3.25.24 – Thousands of automotive and collision repair professionals eager to train and equip their shops for the industry’s future flocked to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ on March 15-17 for the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey’s (AASP/NJ) 47th annual NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show. From the trade show floor which was packed with the latest and greatest tools and equipment showcased by more than 100 exhibitors from all over the world, to the classroom which featured over a dozen informative educational sessions on the industry’s most pressing topics taught by some of the industry’s favorite trainers, NORTHEAST 2024 offered everything repairers needed to deliver a knockout in their shops!
“NORTHEAST is the best trade show in the industry, and I’m proud to be part of it!” shares AASP/NJ President Ken Miller. “We had an impressive flow of attendees on the show floor, eager to invest in the latest tools and equipment, while classes taught by some of the best trainers in the field drew engaged learners to discover new ways to improve their businesses! Everyone gained something. It was an amazing weekend and a wonderful experience overall.”
Exhibitors indicated that the show was a winner for them as well.
“NORTHEAST is definitely the best trade show there is!” expressed Staci Dattomo from longtime supporter and Lanyard Sponsor GYS/Innovative Solutions and Technology. “It’s a great crowd with really good energy. Being able to come to a show locally and meet people from your market – connecting with your customers, friends and neighbors and also having the opportunity to network with new potential customers – this is where you need to be!”
Even celebrities know NORTHEAST is the place to be every March…“If you’re not here, you’re missing out! This is a great time,” exclaimed Dave Kindig of MotorTrend TV’s Bitchin’ Rides, who was at the show to sign autographs at Gold Sponsor AkzoNobel’s booth.
When it comes to this show, believe the hype: “We heard NORTHEAST was great, and that has proven to be true,” noted George Smith of first-time exhibitor SoCur Inc. “The attendees are serious; they’re motivated to learn and do better, and that’s exactly what we do. NORTHEAST has been a better experience for us than any other show, even SEMA.”
While Paul Hill has been a steady fixture at the show for the past decade, he represented Original One Parts/Headlights Depot for the first time at NORTHEAST 2024 “NORTHEAST is the best,” he explained. “You get to really talk to local shops and interact with some amazing customers. Because of my history of being here with other companies, I recommended coming to NORTHEAST as soon as I took this job. The attendance is high, and it’s well worth the time. This weekend offered a prime opportunity to help people get to know who we are, and I’ll be back next year, right in this spot.”
“I’ve been involved with NORTHEAST for 40 of its 47 years,” commented Thomas Greco, AASP/NJ secretary and president of Thomas Greco Publishing, event managers for NORTHEAST. “I have never seen as much excitement from everyone – vendors, attendees, presenters – as I did this year. Everyone we’ve spoken to was thrilled with the turnout, the education and the thousands of dollars in prizes awarded which was used to purchase products on the floor. It was THE place to be if you’re an automotive repairer. We can’t wait until next year!”
AASP/NJ thanks these generous sponsors for supporting NORTHEAST 2024: BASF (Platinum Show Sponsor); AirPro Diagnostics (Education Sponsor); GYS/Innovative Solutions and Technology (Lanyard Sponsors); AkzoNobel (Gold Show Sponsor); Reliable Automotive Equipment (Gold Show Sponsor); Matthew’s Auto Supplies (Gold Show Sponsor); and Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists (Silver Show Sponsor). The Second Annual NORTHEAST Bodywork Bowl was sponsored by AkzoNobel, CCC Intelligent Solutions, Chief Collision Technology, Collision Equipment Consulting, Metropolitan Car-o-liner, Solidus Equipment Systems and Spanesi Americas.
“NORTHEAST 2024 was our best show yet, but that’s only until NORTHEAST 2025!” Miller promises. “Be sure to mark your calendars now; you won’t want to miss it!”
AASP/NJ is already working diligently on the plans for NORTHEAST 2025, scheduled to take place March 14-16, 2025 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. Visit aaspnjnortheast.com for updates on next year’s event as they become available.
Check out the full recap of NORTHEAST 2024 in the April edition of New Jersey Automotive, which will be available soon at grecopublishing.com. For more information on AASP/NJ, visit aaspnj.org.