AAAExpo provides ticket to future success

The future of automotive is already here

In a rapidly shifting marketplace, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo) is striving to provide workshop owners with the knowledge they need to make the right decisions for the future of their businesses. As the Expo continues to evolve, the launch of a number of exciting new developments are set to build further value for participants – one major new initiative is the launch of the Workshop of the Future Pavilion. Across 225 square metres, this Pavilion will bring together the very latest information and practical tips from subject matter experts with state-of-theart equipment and technology for the benefit of attendees of both the AAAExpo and the co-located Collision Repair Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre across April 7-9, 2022. “The theme for this year’s show is ‘the future is here’ and that is what we truly believe – the future is here now,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said. “The vehicles being sold in showrooms and those which have been on the road for the last couple of years are going to change the game across both mechanical and collision repair for a whole range of reasons, as we are seeing technology moving ahead at break-neck speed. “All of these vehicles need to be maintained and repaired for their useful life in every city and town in Australia so there is a whole new set of requirements for skill sets and tooling and equipment. “As such, there is a need for collision repairers and mechanical repairers to make decisions in the next few years about how they are going to move forward, as you won’t be able to be all things to all people anymore. “So, what we are trying to do is target key technology areas; bringing in subject matter experts to provide impartial information about what is going to be required in their businesses, and the information they need to make educated decisions on what they want to specialise in, how they want to evolve, and what they need to make that happen.” The Pavilion will be fully enclosed with a layout replicating a futuristic workshop with four key zones covering Workshop Management Systems; EV/Alternative Fuel Repair Techniques and Workshop Equipment; ADAS Calibration Equipment; and Diagnostics and Tooling including J2534 Pass Through Technology. “Importantly, we are seeking to ensure that everything we demonstrate at the Pavilion is pragmatic – we are not talking about a Jetsons like scene of flying cars, we are focusing on what is happening here and now and what workshops are going to need to take advantage of these developments moving forward,” Stuart said. “We will have these four areas of focus, we will have equipment on display, and we will be bringing in subject matter experts to bring it all together – with all experts set to offer education not tied to one particular brand or product. “This will all be delivered free of charge to an audience using a tiered seating set-up, so the audience is able to easily take in the presentations in comfort. Attendees will be able to ask questions, and can come back through the Pavilion at various times across the three days to enjoy presentations on the different areas. “This approach is a bit of a game changer for our Expo. It has always been about showcasing the very best companies and their equipment, which we will of course continue to deliver, but I think the difference here is that we are really focusing on what our research tells us are the areas that workshops specifically want better understand, and we will deliver this in a very objective environment.” The Workshop of the Future Pavilion is just one initiative at the Expo that seeks to bring educational opportunities onto the show floor. “Traditionally we have had seminars and demonstrations and other activities happening in seminar rooms upstairs. Based on feedback from show participants we will now be bringing these activities down onto the show floor – we will have not only the Pavilion, but also two seminar stages to host presentations and demonstrations for both AAAExpo and CRExpo attendees on the hour, as well as celebrity appearances and more,” Stuart explained. The AAAA owns and operates the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and the Collision Repair Expo, the industry’s major biannual trade show. Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Expo is the nation’s only comprehensive exhibition for Australia’s $25B aftermarket industry, bringing together the industry’s best and brightest while showcasing hundreds of the country’s leading companies, all under one roof. For more information, visit www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au