Automechanika Chicago, the largest trade show dedicated to the automotive aftermarket industry and high-end technical training, has arrived in the US. The exhibition held during April 24-26 at McCormick Place West opened its doors to a successful turnout with a diverse group of exhibiting companies and nearly 6,000 attendees.
More than 450 exhibitors from 23 countries showcased the newest tools, equipment and products for the automotive aftermarket industry. The event was also declared as the biggest platform for industry training, hosting over 100 seminars and workshops with more than 2,000 shop-owners and technicians attending the sessions.
“Our passion for the industry and the opportunity to bring the aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers together with the shop owners and technicians has fulfilled a dream,” remarked Dennis Smith, President, Messe Frankfurt North America. “We appreciate the support of the industry in making this a reality, and we look forward to an even more successful event in 2017.”
Messe Frankfurt, producer of Automechanika, and UBM Advanstar, one of the largest tradeshow organizers in the US, joined forces to launch Automechanika Chicago. The show was the 14th Automechanika event around the globe, and the first-ever in the US. The next show is scheduled for Spring 2017.
“As a global brand, we are happy to introduce Automechanika to the US. We found the right focus for the show and partnered with the right organization to bring a unique platform that includes high level training to shop owners and technicians,” said Michael Johannes, Brand Manager, Automechanika.
The three-day event was characterized by a compelling opening ceremony with remarks from Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, Don Welsh, CEO/President of Choose Chicago, and Chris DeMoulin, Executive Vice President for Automotive, UBM Advanstar.
“Chicago was selected because of its central location and easy access for attendees. It was the tens of thousands of service and collision repair shop owners, managers, techs and mechanics who communicated their need for an event designed especially for them, which in many ways brought about this dynamic event. We are excited to bring their desires to fruition,” stated DeMoulin.
The trade show was focused on three main areas: Innovation, Education and Inspiration. In addition to new products and advanced technologies being presented, show floor demonstrations and training seminars allowed shop owners and technicians to meet various suppliers and vendors from around the world and to learn about the latest trends and techniques.
One of the international exhibitors, Finn Scheneefeldt from Jensendiesel, explains the value of being at Automechanika Chicago, “This show was good – I travelled from Europe to participate in the launch as I was looking for quality attendees from the US market and an opportunity to connect on a personal level. I have visited other Automechanika shows and I am impressed with the new show.”
Automotive celebrities at Automechanika Chicago took the energy and excitement on the show floor to the next level. Industry luminaries such as Jared Zimmerman of Velocity TV’s “Car Fix”, metal fabricator and racing driver Jessi Combs, and Eric, “the Car Guy” and the famous Ring brothers with their 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, “Recoil,” were all eager to meet and greet with attendees as they signed autographs and discussed the hottest automotive trends.
The Automechanika Brand as a whole continues to experience record exhibitor and visitor numbers, indicating that these trade shows are truly fulfilling the needs of the industry through this global business platform. The growth and satisfaction remains a trend throughout all the Automechanika shows worldwide, confirming a positive outlook for the future of the industry.