Loading…
arrow_back View All Dates
Tuesday, August 4
 

7:00am CDT

Registration Table Open
Tuesday August 4, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Check in, grab your badge, and download the Sched app if you haven't already! 
Tuesday August 4, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
CLC Cafeteria 501 W College Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401

8:00am CDT

Open Discussion with Body works and Shannon's autobody
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
This will be an open discussion including topics such as :
How to come together from schools to industry to build better techs?
What changes are we seeing in the new generations?
What new technologies are we missing out on?
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Shannon's Autobody 124 8th Ave NE

8:00am CDT

AI in the Shop & Classroom: A Practical Guide for Technical Instructors
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am CDT
AI is already changing how shops diagnose and repair vehicles — it's time it changed how we teach, too. In this session, fellow instructors Matt and Jeff demonstrate real, practical ways to use AI in your daily workflow: building lesson content, creating presentations, generating assessments, and driving student engagement. No prior AI experience required. You'll leave with concrete ideas you can bring back to your program this fall.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Copeland

Jeff Copeland

Co-Founder, ElevatEd Automotive Solutions

avatar for Matt Boudinot

Matt Boudinot

Co-Founder and CTA, ElevatEd Automotive Solutions LLC
Co-founder of ElevatEd Automotive Solutions, where we build AI tools for the people who fix things and the people who teach them. I'm also a full-time automotive instructor and lead for the Mopar CAP program at Dakota County Technical College. It started with a practical problem... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am CDT
C222 Computer Classroom

8:00am CDT

New Teacher Mentoring
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
If you’ve been a transportation teacher for less than 3 years please join us for our New Teacher Mentoring Session!

What to Expect
- Guest Speakers
- Resources
- Networking
Speakers
avatar for John Witthauer

John Witthauer

Automotive Instructor, Northeast Metro 916 Career and Tech Center
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 11:00am CDT
W162 Auto Classroom

8:00am CDT

US2027 Engine and Emission updates for Mack/Volvo Engines
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 11:30am CDT
Topics include:
  • Premium Tech Tool (PTT) training, best practices, and latest updates
  • A preview of Workshop Toolbox, the next generation replacement for PTT
  • US2027 engine changes and what they mean for future technicians
  • Important EPA updates impacting diesel service and repair
  • Proven Mack and Volvo diagnostic strategies and troubleshooting tips
  • Electronic I-Shift transmission diagnostics
  • I-Shift design, operation and functionality
  • Hands-on review of major components and power flow principles
  • Live I-Shift bench testing using PTT

Speakers
AD

Andrew Danenhauer

Technician, M & K Truck Center
JC

Jake Chmielewski

Technician, M&K Truck Centers
I've been working on Volvo Trucks 18 years now. Started in the wash bay and parts. Have been in the service department for the last 16 years. I love working on trucks and learning new things everyday about the products growing my knowledge. I especially enjoy big engine work and transmissions... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 11:30am CDT
W165 Marine Powersports Lab - South

8:00am CDT

Electric Vehicle Thermodynamics
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this seminar we will look at the modern electric vehicle and see how it cools or heats both the passenger compartment and the EV battery. Topics will include:
EV heat pump, internal and external heat exchangers, chiller, PTC heater, electronic expansion valves, glycol loop, latent heat, thermodynamics, sub-cool and Super Heat.
We will use 4 digital thermometers, High and Low A/C pressure gauges, and look at various operating modes for both the glycol side and the refrigerant side, using the new ConsuLab EV-2000 Electric Vehicle Thermodynamics Trainer. The class will be partially hands-on, PowerPoint based. You will leave with colorized diagrams for various heat and cool modes.
Al Santini
Technical Trainer - ConsuLab

Speakers
avatar for Al Santini

Al Santini

Technical Trainer, ConsuLab Edutech
I have been teaching for years!  First at the High School level, then at the Area Vocational level and finally at the Community College level.  Since leaving the College i have been an independent trainer specializing in the electronics end of our business.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
W161 Automotive Powertrain Lab

