The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has made the necessary decision to reschedule the Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expo, which was to be held 29 April to 1 May, 2021. The Expo, the largest aftermarket trade show of its kind in Australia, will now take place 7 – 9 April, 2022 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The impact of COVID-19 and restrictions imposed across Australia, specifically in Victoria has been significant. The ongoing future impact of the pandemic in particular the opening of borders remains unclear.

The Board unanimously agreed that rescheduling the Expo would be the most prudent and safest approach given the likelihood and severity of the risks that have emerged. 

“We are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved with the Expo, our member businesses, event management teams, visitors and the broader industry. The unfortunate effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have ultimately driven us to make this decision,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA.

“Our recent experience with the Metropolitan Melbourne Stage 4 lockdown has reinforced that the future of this pandemic holds many unknowns. Any further waves of infection in Victoria, or elsewhere in Australia, could result in government-imposed lockdowns that could pull the event from under our feet with little or no notice. With an event of this scope and scale, the consequences of a forced cancellation produced an unacceptable level of risk to all our event stakeholders.” 

Alternative activities to bring the industry together safely for networking and learning opportunities during 2021 are currently being planned and further updates will be provided in due course.”

“The AAAA will make good use of the longer than usual lead-up to the 2022 Expo to design and deliver a spectacular milestone event for the aftermarket industry. We will be back bigger and better than ever and cannot wait for you to join us in person in 2022,” said Stuart.   

Further information about the 2022 Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expo will soon be available on www.autoaftermarketexpo.com.au and www.collisionrepair.com.au, and shared via the AAAA member eNewsletter, social media channels and a range of automotive trade publications in coming months.

ENDS

Further information:
PR – Jos Roder, Marketing Coordinator, AAAA. Ph: 0423 857 072 / jroder@aaaa.com.au

AAAExpo exhibitor/sponsor enquiries –  Nina Roberts – International Exhibition and Conference Group on 0402 067 321 or email nina@iecgroup.com.au

About Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association is the only independent national body representing and supporting the automotive aftermarket industry. AAAA member are manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of automotive parts and accessories, tools and equipment and providers of service, repair and vehicle modification. To learn more about the AAAA head to www.aaaa.com.au