Technician Training - NAFA Institute & Expo

NAFA’s 2026 Institute & Expo is pleased to offer a specialty technician program and registration for technicians and service professionals! With this registration, you will receive two days of premier networking, education, and impactful experiences, giving you a glimpse of what I&E has to offer.

The Technician Training offers three-day access on Monday, April 13, Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Learn more about what this program features for fleet technicians.

$199 | Technicians and Service Professionals only

Registration will include access to: FLEETSolutions Live Breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday, technician training sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Expo Hall, Refuel Happy Hour on Tuesday, and the CAR reception on Wednesday.

Note: The Technician Training is available to only technicians and service professionals on Monday, April 13, Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Documentation/proof of job description may be requested to complete registration.

Technician Training Schedule*

All events take place on the afternoon of Monday, April 13, Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Monday, April 13

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Myth Busting Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: All Facts, No Fiction – Part 1
Uncover the truth about some of the most persistent myths surrounding electrified transportation high voltage battery pack and charging systems. This session will offer evidence-based insights to assist managers, technicians, and stakeholders in making informed decisions. Learn about common misconceptions, remanufacturing options, and maintenance reductions using comparative data, industry testing standards and/or longitudinal reports. Misconceptions and opinions continue to influence the areas of infrastructure planning, vehicle maintenance, technician training, testing and diagnostics, certifications, and other critical areas. Attending this session provides attendees with info that will help them navigate electrification technology.

Understand Level 2 and DC Fast Charging, High Voltage Vehicle Safety Systems, battery thermal events, cold weather efficiency, and more.
Explore longevity data, testing, diagnostics, warranty protections, technician training-related statistics, etc.
Analyze real-world driving patterns with current vehicle capabilities.

Speakers:

- Dr. Mark Quarto, CTO, EVPros+
- Russ Hutton, Tech Support Specialist, EVPros+

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Myth Busting Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: All Facts, No Fiction – Part 2
This session is a continuation of Part 1 and addresses some of the most persistent Myths surrounding electrified transportation high voltage powertrain, accessories, and ancillary power systems. Gain critical insights to assist in making informed decisions and demystify myths and misconceptions prevalent in today’s fleet space. In this session, myths will be busted on topics encompassing remanufacturing options, maintenance reductions using comparative data, industry testing standards and/or longitudinal reports. Misconceptions and opinions also continue to influence technician training, testing and diagnostics, targeted certifications, and other critical areas. This session provides attendees with info that will assist them in navigating and integrating electrification technology into their fleet.

Understand electric powertrain systems, electric HVAC systems, 12V/24V/48V accessory power systems, and other emerging technologies.
Discover when to know that high voltage cables need maintenance or replacement.
Gain insights on testing and diagnostic methods that can aid your maintenance workflow.

Speakers:

- Dr. Mark Quarto, CTO, EVPros+
- Russ Hutton, Tech Support Specialist, EVPros+

3:00 – 5:15 p.m. Fundamentals of xEV High Voltage Safety, PPE, Equipment

This session provides a foundational understanding of hybrid and electric vehicle (xEV) architecture and essential safety procedures for working with high-voltage systems. Participants will learn the principles of high-voltage electrical safety, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe shop practices. Additional topics include EV charging systems, identification and characteristics of high-voltage components, safe down procedures, safety inspection protocols, required PPE, and specialized diagnostic tools. The course concludes with an overview of charging equipment and basic troubleshooting techniques to ensure safe and effective maintenance operations.

Identify key high-voltage components and safety hazards within hybrid and electric vehicle systems.
Apply appropriate PPE and follow standardized high-voltage safedown and inspection procedures.
Analyze potential risks associated with improper handling of high-voltage systems and recommend corrective actions.

Speakers:

- John McNary, Instructor, Wake Technical Community College
- Carl Stutz, Instructor, Wake Technical Community College

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Rev It Up Reception, sponsored by Stellantis Pro One*

*Technician Registrants have the opportunity to attend the Rev It Up Reception for $25, available during registration and onsite.

Tuesday, April 14

7:30 – 8:15 a.m. FLEETSolutions Live Breakfast

8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Heavy-Duty Foundation Brake (presented by Garage Gurus)

This clinic is a hands-on education to enhance the technician’s ability to service Heavy-Duty Truck Brakes. We will discuss components, service procedures, diagnostic procedures and out of service criteria. Emphasis will be placed on brake balance.

After completing this clinic, attendees will have the knowledge to:

Properly service foundation brakes
Inspect and identify component failure modes
Utilize the proper service tools

Speaker: Ken Boyer, Master Trainer, Garage Gurus

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Expo Hall and Lunch (lunch will be accessible in the Expo Hall until 1:30 p.m.)

