Hi all Thanks, Peter, for raising the issue of events.
From my perspective, as the Director of AutoExCeL, I'd like to make it clear our intention from the off was to create a SINGLE event uniting EVERY aspect of the passenger aftermarket; independent garages, fast-fit and tyres, bodyshops, retailers and franchised dealers.
To a large degree we have succeeded already. AutoExCeL was launched after 18 months of research into what went wrong with UK aftermarket trade events and, most importantly, what kind of event we need for the future.
We discovered that key personnel, particularly owner-managers, do not feel exhibitions alone offer sufficient value to warrant attendance. We were told that we need to provide tangible business benefits in order to attract visitors.
That value is being delivered through business seminars (developed by www.pram.org 's Brian Taylor), technical training seminars (run by the IMI), a fully working state-of-the-art bodyshop, the finals of the NTDA Tyre Technician of the Year Competition, the Motor Trader Conference, free business advice sessions and a bunch of other stuff on which the ink has yet to dry.
There will also be an enormous trade exhibition. AutoExCeL will be the biggest trade exhibition launch in the UK - in ANY industry - for 30 years!
It was made clear that London was the preferred location. This rankled a bit with the three geordies doing the research, but made absolute sense given the demographic make-up of the industry and the diversity of social and leisure possibilities available in the capital of Great Britain.
In order to allow for full benefit to be taken from locating AutoExCeL in London, the event begins on a Sunday; lots of opportunity to mix business and pleasure.
Virtually every meaningful trade body, buying group and magazine in the aftermarket is backing AutoExCeL and many are actively involved in its delivery.
Likewise, major suppliers in every sector were involved in the research; a list of founders can be seen at www.auto-excel.com/founders.html
The venue, ExCeL, in London Docklands is fantastic - the best I have seen anywhere in Europe. It is very accessible via road, rail and air and, vitally, the hotels are plentiful and reasonably priced. ExCeL is a campus, so the event does not disperse in the evenings - everyone can stay within walking distance or, at worst, a five or ten minute drive.
Take a look at www.excel-london.co.uk for more info on the venue.
If you have an interest in the CV sector, or you like trucks, the CV show is still worth a visit.
We do not, however, have two competing trade shows in the passenger aftermarket next year. We have one multi-faceted, all-encompassing aftermarket event on April 24-26 in London.
Apologies for the long post and thanks for allowing me to set the record straight.
If anyone wants to know more, I can be reached via email or on 020 7069 4268.
All the best
Richard Abels