As excitement builds for the second edition of the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event (UKGBE) at the NEC in Birmingham on 5-6 June, the organisers of the trade exhibition have unveiled details of this year’s 14 show features and new training hubs.
This unique trade event offers a prime opportunity for bodyshop owners, managers, technicians and all members of the repair sector to access dynamic training, cutting-edge technologies, and essential tools for their trade. Plus, parking and breakfast is provided for bodyshops.
First up, UKGBE is highlighting the Bodyshop Training Hub in partnership with Bodyshop Magazine, which offer invaluable insights, advice, and technical advancements tailored for the UK’s collision repair sector. Spanning topics such as ADAS, body repair, EV repair, paint and refinishing, BS10125 standards, and more.
New for 2024 is Body Repair Live in partnership with Masterflo UK. This feature will play host to a fully operational spray booth and demo zone for visitors to see the latest tools and developments for body repair and refinishing in action.
The Collision Repair Trail returns this year, offering attendees the chance to experience live demonstrations, such as paint and spray guns, and refinishing and polishing from top suppliers to the UK repair sector, as well as the opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the latest products and techniques.
BODYSHOP BUZZ
This year visitors are invited to join an exclusive networking opportunity, hosted by UK Garage and Bodyshop Event and Bodyshop Magazine, and in partnership with the Refinishing Crew. The BODYSHOP BUZZ networking drinks reception will take place on 5 June from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. This event is tailored for bodyshop owners, managers, technicians, support staff, and all members of the repair sector supply chain. BODYSHOP BUZZ is free to attend but you’ll need to register in advance by clicking here.
In collaboration with the UK Detailing Academy (UKDA), the new Vehicle Detailing Hub will serve as a networking hub for the UK’s Detailing community and is supported by top suppliers offering a series of insightful demonstrations.
Also new for 2024, the trade event will launch its official student programme in partnership with Autotech Group, aiming to engage fresh talent and showcase real-life opportunities within the sector.
BODYSHOP LOUNGE
UKGBE will also host its popular lounges again this year including Refuel & Recharge, plus the Bodyshop Lounge hosted by Bodyshop Magazine, offering a networking hub for the collision repair sector, and the Meet the Experts lounge, presented by Autotechnician magazine, providing visitors the chance to engage with guest speakers when they are not presenting.
Alex Jones, marketing director for the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, said: “After a hugely successful debut show in 2022, we’ve continued to build on our research into what the bodyshop community really needs, and that’s been reflected in the investment we’ve put into the show to make sure these needs are met for time poor technicians.
“As the industry is seeing profound changes, particularly with the adoption of EV and ADAS-enabled technologies, along with rapid advancements in service and repair techniques, attending this event is essential for garage owners, technicians, and bodyshop professionals. Our carefully curated programme of features and training hubs offer an unparalleled opportunity to stay ahead of developments and innovations in the sector, learn new skills and help businesses remain competitive and profitable.”
Click this link for more information and to get your free tickets for UKGBE2024.
