Workshop owners and managers facing the challenging realities of change in today's industry will learn how to improve their businesses at the 2013 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo.

To be held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour from 11 to 13 to April, the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo will offer a comprehensive education program delivering practical take-aways to help you run your business better.

Education in all forms - from exhibitors' displays of new technologies and products to seminars presented by industry experts - will be the theme of the 2013 Expo. The event host is the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and Executive Director Stuart Charity said the "run your business better" theme is timely.

"In the competitive auto service and repair industry, it is critical for the survival and growth of all businesses, no matter where they sit in the value chain, to continually implement better, more efficient and productive ways of doing business," he said.

"In addition, you need to harness technology to grow your customer base and find new sales channels. The technology may be in the form of new equipment to reduce your use of costly resources, or it may be sophisticated software to streamline your processes or marketing campaigns.

"Recognising this need, our Expo committee of industry leaders decided that a major focus of the 2013 Expo will be the provision of a comprehensive education and seminar program. The team is developing a plan that will offer Expo visitors a choice of business improvement opportunities and topics.

"The presentation formats will ensure that workshop owners and managers leave with practical information and tips that you can immediately implement to improve your business's bottom line," said Stuart Charity.

Industry acceptance

The Expo committee knew that the 2011 Expo in Melbourne, which smashed all exhibitor and visitor records, was going to be a hard act to follow. However, the team is delighted with the unprecedented demand for exhibitor space at the 2013 Expo. 

"At six months out from the event, we have sold all available space and have a waiting list for the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo. Added to this, the co-located Collision Repair Expo is already 80% sold out," said Stuart Charity.

"This is an incredible and humbling vote of confidence in our Expo format. It also highlights the importance the industry places on the critical role that meeting face to face at a trade show still plays in our businesses.

"Information technology has revolutionised the way we do business, but it will never replace the ability to touch, feel and try new equipment and technology - and do a deal over a handshake.

"Industry acceptance of our Expo highlights the value of attending good trade shows and follows recent overseas experience. Having recently returned from Automechanika Frankfurt 2012, which set a new record of 4,593 exhibitors from 74 countries, I saw that the global aftermarket industry is booming once again.

"Our committee is confident that this trend will be reflected in the number, quality and diversity of exhibitors, products and technologies on display at our Expo in April next year. Our major corporate sponsor Monroe will set an excellent example," said Stuart Charity.

For details about the 2013 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo, visit http://www.collisionrepair.com.au/ .

Discover new business opportunities

As the major sponsor Monroe is preparing for what is sure to be an outstanding 2013 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo for its market leading shock absorber range. The 2013/14 Monroe Catalogue will be released at the Expo and this will provide repairers and resellers with the most detailed and comprehensive ride control product catalogue ever produced by Tenneco.

The unveiling of new products is an important part of any trade show and Tenneco will be revealing the latest products along with the packaging at the Expo as well. It also wouldn’t be a Monroe showcase at a major national automotive trade expo without giveaways and competitions, which will run throughout the event.

Tenneco Aftermarket Director Roger Lassen said: "The 2013 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo will deliver new opportunities for your workshop or mobile repair business, no matter how large or small. While we have everything that you need for shock absorber replacement, we are joined by every supplier and assembled at the one place with special expo deals on offer.

"That makes the Expo the best opportunity to view and compare the products that are available, to ensure your business runs efficiently, while providing your customers with the best quality," said Roger Lassen. Visit http://www.monroe.com.au/