SECAUCUS, N.J. (April 8, 2014) — The recent trade show fronted by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) drew a record-breaking crowd of automotive repair professionals from around the world.
The AASP/NJ said thousands turned out for its 37th annual NORTHEAST 2014 Automotive Services Show, March 21-23 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus.
Attendees came from as far as Hawaii and Japan to view the latest technology and participate in educational seminars, the alliance said. Also on hand was automotive customizer Chip Foose, who spent more than five hours on the show floor signing autographs and meeting with attendees.
“Totally, overjoyed, overwhelmed, over-everything.” AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell said after the group's show was history. “We had high expectations for this year's show, but the reality was greater than we could have imagined. It was an incredible experience—one of the highlights of my 40 years in the industry.”
AASP/NJ noted that one of the show's “most exciting moments” came with Ford Motor Co.'s introduction of its all-new F-150 truck, which included seminars and a 40- by 50-foot display that showcased an actual shell of the new all-aluminum vehicle.
“This year, we had so many booths that were simply magnificent,” Mr. McDowell added. “When you walked into the show, you didn't know where to start. For an automotive repair professional, it was like being a kid in a candy store.”
The show brought in more than 4,000 attendees from 44 states and seven countries during the three-day weekend. The AASP/NJ said records were set for the number of industry attendees, vendors and booth space sold.
“This is just the beginning,” Mr. McDowell continued. “Wait until you see what we have in store for next year!”
The group's NORTHEAST 2015 show is scheduled for March 20, 21 and 22, 2015.
More information about this year's event is on the alliance's website.