Trade shows / conferences

[Junior]

What trade shows or conferences do you attend if any? ASO is a great way to interact with other shop owners but nothing beats a handshake and a conversation. The opportunity to meet vendors, tool manufacturers ect is great.

 

There is a thread on Automechanika http://www.autoshopowner.com/topic/9664-automechanika-show-in-chicago-april-2015/

Is it worth the trip to Chicago?

 

There is also SEMA and AAPEX in Vegas, I've never been to either. What about smaller regional shows, specifically in the Northeast?

 

 

[mspecperformance]

I am going to the NAPA expo in Vegas. May 5th to the 8th. I hardly buy anything from NAPA but I bought some equipment and I am getting a free trip out of it. There are several business classes throughout the 3 days which I'll be attending. I hope they are worthwhile.

[mikerisich]

Hi Junior,

 

We attended the Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo and ATI's SuperConference earlier this month. Last weekend some of my staff attended the Automotive Training Expo in Washington. We'll be attending the NAPA expo in Las Vegas May 5-8 and AAPEX (highly recommended) in November. We'll also be attending the Automotive Service Association expo in Arizona in June.

 

For smaller shows in the Northeast, you may want to look into what the Automotive Service Association has to offer. We're located in the Philadelphia area and we occasionally attend chapter meetings in Pennsylvania. There may be similar offerings in New York. Good luck!

[ajnealey]

Bringing this topic back up.

 

Currently researching trade shows as well. I'm looking for one geared more towards training and education. Found one called NACE/CARS that looks about right up my alley. Thoughts?

 

Went to AAPEX a couple years ago but the seminars they look to offer this year seems more suited to specialty equipment and collision repair. Maybe more seminars will be added closer to the show?

 

Mainly looking to get my wife up to speed on the industry as she will be leaving her day job and joining me in the business.

 

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

AJ

[ATSAutomotive]

VISION is all about training, the Expo is a bonus. Check it out for next year, I started going two years ago and I will continue as they have great classes AND it really gets your team pumped and the ideas flowing.