Auto-Wares Group of Companies annual training event sees record attendance

Guests attended training seminars on a wide range of automotive aftermarket topics. Many of the automotive industry’s best trainers held classes on light-duty, heavy-duty, diesel, electrical and auto body. In addition to technical training, repair shop owners and service writers had the opportunity to improve skills in the areas of customer relations, shop management and personal growth. The Grand Rapids, Michigan event saw the largest ever attendance level at just over 3,000. Auto-Wares has been hosting this training event for 20 years and filled over 54,000 training seats. A popular feature of the Tech Expo event is always the large vendor tradeshow. This year, over 250 manufacturers were represented across the 170-booth exhibit hall. Attendees were able to speak directly with manufacturer representatives about a number of topics including: new products, industry trends, brand features and benefits, and promotional opportunities. Throughout the tradeshow were numerous opportunities to win prizes as well. Auto-Wares and its vendor partners gave away an incredible $54,000 in prizes ranging from home electronics to recreational items to tools and equipment. To encourage the future of the industry, the Young Auto Care Network Group, also known as YANG, held a regional meet up hosted by Auto-Wares on Thursday, February 7th to kick off the weekend. YANG provides young auto care professionals in their twenties and thirties the opportunity to network with industry peers, enhance knowledge and improve leadership capabilities. The event also serves as an Auto Value & Bumper to Bumper Parts Store and Service Dealer marketing conference. Sixteen different members-only classes were offered on topics from digital marketing to advanced counter skills. Many store owners bring their best installer customers; helping to strengthen relationships. “Auto-Wares remains committed to Auto Care industry education. We are very pleased with the record attendance of our 20th Tech Expo”, said Todd Leimenstoll, CEO at Auto-Wares Group. “While the award-winning training remains the backbone of this event, we had tremendously positive feedback on the trade show quality and the fun networking opportunities. I would like to Thank the customers, suppliers and the dozens of Auto-Wares team members who continue to work hard at making Tech Expo a must attend event.” For more information regarding the Auto Value / Bumper to Bumper Tech Expo, visit www.avtechexpo.com and the event Facebook page facebook.com/AVBTBTechExpo/.