Auto-Wares hosted its 25th Tech Expo at the DeVos Convention Center and Amway Grand Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Tech Expo provides training for automotive shop and store owners, technicians, service writers, and anyone else looking to increase their knowledge in nearly all categories of the automotive industry. Training is provided by industry professionals in 15-plus categories, ranging from auto body, emissions, chassis, heavy duty, shop management, and more.
“In addition to the best suppliers in the industry, we brought in some of the best technical trainers available anywhere," said Steve Helwig, director of training at Auto-Wares. "Our class offerings were very diverse, from base-line technician classes, to the most advanced diagnostic classes being taught in the country. Heavy duty, PBE, service writer, and personal development classes were also presented with great reviews from our participants."
Also included is access to a two-day trade show featuring 160-plus aftermarket suppliers and channel partners.
“We have the best group of suppliers in the aftermarket, and the energy they brought to our event blew our customers away,"said Jonny Dykstra, product manager at Auto-Wares, who also organizes the trade show floor. "Being able to finally be back in-person with our customers brought back that enthusiasm and reminded all of us of our partnerships in all levels of our businesses. We continue to pride ourselves on quality, service, and relationships, and Tech Expo took that to a whole new level."
Tech Expo is just as fun as it is business, Friday evening, Auto-Wares brought in the Rooster Jones band for an exclusive two-hour concert for attendees. Saturday evening, Tech Expo concluded with casino night, an evening of mock gambling, dancing, and socializing. Prizes ranging from concert tickets, to MacBooks and yeti coolers were given away to lucky winners. This year, casino Night turned into the 75th birthday of Auto-Wares Owner Fred Buntings. American blues legend John Primer helped celebrate the evening and close out the weekend with a special concert.
