Automechanika Birmingham 2017 already set to double in size

New format

New halls announced recently, hall 6 & 17-20 comprise three dedicated zones; Aftermarket Zone, Supply Chain Zone and REIFEN, triggering an improved layout. Designated areas allow ease of navigation and drive the right visitors to exhibitors. Just over two months into booking exhibitor stands for the 2017 event, 90% of 2016 exhibitors have already secured their location, leaving less than 20% of space remaining in the aftermarket halls.

The who’s who of the industry have assembled again and among others, exhibitors who have rebooked into the Aftermarket Zone include, Schaeffler, ZF, HELLA, Valeo, Denso, Delphi, NGK, Unipart, Osram, MANN + HUMMEL, bilstein, Mapco, Draper Tools, JHM Butt, Michelin and new for 2017, Liqui Moly, Crypton, Pioneer, Mutlu, FTE Automotive and Comline Auto Parts.

Helen Nixon, Media Coordinator, Automotive Aftermarket from MANN + HUMMELL said: “The fact MANN+HUMMEL has already rebooked for 2017’s event is a real testament to the show. The combination of the organisation and promotion of the show, the quantity and quality of the visitors during the show and the variety of the exhibitors ensured that Automechanika Birmingham was a resounding success.”

Aftermarket buyer attraction

In 2016, Automechanika Birmingham attracted senior aftermarket buyers from Halfords, Kwik Fit, Groupauto, Motaquip, Andrew Page, UAN, GSF Car Parts, The Parts Alliance, and Euro Car Parts who networked with exhibitors and attended key seminars. Jemma Billings, Procurement Manager at Halfords Auto Centre commented: “Automechanika Birmingham is the showcase of the future; I'm here to see trends and learn the movements in the industry from both exhibitors from OEM and the aftermarket.”

After the resounding success of Automechanika Birmingham 2016, key feedback from exhibitors and visitors demanded a clearer hall layout to meet the senior aftermarket buyers again as well as the need to meet even more independent workshops and garages.

Event Director, Simon Albert said: “In the interest of 2017 exhibitors, the change in layout, increase of hall space and three discrete zones will help us to attract the right type of visitors to Automechanika Birmingham. We are working on an intensive marketing campaign with specific promotional messaging to focus on attracting more independent garage owners and technicians in 2017.”

He continued: “As well as this, the show will house an aftermarket focused theatre offering seminars and demonstrations attracting more aftermarket visitors and therefore ensuring the buyer footfall is kept to an outstanding level for exhibitors.”

The Aftermarket Theatre, located in hall 19, will offer educational content covering the latest trends, industry developments, business advice and technology showcases shaping the future of the industry. Offering keynote lectures and engaging discussion topics, the Aftermarket Theatre is a great pull of attraction to garages, motor factors and dealers in the industry.

SMMT attracts key buyers

Again in 2017, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) will be supporting Automechanika Birmingham, bringing their flagship event, Open Forum. As a key automotive industry event on the calendar, Open Forum attracts a few hundred senior executives from the UK automotive aftermarket and will enhance networking opportunities for all exhibitors and visitors attending Automechanika Birmingham.

From 6^th-8^th June 2017, the industry’s annual event, Automechanika Birmingham will take over halls 6 and 17-20 of the NEC Birmingham attracting over 15,000 relevant buyers.