United as ‘One Matco’

Matco Tools held its 47th annual Matco Tools Expo with around 4,500 people in attendance, including distributors — new and old, vendors, Matco staff, and the distributors’ family and friends. This gathering of everyone for the show perfectly encapsulates this year’s theme as well — ‘One Matco.’

“One Matco is reflective of the brand's larger community,” said Irene Williams, director of brand marketing for Matco Tools. “We always have such a great time when we get together as a distributor, corporate, and vendor community, that we just thought it was a good umbrella theme to unite us all here in D.C.”

Always learning

Distributors had the opportunity to attend four different training sessions while at the show. One focused on diagnostics, one was led by Milwaukee Tool discussing some of their latest tools, and the last two centered on financial and business management.

When it came to the diagnostic training, Williams noted, “Education in diagnostics remains a key priority for us. As diagnostic technology continues to evolve and become more advanced and efficient for technicians, our focus is on ensuring Matco distributors are well‑versed and confident in this rapidly changing category. Training is centered on the latest trends, capabilities, and modules within the tools — empowering distributors to build confidence and credibility in an increasingly complex and technology-driven market.”

Additionally, the more seasoned distributors who attend these training sessions are able to speak on solutions to problems that aren’t as easily solved by new distributors, which is helpful for everyone in attendance.

Popular tools on the show floor

“We call it VOD — voice of the distributor,” Williams explained. “We start here, and then we also poll the broader community, both technicians as well as distributors, to make sure that we've gotten it right.”

A hands-on experience

The expo brought back its “Power Alley” from last year’s show, which combines vendors and Matco’s product managers all in one area, giving distributors a more hands-on experience with the tools.

“By working closely together, we bring both broad knowledge and deep expertise to the conversation," Williams said. "It creates a strong connection between Matco and our vendor partners and helps ensure clear, well-rounded communication. Ultimately, it means our distributors know they have a team working together to support them with comprehensive and reliable information.” 

Continuing the hands-on approach, this year, for the first time, Matco invited people in the Maryland/Virginia/D.C. areas interested in becoming distributors to visit the show floor on Monday night. Not only does this give potential recruits a look at the Matco portfolio, but it also gives them a peek into the special events Matco holds for its franchisees. 

Matco in Motion

Next year’s Matco Tools Expo will take place in San Diego, California.  

To view more photos of the event, check out the Matco Tools Expo 2026 photo gallery.