CHICAGO (May 2, 2014) — The North American automotive aftermarket is getting another dedicated trade show.
Messe Frankfurt G.m.b.H., organizer of the globally recognized Automechanika series of exhibitions, is planning the inaugural Automechanika Chicago for April 24-26, 2015, at Chicago's McCormick Place, and then hold the show biennially thereafter. To do so, Frankfurt, Germany-based Messe Frankfurt is partnering with Advanstar Communications Inc., the Santa Monica, Calif.-based trade show organizer and trade magazine publisher.
The organizers are claiming Automechanika Chicago will be the largest U.S. trade show dedicated to high-end technical training and management classes for automotive technicians and shop owners. The organizers are hoping to leverage the Automechanika brand with Advanstar's Motor Age and Auto Body Repair Network automotive publications for the service repair and collision repair segments.
“Our combined experience in launching successful events only strengthens our ability to service this untapped niche within the automotive aftermarket industry,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt, at a press conference in Chicago May 1 to announce the event.
Michael Johannes, brand manager of Automechanika, said the show's shop-friendly environment “will allow visitors, from technicians to shop owners, to really get a feel for the new product offerings through the various demonstrations, management seminars and technical training sessions.”
The organizers and the city of Chicago are hoping to attract 20,000 attendees, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said at the press conference. The organizers said they selected Chicago for its central location good access to road and air transport network.