8:00am CDT

Understanding Modern Wireless Systems
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
We will introduce you to modern automotive wireless systems. We will look at the following systems and how they are used in the automotive world:
    • Bluetooth
    • Low Energy Bluetooth
    • Wi-Fi
    • UWB – Ultra Wide-band
    • eSim – Embedded Subscriber Identity Module.
    • NFC – Near Field Communication

Speakers
JM

Jason Miller

Technical Service Engineer, BMW of North America
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
W159 South Automotive Main Lab

9:00am CDT

PPG classroom
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Andy and Jerald will be presenting in a class setting leading us into the booth later.
Speakers
AJ

Andy Jabs

Technical & Training Manager, PPG
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Shannon's Autobody 124 8th Ave NE

10:00am CDT

PPG Booth time
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
We will be in the Paint booth with PPG experts Andy Jabs and Jerald Gay.
Speakers
AJ

Andy Jabs

Technical & Training Manager, PPG
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am CDT
Shannon's Autobody 124 8th Ave NE

10:00am CDT

Build With AI: A Hands-On Workshop for Automotive Educators
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
You've seen what AI can do — now build something with it. Bring a topic you're teaching next semester and leave with materials you actually created during this session. Matt and Jeff will guide you step-by-step through using AI to develop lesson content, build task sheets, design assessments, and create presentation materials tailored to your own curriculum. This is not a lecture — it's a working session. Laptops encouraged. Builds directly on the introductory session.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Copeland

Jeff Copeland

Co-Founder, ElevatEd Automotive Solutions

avatar for Matt Boudinot

Matt Boudinot

Co-Founder and CTA, ElevatEd Automotive Solutions LLC
Co-founder of ElevatEd Automotive Solutions, where we build AI tools for the people who fix things and the people who teach them. I'm also a full-time automotive instructor and lead for the Mopar CAP program at Dakota County Technical College. It started with a practical problem... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
C222 Computer Classroom

12:00pm CDT

Lunch
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
CLC Cafeteria 501 W College Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401

1:00pm CDT

Electrifying Automotive Education
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Electric vehicle technology is reshaping the automotive industry, yet many high school and college programs struggle with finding the time teach this complex, and rapidly evolving field. This session delivers practical, strategies to integrate electric drive concepts into your existing curriculum. Learn how to update your automotive program with minimal investment in specialized tools, vehicles, or expensive training aids.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
C221 Computer Classroom

1:00pm CDT

AI in the Shop & Classroom: A Practical Guide for Technical Instructors
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
AI is already changing how shops diagnose and repair vehicles — it's time it changed how we teach, too. In this session, fellow instructors Matt and Jeff demonstrate real, practical ways to use AI in your daily workflow: building lesson content, creating presentations, generating assessments, and driving student engagement. No prior AI experience required. You'll leave with concrete ideas you can bring back to your program this fall.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Copeland

Jeff Copeland

Co-Founder, ElevatEd Automotive Solutions

avatar for Matt Boudinot

Matt Boudinot

Co-Founder and CTA, ElevatEd Automotive Solutions LLC
Co-founder of ElevatEd Automotive Solutions, where we build AI tools for the people who fix things and the people who teach them. I'm also a full-time automotive instructor and lead for the Mopar CAP program at Dakota County Technical College. It started with a practical problem... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
C222 Computer Classroom

1:00pm CDT

Caterpillar New Stage 5 Emissions
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
This Presentation is going to cover the New Stage 5 Emissions on a 3.6L Cat Engine on a test stand and running demo
Speakers
MS

Michael Shepherd

Technical Instructor, Ziegler Cat
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
W172 Marine Powersports Lab - North Part

1:00pm CDT

IH S13 Dual Stage Aftertreatment Design, Operation & Repair
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Presentation on the S13 Engine and dual stage Aftertreatment. Reflect on how theS13 Engine is doing after a couple years out. Recap International Software
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
W165 Marine Powersports Lab - South

