The automotive repair and service industry will return to Detroit next summer for NACE | CARS 2015. With Industry Week coming together again, key companies are contracting for 2015 exhibit space at a record-setting pace, event organizers say.
More than 8,000 attended NACE | CARS 2014 and related Industry Week events. Decision-makers and shop owners came from throughout the U.S. and more than 20 additional countries to find the latest tools and technology for their shops. Event organizers say many exhibitors reported making numerous sales throughout the show, driving their decision to return for 2015.
Once again the Automotive Service Association – which sponsors NACE | CARS – is partnering with several associations, events and groups including I-CAR, NABC, CREF, MERA, CCIF, CIC, and others to continue Industry Week as the place for the entire automotive repair market to network. NACE | CARS 2014 clearly showed significant support and benefits for an industry-wide event and 2015 is off to a roaring start.
Exhibitors have already contracted for more than 25,000 square feet of exhibit space for the 2015 Expo. This is 30 percent ahead of last year’s early space draw and equal to the total 2013 exhibit space. ASA is now forecasting a 50 percent increase in Expo size for its return to the Motor City.
Leading OEMs such as Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda and Nissan are returning with the same or larger space from 2014. In addition, event organizers say the vendor and supplier community is committing to Industry Week as well, with the return of major suppliers including CCC, NAPA, PPG, Chief, Garmat, Celette, Enterprise, Car-O-Liner, Global Finishing, LKQ, UniCure, Painters Supply, and more.
“We were very pleased with the workflow, the educational seminars and the venue,” said Jeff Kern, president of Car-O-Liner. “I especially enjoyed the CRES symposium. Many of our key accounts were here and we are happy to have the opportunity to spend quality time together with them.”
Kurt Lammon, Urethane Supply Co., said, “NACE is back! We were happy to be here and are happy with the turnout of shops and distributors.”
John Brill, Steck Manufacturing, said the show offered something for everyone, which added a new sense of excitement. “It’s great to see all the training and education on aluminum. Life is back at the show,” he said.
Along with NACE | CARS 2015, a series of automotive repair industry events and co-located meetings will take place July 21-July 25, 2015. There will be a series of board and other private meetings, the CIC quarterly meeting, the CREF golf fundraiser, I-CAR add-on learning classes, I-CAR stage and demos, the CCIF meeting, NABC meeting, the MERA meeting, the NACE | CARS Expo, and more.
For additional event information, visit www.NACEexpo.com or www.CARSevent.com.