More than 3,000 service technicians, parts-store owners and other automotive aftermarket professionals attended the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Tech Expo event on Feb. 8-9 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Guests attended training seminars on a wide range of automotive aftermarket topics.
Many of the automotive industry’s best trainers held classes on light-duty, heavy-duty, diesel, electrical and auto body. In addition to technical training, shop owners and service writers had the opportunity to improve skills in the areas of customer relations, shop management and personal growth.
Attendance was a record high for the expo. Auto-Wares has been hosting the training event for 20 years and has filled more than 54,000 training seats in that time.
The large vendor trade show is a perennial favorite at the Tech Expo. This year, more than 250 manufacturers were represented across the 170-booth exhibit hall. Attendees were able to speak directly with manufacturer representatives about a number of topics, including new products, industry trends, brand features and benefits and promotional opportunities.
The trade show featured numerous opportunities to win prizes. Auto-Wares and its vendor partners gave away $54,000 in prizes, ranging from home electronics to recreational items to tools and equipment.
To encourage the future of the industry, the Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) held a regional meet up hosted by Auto-Wares to kick off the weekend. YANG provides young auto care professionals in their twenties and thirties the opportunity to network with industry peers, enhance knowledge and improve leadership capabilities.
The Tech Expo also serves as a marketing conference for Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper parts stores and service dealers. Sixteen different members-only classes were offered on topics ranging from digital marketing to advanced counter skills. Many store owners bring their best installer customers, helping to strengthen relationships.
“Auto-Wares remains committed to Auto Care industry education. We are very pleased with the record attendance of our 20th Tech Expo,” said Todd Leimenstoll, CEO at Auto-Wares Group. “While the award-winning training remains the backbone of this event, we had tremendously positive feedback on the trade show quality and the fun networking opportunities. I would like to thank the customers, suppliers and the dozens of Auto-Wares team members who continue to work hard at making Tech Expo a must attend event.”
For more information regarding the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Tech Expo, visit www.avtechexpo.com and the event Facebook page.
