11 - 13 APRIL 2024

MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE
THU 10am - 5pm | FRI 10am - 6pm | SAT 10am - 4pm

Business Education Program

BUSINESS EDUCATION program

Supercharge your business knowledge so your business is ready for future success with this comprehensive, FREE to industry Business Education Program, featuring international and local industry experts.

Thursday 11th April 2024

Global Automotive Aftermarket Trends - Get The Edge

ABOUT THE SESSION
Explore key Australian and International trends in the automotive aftermarket to stay ahead of the pack. Automotive leaders will share their Top 5 trends and their unique views on how these trends will affect our industry, our customers and the bottom line into 2024 and beyond. Featuring respected international automotive leader Mr Bill Hanvey, head of the the U.S Auto Care Association.

  • 1:30pm - 2:30pm
  • THURSDAY 11TH APRIL
  • FREE
REGISTER NOW

SPEAKERS

STUART CHARITY

AAAA

STEVE DRUMMY

BAPCOR

wayne bryant

GPC ASIA PACIFIC

BILL HANVEY

AUTO CARE ASSOCIATION (USA)

Local Area Marketing - Top 3 Tips For Achieving Your Goals

ABOUT THE SESSION
Creating a well recognised brand in your local area is an extremely valuable exercise. It puts your business top of the ‘shopping list’ for customers. So how do you market your business in your local area to attract and retain customers? This tailored session will provide you with top ideas and tactics any business can use to maximise their cut-through in the local community. Industry experts with outstanding experience in automotive will share their top 3 tips, to help you achieve your business goals.  
  • 3pm – 4pm
  • THURSDAY 11TH APRIL
  • FREE
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SPEAKERS

TIFFANY CONWAY

AAAA

ADAM GILLICK

PEDDERS

SUZIE COMMONS

REPCO

JAMES PAYNE

AUSGARAGE

Friday 12th April 2024

Right to Repair. Fair And Open Competition – Are We There Yet?

ABOUT THE SESSION
A celebration and a reflection of the Australian OEM repair and service information sharing Law. Is the law working? What is the next frontier in our campaign for fair and open competition? A fascinating discussion about all the issues that affect a car owner’s right to choose, including access to service information, parts, warranty, capped price servicing, logbook servicing and our next big frontier – Telematics.

  • 11am – 12pm
  • FRIDAY 12TH APRIL
  • FREE
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SPEAKERS

LESLEY YATES

AAAA

BILL HANVEY

AUTO CARE ASSOCIATION (USA)

STUART CHARITY

AAAA

Demonstrating Australia’s Motor Vehicle Information Scheme

ABOUT THE SESSION
The new Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) allows independent repairers to obtain dealer level diagnostic and programming information from vehicle manufacturers. How does this system work? Join a demonstration of the scheme portal from the CEO of the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA). Even if you are already joined AASRA, get an update on the system, and ask questions!

  • 12pm – 1pm
  • FRIDAY 12TH APRIL
  • FREE
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SPEAKERS

STUART CHARITY

AAAA

RODGER NARDI

AASRA

Skills Shortages – 5 Top Tactics To Find And Keep Good Talent In Your Business

ABOUT THE SESSION
The skills crisis won’t be solved with one solution; finding and keeping employees needs a combination of different techniques. Receive pragmatic advice on the best-known tactics to find new team members and keep them engaged in your business. For another perspective, learn valuable lessons on how the U.S has addressed their massive labour gap.

  • 1pm – 2pm
  • FRIDAY 12TH APRIL
  • FREE
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SPEAKERS

Lesley yates

AAAA

BILL HANVEY

AUTO CARE ASSOCIATION (USA)

adam pay

MYCAR TYRE & AUTO

FRED MOLLOY

KONNECTING GROUP

Saturday 13th April 2024

Prepare Your Workshop For Electrification

ABOUT THE SESSION
AAAA’s Lesley Yates will set the scene for your preparations, with EV car parc data to support the ‘when’ to trigger investment in your EV workshop infrastructure. Dirk Fuchs – CEO, Electric Mobility Consulting will fast track your preparations for your workshop to safely and efficiently repair electric and hybrid vehicles. Receive best practice recommendations for workshop layout, required space, vehicle isolation areas and specialist tooling, and learn how thermal runaways can be detected early and counter measures.