1:00pm CDT

Developing Better Diagnostic Judgment and Critical Thinking
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Help your students move beyond parts-swapping, memorized pattern failures, overreliance on TSBs, “fix databases,” and rigid OEM trouble trees with Developing Better Diagnostic Judgment and Critical Thinking—a real-world course designed for automotive educators who want to build stronger diagnostic thinkers in the classroom, lab, and shop environment.
This class gives instructors a structured framework for teaching diagnostic mindset, process discipline, and critical thinking. It begins by addressing the attitude and mental approach students need when facing complex vehicle problems, then transitions into a repeatable diagnostic process grounded in the scientific method, evidence-based reasoning, and practical shop logic.
The course demonstrates how to teach students to use scan data, oscilloscopes, thermal imaging, visual inspection, service information, and comparative testing as part of a larger decision-making process rather than isolated tool use. Concepts such as triangulating faults, analyzing change, validating hypotheses, and separating symptoms from root causes are presented through practical examples and relatable case studies.
For high school and college automotive instructors, this course provides a teachable model for helping students develop diagnostic confidence, technical accountability, and professional judgment. The goal is not just to show students what to test, but to help them understand why they are testing it, what the results mean, and how to make better decisions from the evidence.

Speakers
avatar for Haakan Light

Haakan Light

Manager of Training and Development, Topdon USA
Haakan has spent over 18 years of his professional career in the automotive industry. He is ASE certified as a service advisor, parts specialist and technician. His automotive journey began working as a general services technician at a local tire franchise in High School. He graduated... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
W158 Transportation Electrical Lab/Classroom

1:00pm CDT

EV Circuits
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this seminar we will look deeply into the high voltage circuit and the low voltage interlock loop circuit.  This will be a hands on seminar using a Consulab EV Trainer.   Additionally we will look at some basic diagnostics of EV systems minus the heating and cooling circuits for the battery, electronics and interior.
 
Presented by: Al Santini  Technical Trainer – ConsuLab

Speakers
avatar for Al Santini

Al Santini

Technical Trainer, ConsuLab Edutech
I have been teaching for years!  First at the High School level, then at the Area Vocational level and finally at the Community College level.  Since leaving the College i have been an independent trainer specializing in the electronics end of our business.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
W161 Automotive Powertrain Lab

3:00pm CDT

Build With AI: A Hands-On Workshop for Automotive Educators
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
You've seen what AI can do — now build something with it. Bring a topic you're teaching next semester and leave with materials you actually created during this session. Matt and Jeff will guide you step-by-step through using AI to develop lesson content, build task sheets, design assessments, and create presentation materials tailored to your own curriculum. This is not a lecture — it's a working session. Laptops encouraged. Builds directly on the introductory session.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Copeland

Jeff Copeland

Co-Founder, ElevatEd Automotive Solutions

avatar for Matt Boudinot

Matt Boudinot

Co-Founder and CTA, ElevatEd Automotive Solutions LLC
Co-founder of ElevatEd Automotive Solutions, where we build AI tools for the people who fix things and the people who teach them. I'm also a full-time automotive instructor and lead for the Mopar CAP program at Dakota County Technical College. It started with a practical problem... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
C222 Computer Classroom

3:00pm CDT

Teaching Electrical Without the Thousand-Yard Stare
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
“Helping Students Stop Guessing and Start Testing”
Electrical theory can drain the battery out of even good students. This session breaks down strategies for teaching circuits, voltage drop, grounds, relays, and scan-tool data using visual models, simple fault setups, and student-friendly diagnostic routines. The focus is on moving students from memorizing terms to thinking like technicians.

Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
C221 Computer Classroom

7:00pm CDT

Dinner & TCOE Awards Presentation
Tuesday August 4, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Enjoy a steak buffet dinner while the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence hosts their annual Awards Presentation for educators, industry, and staff.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Lakeside Ballroom at Breezy Point 9252 Breezy Point Dr Breezy Point, MN 56472

9:00pm CDT

Dockside Networking
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm CDT
Join us Dockside at Breezy Point after the Awards Presentation for networking.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm CDT
Breezy Point Dockside 9252 Breezy Point Dr Breezy Point, MN 56472
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -