ATTENDING AFTERMARKET EXPO MAKES GOOD BUSINESS SENSE

THE Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo is fast approaching and VASA members are encouraged to start making planning their trip to this must-see biannual trade show, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6-8 April 2017.

As a follow-up to VASA’s successful Aftermarket Expo debut in 2015 we will again be among more than 300 local and international exhibitors, most of which will showcase the latest parts and accessories, tools and equipment required to service and repair modern highly computerised vehicles.

Hosted by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo is by far the region’s largest exhibition of its kind.

AAAA executive director Stuart Charity said visiting the Expo should be an important part of the business plan for everyone in the vehicle repair industry.

“The range and scope of the tools, equipment and consumables displayed at Expo is difficult to appreciate if you have not visited a previous show,” he said.

“The 2017 Expo will also provide suppliers with a rare opportunity to identify new product lines and meet face to face with hundreds of customers in a single location. You can achieve over three days the business objectives that would otherwise take months.”

In addition to the vast trade show hall will be a comprehensive two-day program of free seminars for ticket-holders, in line with the event’s theme of “Build a Better Auto Business”.

An important topic in today’s workshop environment is the ability to keep up with rapid technological advancements.

To this end, a seminar titled Understanding Future Diagnostics and OEM Technologies – Taking Charge will help Expo attendees to know what they need to know and then act on that knowledge, or at least know where to turn for help.

It will be led by TaT head technical trainer Jeff Smit, owner of two Sydney workshops and a former VASA director, who will explain modern automotive diagnostics approaches and participate in a panel session with Maurice Donovan of Allautos Advanced Tuning in Brisbane and John Damianidis of BM Autowerks in Melbourne.

The unique panel format will discuss the steps being taken by various organisations to help automotive repairers survive and thrive, address specific workshop issues and provide instant answers for the audience.

“The seminar content will provide you with practical information and tips that can be used immediately in your business to improve the bottom line,” said Mr Charity.

Seminars will take place on Friday April 8 and Saturday April 8. Pre-registration is required to help plan seating.

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards program will return, with exhibitors encouraged to lodge their entries at aftermarketawards.com.au before 10 February 2017. An awards showcase will be displayed in the exhibition hall.

Mr Charity described the Expo as a “must attend event for anyone working – or wanting to work – in this industry”.

“If you only attend one industry event in 2017, make it the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo,” he said.

Suspension specialist Monroe returns to the Expo a major sponsor for the fourth consecutive year and will display its entire product range in what Monroe Australia aftermarket director Roger Lassen described as “a brand new, interactive and informative format”.

“One of the biggest advantages of exhibiting at Australia’s largest automotive aftermarket industry event is being able to meet our trade customers face to face,” said Mr Lassen.

“So a special inclusion to our stand next year will be a meeting area where we look forward to welcoming customers during the three-day event.”

As a trade-only event, admission to the Auto Aftermarket Expo, the co-located Collision Repair Expo and seminars  are free for qualified members of the automotive industry

All visitors to the event must register, with further information and online registration available at www.aftermarketexpo.com.au.