Record-Breaking Expo A Powerful Demonstration Of The Strength Of Our Industry
Quite simply, this was the biggest and most successful Expo our industry has ever seen.
With 15,000 attendees across three massive days in Melbourne, the 2026 event became the largest automotive trade event ever held in the Southern Hemisphere, smashing the previous attendance record by nearly 2,000 visitors.
But beyond the record numbers, what stood out most was the energy, optimism, and confidence across the entire industry.
The show floor was buzzing from the moment the doors opened. Exhibitor displays and stands were on another level entirely, the aisles were packed, training sessions were overflowing, and everywhere you looked people were connecting, learning, doing business, and investing in their future.
This Expo reinforced something I strongly believe – our industry is healthy, resilient and evolving rapidly.
Businesses are investing. Workshops are adapting. Technicians are actively seeking out new skills and knowledge. Suppliers and manufacturers are continuing to innovate at an incredible pace. Most importantly, the industry understands that keeping up to date is no longer optional.
Vehicle technology is changing faster than ever before. Software-driven systems, diagnostics, ADAS, electrification and increasingly complex repair processes are reshaping workshops and the broader automotive landscape. More business owners and technicians are recognising the need to continually learn, invest and evolve – and that is exactly why this Expo matters.
The Expo has become far more than a trade show. It is now a critical platform for industry learning, collaboration, networking, and business growth. It is where workshop owners come to understand what’s next, where technicians sharpen their skills, and where businesses position themselves for the future.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the 2026 event was seeing thousands of technicians, mechanical, and collision repair professionals engaging so strongly with the training programs and feature zones across both Expos.
Across the Technical Training Program, Business Management Training Program, Collision Repair Training Program, ADAS Training Zone, Diagnostics Discovery Zone, I-CAR Welding Zone and Lowbake Spray Booth, attendees embraced the opportunity to learn practical skills they could immediately apply in the workshop.
Importantly, the training was built for engagement, helping attendees improve capability, efficiency, and profitability in their businesses.
We were also proud to welcome internationally recognised trainers and experts from around the world to Melbourne, alongside many of Australia’s leading industry voices. On behalf of the AAAA, thank you to every trainer and presenter who contributed to the success of the event.
The exhibitor investment this year was extraordinary. Across more than 400 leading brands, the scale and quality of the stands, live demonstrations, technology showcases, and product launches created a truly world-class event experience. The volume and diversity of products, equipment, technology and services on display highlighted just how innovative and dynamic our industry has become.
Beyond the products and technology, what I will remember most is the camaraderie.
The Expo brought the entire industry together in a way very few events can, with workshop owners, technicians, collision repairers, manufacturers, suppliers, educators, and industry leaders connecting face-to-face to share ideas and strengthen relationships.
Thousands of valuable business connections were made across the three days, culminating in the hugely successful Friday afternoon networking event.
It was also fantastic to see the return of Flying Spanners, showcasing the next generation of automotive talent in a fast-paced technical challenge environment.
The Expo also provided an important opportunity to celebrate excellence across the automotive aftermarket through the Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards Breakfast and the Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet. I was incredibly proud to see so many outstanding individuals, businesses and innovators recognised for their contribution to the industry and the important role they are playing in shaping its future.
On a personal note, I was deeply humbled and honoured to receive recognition for 20 years of service to the automotive aftermarket industry through the AAAA. I sincerely thank everyone for their support, friendship, and contribution over this journey. It was a very special moment that I will never forget.
I would also like to acknowledge the official opening of the Expo by Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Defence Industry, Skills and TAFE, Colin Brooks MP, whose support reflected the growing recognition of the importance of Australia’s aftermarket industry.
Finally, I wish to thank every exhibitor, sponsor, trainer, speaker, partner, and attendee who contributed to making this event such a success.
An event of this calibre couldn’t come to life without the AAAA Board, the AAAA team, who worked tirelessly toward the event’s success, and the MSE Event Group team for delivering an event our entire industry can be proud of – thank you.
The 2026 Expo was more than a successful event. It was a powerful demonstration of the confidence, professionalism and momentum that exists across the automotive aftermarket and collision repair industries.