Australian and international brands will showcase the latest products and world’s-best-practice technologies at the Collision Repair Expo to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6 to 8 April, 2017.
Exhibitors are now completing arrangements for the region’s largest display of body finishing materials, crash repair equipment and tools. This will be complemented by a range of educational seminars and networking opportunities where visitors can exchange ideas and information with organisations representing all aspects of the body repair industry supply chain.
Organised by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the Collision Repair Expo also attracts the involvement of the sector’s leading industry bodies. AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity says 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 paint companies, consumable and business systems suppliers, and tool and equipment manufacturers. The Lowbake demonstration spray booth will be expanded for 2017 and there will be product presentations on most stands, so visitors can learn how technology has moved forward,†said Charity.
Industry Group Participation Expands
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.
Amongst those professional bodies participating are the Collision Repair Association of New Zealand, the Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers, I-CAR, Motor Traders Association of Queensland, Motor Traders Association of Western Australia, Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce and the Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia.
The growing importance of the Collision Repair 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 Collision Repair Association of New Zealand, Capricorn, I-CAR, and Suncorp.
“The engagement of such leading industry organisations makes the Collision Repair Expo the must attend industry event in 2017. It will offer visitors extraordinary exposure to state of the art products, technologies, learning and networking opportunities,†said Charity.
Timely Seminar Topic
A highlight of the 2017 Expo will be the free educational Seminar Program offered on 7 and 8 April. One of the topics covered will be What’s Trending and New Technology Insights. Presented by Bangkok-based CAR-O-LINER Managing Director Per Madsen, this session is designed to help visitors decide which vehicles to focus on and whether or not a workshop re-fit is needed.
With a brief review of the past and an overview of the key influencers for the future, attendees will be able to better decide how they want their business to operate. The key is to identify which choices will enable the most profitable structure within each business model. Madsen will cover issues from processes and electronic measuring to the impact of OEM Certification Programs, plus the important impact of the endless introduction of exotic materials and the challenges and opportunities they present.
Drawing on his vast experience from extensive travel across Asia and Oceania, Madsen will share the secrets he has learned by working with innovative repairers across the region. He will also discuss training on OEM certification programs, development audits and service provider issues.
Entry to the Expo Seminar Program is free and bookings are essential. Visit www.collisionrepair.com.au/visiting/seminar to select and book the sessions desired.