Auto Aftermarket Expo & Collision Repair Expo Sets New Benchmark
The 2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo and Collision Repair Expo has concluded as the largest automotive trade event ever held in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing together the entire automotive industry for three action-packed days of innovation, training, networking and business opportunity at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The co-located Expos attracted 15,000 attendees across the three-day event, setting a new attendance record and reinforcing the event’s position as the automotive industry’s premier trade event in the Southern Hemisphere. Packed aisles, vibrant exhibitor stands and strong engagement from automotive professionals travelling from across Australia and overseas created constant activity across the show floor.
Featuring more than 400 leading brands across the automotive aftermarket and collision repair sectors, the combined Expos delivered an industry showcase on a scale never seen before, with world-class custom stand builds, live demonstrations, interactive technology displays and new product launches creating energy across every corner of the show floor.
The event was officially opened on Thursday morning by Victorian Minister for Industry & Advanced Manufacturing, Defence Industry, Skills & TAFE Colin Brooks MP, marking the beginning of three packed days of industry connection, innovation and training.
Proudly supported by Auto Aftermarket Expo Major Sponsor Repco and Collision Repair Expo Major Sponsor SAPE Group, the 2026 event elevated every aspect of the Expo experience — from the scale and quality of exhibits through to the expanded training programs, feature zones and networking opportunities.
“The 2026 Expo exceeded every expectation and has taken this event to another level entirely,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA).
“The show floor was buzzing for three straight days, exhibitors invested in spectacular displays, and the level of engagement, networking and business activity was exceptional.”
“The Expo brings the industry together like nothing else — connecting workshop owners, technicians, collision repairers, manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders face-to-face to share ideas and invest in the future of the industry.”
A major highlight of the event was the extensive free training delivered across the three days, with thousands of technicians, workshop owners and collision repair professionals participating in sessions led by internationally recognised trainers and respected Australian industry experts.
International trainers travelling to Melbourne included Steve Smith from Pico Technology (UK) and Scott Hicks from TOPDON USA, Keith and Liz Perkins from L1 Automotive Training (USA), and Robert Snook from Business Success Global (UK).
The Technical Training Program delivered practical diagnostic training technicians could immediately apply in the workshop, while the Business Management Training Program focused on profitability, leadership, workshop performance and preparing businesses for increasingly complex vehicle technology.
The free Collision Repair Training Program delivered practical sessions focused on business performance, leadership, customer experience, ADAS processes and a session on the major trends reshaping the industry, led by Sam Street, Editor of Australasian Paint & Panel Magazine.
The hugely popular ADAS Training Zone and Diagnostics Discovery Zone featured live training and demonstrations, helping workshops strengthen capability in rapidly evolving vehicle technologies. Visitors at the Collision Repair Expo also experienced live welding demonstrations in the I-CAR Welding Zone and refinishing demonstrations from the Lowbake Spray Booth.
The Flying Spanners competition also returned bigger than ever, showcasing the industry’s next generation of emerging automotive talent in a fast-paced technical challenge environment. Brandon Booth from Taylor Automotive & 4WD in Bomaderry NSW was crowned the 2026 winner.
Adding to the excitement, a large contingent of Supercars drivers and automotive brand ambassadors attended the event across the three days for meet-and-greet sessions.
The Expo also reinforced its reputation as the industry’s premier networking platform, with thousands of valuable business connections made across the three days, culminating in the hugely popular Friday afternoon networking function, Australia’s largest automotive industry gathering.
Celebrating excellence and innovation remained a central part of the 2026 event, with the Auto Aftermarket Innovation Awards Breakfast and the Australian Auto Aftermarket Excellence Awards Banquet recognising outstanding businesses, products and individuals helping shape the future of the automotive industry.
“The passion, professionalism and commitment shown by our industry across the three days was extraordinary,” said Mr Charity.
“This event showcased the incredible strength of the automotive aftermarket and collision repair sectors, and the confidence our industry has in its future. We sincerely thank our exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, trainers, partners and every visitor who contributed to making this such an unforgettable event.”
“We also thank Repco, SAPE Group and all of our valued sponsors and partners for helping us deliver a truly world-class industry event.”
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the AAAA Board, the AAAA team and the entire MSE Event Group team for their enormous effort in bringing this incredible event to life. Delivering an event of this scale requires an enormous, coordinated effort, and the professionalism and dedication shown by everyone involved was reflected in the event’s outstanding success.”
