Automechanika Birmingham, the UK’s largest automotive trade exhibition, has announced that visitor registration is now open, offering aftermarket professionals free tickets to the event and the opportunity to source the latest tools, technology and innovations, and network with the UK market to share challenges and solutions.
Taking place from June 6-8, 2023 at the NEC, Automechanika Birmingham 2023 will be the first UK event since 2019 and is already set to be a sell-out show packed with exciting brands exhibiting including Bilstein Group, Bosch, Brembo, Castrol, Delphi, HELLA, LIQUI MOLY, MANN & HUMMEL and ZF Aftermarket.
“Set to be bigger and better than ever before, visitors to Automechanika Birmingham 2023 will be able to get a first-hand look at the latest trends, products and technologies in the market to future-proof their businesses.”
Simon Albert, managing director of event organizers Messe Frankfurt UK
Features at the show include a Workshop Training Hub delivering technical seminars on engine fault diagnostics, MOT, diesel, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and more. There will also be a new Electric Vehicles (EV) Training Hub discussing EV and hybrid technology, and how to make the transition to EV repairs successfully.
Additional features include Modern Garage to showcase how new technologies can be effectively incorporated into a modern workshop and moving towards a digital future, along with an Aftermarket Conference and Supply Chain conference for the latest news and advice from the sector, plus key debates on legislation for the future of the industry, and a Talent & Skills Conference discussing how to gain, train and retain talent in the industry.
Visitors can also benefit from a comprehensive programme of more than 192 hours of free skills training, technical talks and topical discussions on current industry issues and inspiring new technology, as well as live demonstrations in the Bodyshop Training Hub, Paint & Spray Live and Collision Repair Live, all presented by industry experts.
“We’re looking forward to opening our doors for 2023 and welcoming visitors,” said Simon Albert, managing director of event organizers Messe Frankfurt UK. “They’ll have access to the very best information, training, products and services from the industry’s leading suppliers.”
“Set to be bigger and better than ever before, visitors to Automechanika Birmingham 2023 will be able to get a first-hand look at the latest trends, products and technologies in the market to future-proof their businesses.”
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has also announced that it will be hosting its first-ever Garage Awards in partnership with Automechanika Birmingham in 2023, to celebrate the very best of the garage industry and acknowledge the commitment and dedication independent garages and technicians have made to ensuring affordable mobility in the UK over the past few years.
Being held on June 7 at Hilton Metropole NEC, nominations for the Garage Awards are now open and can be made here.
Ticket registration is sponsored by BookMyGarage.com, to claim a complimentary ticket visit https://automechanika-2023.reg.buzz/press
Automechanika Birmingham recently launched a brand-new documentary highlighting women in the automotive aftermarket, featuring discussions about what it’s like to be a woman in the industry. It coincided with International Women’s Day 2023.
The documentary includes Erin Baker, editorial director at Auto Trader, Rosie Smith, a vehicle paint technician at Apollo Motor Group and Regional Account Manager at LKQ Euro Car Parts, Karena Shahid, and focuses on breaking down stereotypes that might be stopping women from joining the industry. Additionally, the women discuss the support they’ve received from their peers and colleagues along the way.
The film also features female mechanic and independent garage owner, Lou Baker and freelance refinisher and owner of Paint by Rach, Rachel Murray, during their challenge of a lifetime in 2022 when they drove 1,575 miles across Europe in a Rover 216 Cabriolet, all in the name of automotive mental health charity, Ben.
“Many women are thriving in the automotive sector, taking on more senior roles at every stage of the supply chain, and Automechanika Birmingham is encouraging the aftermarket to continue to embrace gender equity,” said Alex Jones, marketing director at Messe Frankfurt.
Attracting the next generation to the industry
In line with attracting future talent into the industry, along with aftermarket apprentices, Automechanika Birmingham is also encouraging first-year, second-year and third-year students to attend its informative event in June, and embrace the many opportunities available to them.
As a keen supporter of ensuring next-generational aftermarket professionals are equipped with the skills to succeed in the industry, apprentices visiting Automechanika Birmingham can benefit from a comprehensive programme of more than 192 hours of free skills training, technical talks and topical discussions on current industry issues and inspiring new technology, as well as live demonstrations all presented from industry experts.
“Not only is it important to capture the interest of fresh talent by offering attractive apprenticeship schemes and college courses, once we have these individuals on board, we need to ensure we can keep hold of them,” said Alex Jones.
Automechanika Birmingham has also partnered with School of Thought, who will be exhibiting at June’s show, which was created specifically to address the skills and generation gap and promote all the career opportunities the industry has to offer.
Recognising very early on that there was a disconnect with education, School of Thought focused on addressing this by creating a portal with its partner in education, which is available to every student, allowing them to easily find out information about automotive careers.
School of Thought also believes in the importance of going out to meet young people face to face and its ambassadors have attended over 200 careers events to date meeting thousands of young people.
“This year we are planning to push on with these events and also be part of many of the national career fairs to promote all the ways young people can get into the industry, including highlighting the topic at Automechanika Birmingham,” said Dave Reece, founder of School of Thought. “This could be through our work experience programme, apprenticeships, internships or just getting that first step on their career paths.”
To register to attend Automechanika Birmingham, please visit here.
For the latest news and information on the global automotive aftermarket industry, visit https://aftermarketintel.com. Do you have news? Contact Aftermarket Intel Editor Mark Phillips at mark@lpnewmedia.com. He’s on LinkedIn here.
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