ASTE combines training, education and a good time

June 25, 2019
If looking for an exceptional industry training opportunity coupled with fun and entertainment, you are going to have to go south.

If looking for an exceptional industry training opportunity coupled with fun and entertainment, you are going to have to go south.

The Automotive Service & Technology Expo (ASTE), hosted in Cary, NC, by the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina (IGONC) is kicking off its 60th year, and organizers say it stands out from other industry events because of its atmosphere — one packed with education and learning, but also a good time.

“If I had to pick the main difference between ASTE and other shows, it’s really just the atmosphere,” said Tricia Sauls, ASTE marketing and communications director. “We have nationally known and respected trainers, our trade show sells out every year and on top of it all, we know how to have a good time. Maybe it’s the southern hospitality, but no one is a stranger at the ASTE and folks leave feeling like they learned a lot and made connections that they will keep far into the future, and those that bring the whole shop will find they had a great opportunity to bond and grow stronger as a team.”

The show, first held in 1959 and every year since, started as the annual IGONC convention. It has now grown to include shop owners from all over the south, and the United States and Canada. The show is open for all to attend.

“The ASTE began as a small annual convention for the members of the IGONC and grew when the members decided to invite shop owners outside of the association to join them, adding professional training, a trade show and social events over the years, and finally with the name change, to the Automotive Service and Technology Expo, to make the event more inclusive,” Sauls said.

Slated for Sept. 27-28 at the Embassy Suites and Convention Center in Cary, NC, the event looks to combine great education at a great price. “We stay on top of what shop owners, technicians and service writers need to know, and we make sure to offer it, with a lot of fun mixed in to ensure a great experience,” Sauls said. “And we do it all for an amazing price, making it the most affordable training opportunity in the country.”

Organizers are excited with the level of talent and education from speakers who will be presenting at the event and expect some training to have a great draw. Dirk Fuchs of ZF Technology will be presenting “Chassis and ADAS Technology,” while Bernie Thompson of WorldPac will lead “The Pressure is On” about the pressure transducer.

On the management side, “From Zero to $1 Million in Sales in One Year” will be presented by Ron Ipach of Repair Shop Coach, and Rick White of 180Biz will teach “Coaching and Counseling for Employee Success,” both of which have garnered a lot of registrant interest.

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