Advanstar Communications, Messe Frankfurt Team Up to Launch Automechanika Chicago
April 30, 2014
Germany-based Messe Frankfurt will launch the 14th event in their worldwide Automechanika series in partnership with Calif.-based Advanstar Communications next year in Chicago.
The new show, Automechanika Chicago, will be held April 24-26 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and serve a steadily growing U.S. automotive aftermarket.
"We are excited about our partnership with Advanstar,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt.
He added, “Our combined experience in launching successful events only strengthens our ability to service this untapped niche within the automotive aftermarket industry.”
Messe Frankfurt has Automechanika-branded shows not only in Germany, but also around the world in places such as Dubai and Shanghai.
Advanstar has more than 50 trade shows, 100 conferences, 30 publications, and 200 electronic products and websites, including auto industry brands Aftermarket Business World, ABRN, Motor Age and SearchAutoParts.com.
“Anyone who has attended any Automechanika show around the world knows the power of that brand in the automotive industry,” said Joe Loggia, Advanstar CEO.
He added, “Teaming with them on Automechanika Chicago gives us a chance to share our expertise as trade show producers by utilizing the Advanstar Automotive Group’s ability to connect daily with hundreds of thousands of shop owners and technicians. This partnership is a perfect way for us to engage those readers and draw them to Chicago for a one-of-a-kind event.”
The announcement was made earlier this week in Chicago with the city's mayor, Rahm Emanuel, alongside Don Welsh, who heads Chhose Chicago, and representatives from Messe Frankfurt and Advanstar.
“By choosing Chicago for Automechanika next year, a great international convention comes to a great international city,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Our tremendous trade shows and conventions are a key economic driver, playing an important role to reach our tourism goal of 55 million visitors annually by 2020."
Automechanika Chicago will showcase the newest tools, equipment and products in the market and will be the largest U.S. trade show dedicated to high-end technical training and management classes for automotive technicians and shop owners.
The show will be held biannually in Chicago, which was chosen because of its central location in the United States, according to show organizers.
“The fact that an established international show has chosen Chicago to launch its first U.S.-based show speaks volumes and is further evidence that when we all work together, the economic benefit to the city will continue to grow,” Welsh said.
Automechanika Chicago joins another Advanstar show - All-New Dealer Expo - that signed on in Chicago for 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Show organizers said they expect 20,000 attendees at the debut Automechanika Chicago event.
“Automechanika Chicago will be designed specifically for shop owners and technicians as we seek to make it the largest training event ever produced in the U.S. marketplace,” said Chris DeMoulin, Advanstar Auto Group’s executive vice president.
He added, “Attendees will find a show floor packed with the latest products and innovations for independent shop owners and technicians and get top-notch classroom and hands-on training.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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