Partnership unveils more powerful, impactful event

What were once two separate events — Automechanika Chicago and NACE — joined forces last year to bring both the collision and mechanical segments of the industry a trade show and training event with more impact, education and takeaways than either could provide on their own.

ABRN Staff

July 25, 2017

2 min read

CHICAGO — What were once two separate events — Automechanika Chicago and NACE — joined forces last year to bring both the collision and mechanical segments of the industry a trade show and training event with more impact, education and takeaways than either could provide on their own.

From left to right: Jim Savas, UBM Automotive VP and GM; Michael Johannes, Brand Manager Automechanika; Dan Risley, President and Executive Director of the Automotive Service Association; and Dennis Smith, President and CEO, Messe Frankfurt North America.

“We are extremely pleased with this alliance. The industry has been asking for this and we listened. By combining the expertise of two undisputed market leaders, Automechanika Chicago and NACE, we are confident of our ability to offer a comprehensive platform for companies interested in reaching collision and mechanical repair shops en masse,” said Dennis Smith, President and CEO, Messe Frankfurt North America.

The months of planning, collaborating and partnership have culminated in what opened its doors today — NACE Automechanika 2017 in Chicago.

The largest U.S. trade show dedicated to high-end technical and management-related training for automotive and service repair shops has evolved into a nearly weeklong event featuring an expanded trade show floor and features, a multitude of co-located events and increased attendance and industry participation. The show and training itself runs today through July 29 at McCormick Place West.

“By combining resources, this collaboration will provide the market with a unique opportunity to connect each segment of the industry thus serving the entire automotive collision and service repair audience,” said Dan Risley, President and Executive Director of the Automotive Service Association (ASA).”

In addition to the trade show, education at NACE Automechanika will focus on current topics and technologies that automotive professionals must understand and become proficient with to be successful, whether they are technicians, painters, welders, service managers or distributors. Dedicated educator courses will enhance automotive instructors’ skillsets, while current automotive students will be able to enhance their classroom learning by attending the show.

“This partnership is a real opportunity for shop owners, managers and technicians to connect at an event tailored to them by groups that understand their training needs and the real-world repair issues they face,” said UBM Automotive VP & GM Jim Savas.

Seats in the training sessions are still available, and walk-ins are welcome! Take a look at the training schedule by clicking here.