FRANKFURT, Germany (Sept. 15, 2016) — Two of North America's largest auto repair trade shows, Automechanika Chicago and the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE), are planning to combine their respective shows in Chicago next year.
The two entities claim combining their shows will create a “unified stage using NACE's strong relationships within the collision and OE community combined with Automechanika Chicago's global strength throughout the automotive aftermarket.”
This combination, they added, will create an “unprecedented partnership” focused on training and product discovery for the automotive technicians, shop owners and parts distributors.
A combined Automechanika Chicago/NACE trade show will take place July 26-29, 2017, at McCormick Place West in Chicago, the parties said.
“We are extremely pleased with this alliance. The industry has been asking for this and we listened,” said Dennis Smith, president and CEO, Messe Frankfurt North America. “…We are confident of our ability to offer a comprehensive platform for companies interested in reaching collision and mechanical repair shops en masse.”