Peter,As Andy has said, the ATS has become a bit of a sad case lately, mainly because it actually died a death three (I think) years ago & was cancelled, due to lack of interest from manufacturers etc.
This then lead to it being revived & then bolted on the side of the Commercial Vehicle Show at NEC. Although they do issue separate tickets etc, it is still 'The Automotive Trade Show, at the CV Show'.
During ATSs down time, the Mechanex Shows started up, personally I think these are a bit better, as they are somewhat smaller, but more regionalised. This has a two pronged effect, it means that large manufacturers like Bosch, SP, NGK etc, have to do more, smaller, shorter shows. But it does have another effect, which I think is good. It means that the actual suppliers (such as us) have the facility to exhibit at these shows, as they are closer & smaller. This means the end users can meet the suppliers, not just the manufacturers at these shows.
Imagine if your business is in the North, you aren't going to get many of your garage customers visiting the Sandown show, and vice versa.
So to my mind, it's got to be the Mechanex Shows that survive. To be honest, having been rather disappointed by last year's ATS, I wouldn't be surprised if it died again.
Just my thoughts, mixed with a few facts.
Regards Rob.