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Auto Aftermarket Expo Provides Ticket to Future Success
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Auto Aftermarket Expo Provides Ticket to Future Success
New Workshop of the Future Pavilion will help attendees futureproof their business
The 2022 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo) will feature an exciting new Workshop of the Future Pavilion designed to show attendees how to prepare their businesses for the future.
The AAAExpo, co-located with the Collision Repair Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is owned and organised by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) and will take place April 7-9, 2022.
The Workshop of the Future Pavilion is one of many exciting new developments set to provide great value for Expo participants and visitors. The AAAA will provide workshop owners, managers, and staff with the knowledge they need to make the right decisions for the future of their businesses and auto aftermarket career.
Across 225 square metres, the Pavilion will be fully enclosed with a layout replicating a futuristic workshop, bringing together state-of-the-art equipment and technology with regular presentations from industry experts across four key zones: Workshop Management Systems, EV/Alternative Fuel Repair Techniques and Workshop Equipment, ADAS Calibration Equipment, and Diagnostics and Tooling including J2534 Pass Through Technology. “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 CEO Stuart Charity said.
“The vehicles being sold in showrooms and those which have been on the road for the last couple of years are changing what customers need across both mechanical and collision repair for a whole range of reasons. We are seeing technology moving ahead at breakneck speed.
“To address this, we have developed the Workshop of the Future concept to target key technology areas and bring in subject matter experts to provide impartial information about what is going to be required in automotive and repair businesses. We will provide the information needed to make educated decisions on what to potentially specialise in, how to evolve, and what is needed to make positive business changes to keep meeting customer needs.
“This will all be delivered free of charge to Expo visitors in an impressively appointed demonstration and presentation pavilion in the heart of the 2022 Auto Aftermarket Expo. 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 key topics. “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, and now we’re adding what our research tells us are the areas that workshops specifically want to 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.
For the first time, the Expo – proudly sponsored by Repco – will incorporate a standalone seminar stage on the show floor, which will deliver a free comprehensive training and education program and enable exhibitors to showcase their latest products, technology and service offerings to a targeted trade audience.
Other exciting components of the 2022 Auto Aftermarket Expo include a modified and classic vehicle display area in the show concourse, celebrity appearances, interactive displays and competitions, the all-new 4WD Innovation Zone and, of course, an expansive range of exciting exhibitors.
Field team ‘here to help’, gets warm welcome from Members

Who would you prefer to do business with?
Someone who knows the automotive industry, knows you, and takes the time to understand your business and your needs? Or a stranger at the end of a phone in a call centre somewhere?
When it comes to the insurance and risk protection industry, these days the second option is a lot more common than the first. It’s becoming rare for business owners to have the name of a person who is responsible for the protection of their most important assets — let alone have that person actually turn up on their doorstep for a conversation about their coverage needs.
But according to Rob Sedkey, Capricorn Risk Services’ Sales Manager for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, that’s exactly why his team receives a warm welcome wherever they go.
“The difference is incredible,” Rob said. “I’ve worked in the Australian insurance industry for nearly 20 years now and it’s a very different feeling at Capricorn Risk Services. In my experience, unlike most sales roles where just getting the chance to speak to someone about what you’re offering is a battle, Members that don’t have risk protection welcome us with open arms when we call.
“Because we have the Mutual, they know everyone at Capricorn is there to help.” Capricorn Risk Services has a network of more than 30 Risk Account Managers across Australia and New Zealand and, while competitors are shrinking their field teams, Capricorn’s is growing. “They’re all exceptionally well-trained and have a lot of coaching to ensure they’re following the strictest of protocols and guidelines,” Rob said. “When they’re assessing a risk, they understand it’s a cooperative and everything is to benefit Members.”
Members that purchase mutual protection through Capricorn Risk Services receive additional benefits including an instalment payment option at no additional cost, and the ability to earn rewards points on protections paid through their Capricorn Trade Account.
Additionally, in Australia mutual protections don’t attract stamp duty of the fire services levy. Members also have the comfort of knowing that we can calculate their risk exposure using state-of-the-art estimator tools sourced from industry experts, to assist them when deciding on the appropriate level of protection for their business.
“Unlike some traditional insurers, we look at it every single year,” Rob said. “There’s not one single renewal that goes through Capricorn that doesn’t get looked at either by the Risk Account Manager or the Risk Account Executive.”
Rob said the cooperative spirit is instilled into every member of the field team. “We have a set of values that stand behind, that we stand for,” he said. “Everything we do, when we go in there to talk about levels of cover and protection, we do it with the best of intentions.
“I think it makes it very special. Everyone in Capricorn essentially is there to help.” If you’re not already a Capricorn Risk Services Member, get in touch today .