  • 10am – 11am
  • SATURDAY 13TH APRIL
  • FREE
REGISTER NOW

SPEAKERS

Lesley yates

AAAA

DIRK FUCHS

ELECTRIC MOBILITY CONSULTING

You've Earned A Holiday And Yes, You CAN Take It

ABOUT THE SESSION:

Don’t have time to take a break? Learn potential strategies to bring back the important work life balance:
– How to train up your workforce to make sure the workshop can operate without you.
– Engaging local underutilised resources – recently retired mechanics can contribute to management.
Bonus: A lucky door prize is a romantic weekend away

  • 11am – 12pm
  • SATURDAY 13TH APRIL
  • FREE
REGISTER NOW

SPEAKERS

CRAIG BAILLS

HIGHFIELDS MECHANICAL

BEN SELWYN

FIFTH QUADRANT

BRADLEY GANNON

CAPRICORN

Stop Charging An Hourly Rate

ABOUT THE SESSION:

Let’s plug the leaks in your service revenue. The profitability of your workshop is created in the moments when the service advisor/workshop manager is creating an estimate. If the service advisor/workshop manager falls short on the estimate, profits are dramatically impacted. Pricing and producing the labour component properly are key to your profits. This session will help you increase your workshop profitability!

  • 1pm – 2pm
  • SATURDAY 13TH APRIL
  • FREE
REGISTER NOW

SPEAKERS

NIGEL BISHOP

AAAA

PETER LEONDIS

LEONDIS AUTOMOTIVE

KOSTA KANTILAFTIS

SMART MECHANIC

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stuart charity CEO – aaaa

Stuart Charity is a passionate, well respected industry leader, having served the automotive industry in a variety of roles across a distinguished career. Stuart is CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), which represents 4,100 member businesses and the entire automotive aftermarket, an industry which contributes $25B annually to the economy.

Stuart’s previous career experience has enhanced his knowledge and market understanding to make informed strategic decisions and offer respected insights. Before his time at AAAA, Stuart served as the Executive Director of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia (SAE-A). Earlier, as the Automotive Industry Specialist with Austrade, Stuart successfully assisted automotive component manufacturers to develop new export markets.

STEVE DRUMMY
EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER
BAPCOR TRADE

Steve Drummy is the EGM of Bapcor Trade, a division of Bapcor Ltd. Bapcor is Asia Pacific’s leading provider of vehicle parts, accessories, equipment, service, and solutions. The company employs 5,500 team members in 1,100 locations across Asia Pacific, turning over more than $2 Billion. Steve is accountable for all operational and commercial aspects of the Trade business, which comprises Burson Auto Parts, Precision Automotive Equipment, Blacktown Auto Spares and Nepean Spare Parts and Bapcor Thailand.
Prior to joining Bapcor in 2018, Steve spent over 25 years working in executive roles in the Health, Wholesale & Retail Distribution, Printing, Pharmaceutical and Manufacturing sectors across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. Steve is also the Chair of Australian not for profit AFL SportsReady and holds a Bachelor of Business in Accounting, an MBA and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Directors.

wayne bryant
CEO
Automotive Division GPC Asia Pacific

Wayne Bryant has been involved in the automotive industry for over 30 years. He commenced his career at Repco Toowoomba in 1989 and worked his way through the organisation, before becoming the CEO of Genuine Parts Company’s, Automotive Division in January 2022.

