EV tilt for AAAE seminar series

THIS YEAR’s Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAE) free seminar series will focus on workshop sustainability and growth, the newly announced Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme, and demystifying issues surrounding low- and zero-emissions vehicles.

The series, which will be hosted as part of the 2022 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo in Melbourne, will feature “a selection of respected industry experts” and “offer practical knowledge on the topics that matter most to the industry”, AAAE organiser and Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Stuart Charity said.

“The Auto Aftermarket Expo seminar series has proven to be a key drawcard for the Expo and we are proud to be delivering an impressive education program designed specifically for our industry. The beauty of the seminar program is that it is free to attend, and visitors can pick and choose the seminars that are important to them,” he explained.

Mr Charity said the series provided an unparalleled education opportunity for automotive businesses and that the sessions were designed to cater for a wide variety of AAAE attendees – from workshop owners and managers looking for a suite of tools to gain an edge in business, through to automotive technicians looking to upskill their knowledge and further their careers.

Australia’s ongoing skills shortage is particularly relevant to the automotive maintenance sector and Mr Charity said a panel of industry leaders would discuss the challenges faced by the industry and share ideas on how to attract staff and address skills shortages at workshop level.  

The seminar series will also take an in-depth look at the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme as it enters the final stages before its implementation on July 1. 

Hosted by AAAA director of government relations and advocacy Lesley Yates, the seminar that pertains to the scheme will provide an overview of what information will be made available and how technicians will be able to access it.

Other seminar topics will include an expert industry panel discussion on the rise of electric vehicles and associated challenges businesses may face, common legal issues affecting workshops, how to use data to improve business performance, getting business fundamentals in place, how to improve customer service, the five steps to workshop success, the future of vehicle modification, and even how to step away from your business for a holiday. 

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 7 to 9 April. This year’s AAAE will be co-hosted with the Collision Repair Expo and is the only exhibition to showcase Australia’s $25 billion aftermarket industry. 

The event is expected to welcome over 10,000 visitors from across the country and, with more than 250 exhibitors currently registered, is close to being a sell-out success.

Registration for the Expo and seminars is free of charge, however limited tickets are available for each session. To confirm your place, please register for the Expo and select your seminars of interest at www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au.