Australian and international brands will showcase the latest products and world’s best practice technologies at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from April6 to 8, 2017.

Exhibitors are now completing arrangements for the region’s largest display of vehicle repair and servicing equipment, replacement parts, tools and accessories. This will be complemented by a range of educational seminars and networking opportunities where you can exchange ideas and information with organisations representing all aspects of the service and repair industry supply chain.

Organised by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo also attracts the involvement of the sector’s leading industry bodies. AAAA executive director Stuart Charity said the Expo, which is held every two years, has become the major meeting place for key industry players in the Asia Pacific region.

“The top industry brands will be at the Expo. All sectors will feature, such as global parts and lubricant companies, consumable and business systems suppliers, and tool and equipment manufacturers.

“The New Product Showcase in the exhibition hall will display the winners of the 2017 New Product Excellence Awards, an array of pristine classic and muscle cars will be featured and there will be product presentations on most stands, so visitors can learn how technology has moved forward,” said Stuart Charity.

The list of supporting industry associations grows with each Expo. This year arrangements are in place for a wide range of organisations to contribute their knowledge and expertise to the program.

Among those professional bodies participating are the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association of New Zealand, Automotive Undercar Professional Association, Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers, Motor Trade Association of Queensland, Motor Trade Association of Western Australia, Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, Society of Automotive Engineers - Australasia, VASA (Automotive Air conditioning, Electrical and Cooling Technicians of Australasia) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association of the USA.

The growing importance of Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo as a hub for information exchange is highlighted by the large number of organisations already committed to run co-located conferences and events. The list so far includes the Australian Automotive Service Dealers Network, Capricorn, Kmart Tyre and Auto Service, Monroe, Repco, Repco Authorised Service, Ultra Tune and the Automotive Undercar Professional Association.

A highlight of the 2017 Expo will be the free educational Seminar Programme offered on April 7 and 8. One of the timely topics covered will be Finding and Keeping the Best Technicians.

This seminar will be facilitated by industry consultant Colin Bockman, who will lead an interview style session. You will be able to ask questions of the panellists, including Future Auto Service Centres’ Ron Atkinson, Highfields Mechanical and Highfields Offroad’s Craig Baills, Rapid Tune Chadstone’s Michael Murphy and Apprenticeships Matter’s Rob Walker.

As one of the panellists said: “Employing and motivating staff is almost a trade in itself”. Hear from these workshop owners from three different locations and discover the successful formulas each have adopted in their businesses. Plus, the secret to finding the best apprentices will be revealed at 3.15pm to 4.00pm on Saturday April 8.

Entry to the Expo Seminar Programme is free and bookings are essential.
Visit WEBSITE to select and book the sessions you and your team wish to attend.

Stuart Charity said the 2017 Expo theme is Build a Better Auto Business. “Every aspect of this show will be focused on helping service and repair businesses to improve and grow their operations,” he said.

“That is why this is a trade only event. It is focused on you and your business. And entry to the Expo is free for industry professionals,” he said.

Visitors from New Zealand can benefit from preferential accommodation rates at a range of nearby hotels through Ozaccom