GPC is best known for Repco and NAPA Auto Parts here in Australia and New Zealand. Wayne is passionate about serving our industry and he’s currently serving as the Chairman of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA)..

bill hanvey
President & CEO
Auto Care Association (USA)

Bill Hanvey, MAAP is president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, which represents the entire supply chain of the independent automotive aftermarket. Before becoming president and CEO on Dec. 1, 2015, Hanvey served as senior vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) since 2012. At AASA, he advocated for North American parts manufacturers to the auto care industry, federal and state government agencies and the business community.

TIFFANY CONWAY
Director of Membership, Marketing & Events
AAAA

Tiffany is the Director of of Membership, Marketing & Events at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. She is a marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience across a range of industries.

She has spent most of her career working with professional and industry associations, where building and engaging with communities has been key to success. She has significant experience working with the full suite of marketing disciplines, and sees the effective inclusion of all things digital as an essential element to attracting, converting and keeping valued customers.

ADAM GILLICK
GROUP MARKETING MANAGER
PEDDERS

Adam Gillick is a seasoned Senior Executive in Brand and Marketing at Pedders Suspension & Brakes, with over 20 years in the Automotive Aftermarket industry. Beyond his professional role, Adam is an electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast, fascinated by industry challenges and innovative aftermarket products.Adam's accolades include overseeing the Pedders Mad Max Monaro Competition, winning the AAAA Gold Award for Marketing, and leading campaigns like The Bullish Adventurer and The eXtreme Camping Combo with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

His leadership in digital media has enhanced engagement across channels like social media, SEO, SEM, programmatic display, BVOD, and paid platforms. A dedicated long-term investor with a focus on the stock market and tech sector, Adam achieved an 82% weekly win rate as an intraday trader at SMB Capital. He is pursuing an MBA part-time with the Australian Institute of Business, holds Certified Practicing Marketer credentials, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Marketing.Adam is also a member of the Ferrari Club of Australia (FCA and actively participates in club events, adding a vibrant automotive dimension to his pursuits.

JAMES PAYNE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / FOUNDER
AUSGARAGE

James is the Founder and Creative Director at AusGarage, a creative advertising agency specialising in the automotive and outdoor industry. Alongside his team of creatives and marketers, he focuses on brand strategy and results driven execution for household names such as Century Batteries, Yakima, Battery World and the AAAA.

James has a passion for combining data-driven insights, creativity, and authentic storytelling to drive consumer behaviour through strategic brand messaging.

Ignited by an early found passion for anything with an engine, James has been heavily involved in the automotive advertising space for 14 years. From national campaigns, motorsport event management and promotion, to working with local workshops to fill their hoists.

LESLEY YATES
Director of Advocacy
AAAA

Lesley Yates is Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Lesley manages AAAA advocacy campaigns, designing creative and innovative solutions to address the greatest challenges facing our industry and then lobbying and encouraging government to make the right decisions to support our industry. In 2021, after a decade of AAAA campaigning for fair and open competition, the new motor vehicle repair law was passed in Australian Parliament. This legislation is the result of a tireless and persistent grassroots campaign by the AAAA. Lesley is now tackling our ongoing substantial industry challenges, including the workforce shortage crisis and government vehicle modification regulations..

ROGER NARDI
Executive Officer
AASRA

Rodger Nardi is the Executive Officer of the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA), managing the day to day operation of the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS). Rodger has over 20 years’ experience working in the automotive aftermarket with Bosch Service Solutions in Australia and the U.S.A and Autodata as National Sales Manager and brings a wealth of knowledge to his current role.

ADAM PAY
Managing Director
mycar Tyre & Auto

With over 30 years in the industry, from an apprentice in the UK to Managing Director of mycar Tyre & Auto in Australia, Adam is a passionate advocate for the Automotive Industry. In addition to leading mycar Tyre & Auto, which has over 280 stores across Australia, a rapidly growing mobile network and over 1300 team members, Adam has been actively involved in the AAAA National Council since 2014, and was recently appointed Deputy Chair.

