Automechanika Chicago, NACE Will Merge in 2017

September 15, 2016

Automechanika Chicago, a trade show dedicated to high-end technical and management-related training for automotive collision and service repair shops, along with NACE (the International Autobody Congress & Exposition), an event for the collision repair industry, have signed a letter of intent to combine forces starting in 2017.

The co-production between Automechanika Chicago and NACE 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. 

Working in collaboration, the two entities will create an unprecedented partnership focused on training and product discovery for the automotive technicians, shop owners and parts distributors. 

A combined Automechanika Chicago and NACE show will take place July 26-29 in Chicago.

"We are extremely pleased with this alliance.  The industry has been asking for this and we listened,” said Dennis Smith, president and CEO, Messe FrankfurtNorth America.

He added, “By combining the expertise of two undisputed market leaders, Automechanika Chicago and NACE, we are confident of our ability to offer a comprehensive platform for companies interested in reaching collision and mechanical repair shops en masse.”

Automechanika Chicago produced its inaugural show in April 2015 in partnership with UBM, formerly Advanstar Communications, training more than 2,000 technicians and shop owners. 

NACE has served the automotive repair and collision market for more than 30 years.  The strong commitment to the automotive industry by each of these groups solidifies the combined position to exceed the demands of the market.

"By combining resources, this collaboration will provide the market with a unique opportunity to connect each segment of the industry thus serving the entire automotive collision and service repair audience," said Dan Risley, president and executive director of the Automotive Service Association (ASA)."

UBM Automotive Vice President and General Manager Jim Savas said, “This partnership is a real opportunity for shop owners, managers and technicians to connect at an event tailored to them by groups that understand their training needs and the real-world repair issues they face.”

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