1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Turbochargers and Induction Systems (presented by Garage Gurus)

This session will help technicians develop a tactical process that will help improve productivity in the service bay and establish diagnostic confidence in an ever-changing automotive world. Today’s vehicles have induction systems, often including IMRC (intake manifold runner control) to boost engine efficiency. Taking things a step further on the induction side, many manufacturers have shifted to smaller, more efficient engines with turbochargers utilizing electronic wastegate and bypass control components. Fundamentals and operation of the essential components will be discussed. We will dive deeply into the control strategies while demonstrating proven diagnostic and testing methods. This seminar uses several vehicle case studies to help explain and pinpoint engine performance-related problems.

After completing this seminar, the student will have the knowledge to:

Properly inspect IMRC (Intake Manifold Runner Control) components
Interpret sensor data used in turbocharged applications
Identify components and operation of turbocharged vehicles
Validate boost leaks within a turbocharged system
Diagnose low power concerns as they relate to the turbocharger system

Speaker: Bill McAleese, Master Trainer, Garage Gurus

4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Refuel Happy Hour in Expo Hall

Wednesday, April 15

7:30 – 8:15 a.m. FLEETSolutions Live Breakfast

8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Electrical Diagnostics: Circuits, Sensors, and Strategies (presented by Garage Gurus)

This course is designed for automotive professionals who want to enhance their electrical diagnostic skills. Participants will learn how to interpret and apply data from scan tools, perform accurate electrical measurements, and understand the behavior of modern sensors and actuators. The course emphasizes real-world applications and combines classroom instruction with hands-on exercises using multimeters, scopes, and scan tools.

Key learning objectives include:

Diagnosing vehicle charging system faults using digital multimeters and load testers
Confidently testing and interpreting 3-wire analog and digital sensor signals
Measuring PWM signals and calculating duty cycle outputs for solenoids and actuators
Evaluating current flow to identify circuit and component failures
Integrating scan tool data with electrical testing to develop precise repair strategies

Speaker: Bill McAleese, Master Trainer, Garage Gurus

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Expo Hall and Lunch (lunch will be accessible in the Expo Hall until 1:00 p.m.)

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Heavy-Duty Air Disc Brake (presented by Garage Gurus)

This clinic will provide the technician the ability to properly service Heavy-Duty Air Disc Brakes. We will define the function of the disc brake system components and discuss inspection and service procedures. We will overview system balance and proper maintenance.

After completing this clinic, the student will have the knowledge to:

Understand maintenance simplicity vs. foundation brakes
Relate repairs procedures to failed components
Discuss brake performance issues in relation to basic design

Speaker: Ken Boyer, Master Trainer, Garage Gurus

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. NAFA Gives Back Activity

5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Conference of Automotive Remarketing Awards Reception (Technician Training attendees are welcome to attend)

*Schedule is subject to change.

Attendees of NAFA’s Institute & Expo are eligible to receive Continuing Professional Education (CPE) points for the Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) by attending education sessions.

Cancellation & Substitutions Policy

Registration may be cancelled with the following fees and penalties:

All cancellations must be made in writing, via email and sent to registration@nafa.org. Cancellations received on or before February 6, 2026 are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations received between February 7 – March 13, 2026 are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations received after March 13, 2026, are not eligible for a refund.

NAFA Membership fees are non-refundable.

Name substitutions (within the same company/organization) may be made until March 13, 2026 at no charge. After March 13, all name substitutions will incur a $100 processing fee. If the name changes results in a higher registration fee/category being selected, you will be charged for the difference in rates. If a substitution results in the new registrant being in a lower fee category, the higher rate stands, and no refunds shall be made.

In the event NAFA must cancel the conference due to unforeseen circumstances, NAFA will automatically roll all registration fees to the Institute & Expo virtual program. Should a refund be requested, only portion not allocated to the virtual program will be refunded. In the event of cancellation of any portion, or entire event, NAFA does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses; to include, charges made for travel and lodging.

For any NAFA Institute & Expo attendees who would like to attend the Conference of Automotive Remarketing (CAR) 2026, separate registration is required. CAR will be held April 15, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and April 16, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Privacy Policy: During the process of registration, registrants share with us personal information about themselves which generally includes contact information, demographics pertaining to profession, and payment information. From time to time, NAFA may share this contact information with other organizations, such as trade show exhibitors and vendors, for marketing purposes. If registrant does not wish to receive such offers, they may “Opt Out” during the registration process.

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