Adam is focused on ensuring the industry continues to evolve and grow. He is also known for being obsessed by customers and advocates that the key to longevity of the industry is to be there for customers no matter what they drive - petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric, or even flying cars in the future!

DIRK FUCHS
CEO
ELECTRIC MOBILITY CONSULTING

Dirk Fuchs is a renowned expert and speaker in Hybrid & EV technology, based in the U.S. With over 20 years automotive experience, Dirk is now the founder of Electric Mobility Consulting, a company developed to meet the high demand for in-depth technical information. Dirk’s impressive resume includes technical training roles in Volkswagen and ZF in Germany, before serving as ZF North American Training Manager, and most recently as Director, Technical Programs & Services at I-CAR.

CRAIG BAILLS
OWNER
HIGHFIELDS MECHANICAL

Craig Baills has over thirty years of experience and success in the automotive industry, as both a technician and business owner. As a director with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), MTAQ Committee member and owner of two workshops – Highfield Mechanical and Hi-Mech Auto Solutions Craig has a broad understanding of the automotive industry and the challenges and opportunities facing the aftermarket.

From workshop management, developing key customer relationships and aftermarket support, Craig has a track record of success implementing processes that improve efficiency, reduce costs and ultimately increase revenues in line with company objectives. Craig has a deep desire to leave the automotive industry in a better place than when he started, and help other automotive aftermarket workshops survive and grow in a rapidly changing industry and enjoys sharing his knowledge at industry events across the country.

BEN SELWYN
Strategy & Insights Director
FIFTH QUADRANT

Ben Selwyn is a highly experienced research analyst, who has spent over 15 years advising clients in automotive, telecommunications, financial services, technology and the public sector. He leads the Fifth Quadrant automotive practice in providing strategic insights to leading aftermarket suppliers, and works closely with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) on its market intelligence program. Ben is an expert at working with big data and making it relevant to day-to-day business decision making. He is highly valued for his analysis of trend data and his ability to predict future trends and how the industry should respond to these trends.

Bradley Gannon
CEO Automotive
Capricorn Society

Brad is Chief Executive Officer Automotive of Capricorn Society and is accountable for the leadership and overall operation of Capricorn's Automotive Division which operates in all parts of Australia and New Zealand. His role includes developing and driving short, medium and long-term growth initiatives, new product development and Member and Supplier services. His accountabilities also include Capricorn Financial Services, Credit Management, Share Registry and Capricorn Travel and Events. Brad is passionate about the automotive industry and improving the lives of all in the Capricorn Community. Bradley is a current Director of various Capricorn subsidiary Boards, Repairify Australia P/L, WA State Councillor of the Governance Institute of Australia and Independent Director of the Western Rock Lobster Council.

NIGEL BISHOP
NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP MANAGER
AAAA

PETER LEONDIS
LEONDIS AUTOMOTIVE

Peter is the founder and Managing Director of Leondis Automotive, a company boasting unique modern automotive workshops. Realising the impact software can have on modern business, Peter invested in developing software solutions where the birth of its new business Auto Bookings Online was achieved. Peter is also a founding Director of The Garage Network, an industry specific group enabling Peter to share his passion and knowledge to members, be an active business coach, and mentor.

KOSTA KANTILAFTIS
DIRECTOR
SMART MECHANIC SYDNEY

At the age of 19, Kosta opened his first automotive business and has since gone on to run multiple automotive repair workshops and is the Director of SMART Mechanic Sydney. Kosta's unwavering commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for the automotive industry have been the driving force behind his remarkable success. In addition to his thriving workshops, Kosta is also a founding director of “The Garage Network*, an automotive networking company.

This platform serves as a hub for like-minded technicians, fostering a community where shared expertise, knowledge, and mentorship are the pillars of growth. Kosta and The Garage Network team have created a space for professionals to collaborate, exchange ideas, and contribute to the advancement of the automotive repair industry.