. It’s meaningful access. It’s opportunity.

For professionals committed to raising their standards and elevating the industry, this is where you show up. The industry will be there. Will you? 

The IDA Q1 Town Hall: Starting Strong and Powering into 2026 on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 12:00 pm CDT, will further recap MTE and dive deeper into our goals for the upcoming year. It will be presented by IDA President Meghan Poirier, CD, President-Elect Josh Pierce, CD-SV, MC, RVC, WC, RIT, and Immediate Past President Craig Brigham, CD-SV, MC. Register now!

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IDA.