The 2026 Collision Repair Expo has wrapped up in Melbourne on a high note, with exhibitors and organisers praising strong crowds, new technology displays and a positive atmosphere across the three-day event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Held from Thursday to Saturday, the expo attracted repairers, suppliers, trainers and industry stakeholders from across Australia and New Zealand, with organisers reporting attendance figures already surpassing previous records by Friday night.
Event organiser the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) said the exhibition floor had been buzzing throughout the show, with live demonstrations and hands-on technology displays drawing constant crowds.
AAAA CEO Stuart Charity said the event had delivered an “action-packed” experience for attendees.
“Well, it's been an amazing three days of the 2026 Collision Repair Expo,” Charity said.
“We've just been absolutely inundated with people coming through. As of Friday night numbers were already up on our record year two years ago.”
Charity said exhibitors had “absolutely excelled”, with demonstrations and activations proving especially popular.
Highlights included low-bake spray booth demonstrations, ADAS calibration sessions with international trainers, and live welding displays through the I-CAR training facility.
He also noted the strong international presence at the event, particularly from New Zealand.
“The Collision Repair Association of New Zealand have brought 200 Kiwis across, so it's just been an action-packed three days and an unbelievable experience,” he said.
For repairers walking the show floor, emerging technologies and workforce solutions were among the biggest talking points.
Dan Maher from L&M Smash Repairs in NSW said artificial intelligence-based estimating systems had generated major interest from visitors.
“The AI estimating is very, very exciting,” Maher said.
“I think that's going to get huge engagement. Every time they do the demonstration every hour, the thing's always packed out.”
Maher also pointed to robotic spray technology and skills initiatives as standout features of the expo.
“The robotic spraying arm has got everyone's attention,” he said.
“It's humbling to see everybody come together and supporting and helping the crisis that we're in,” he added, referring to ongoing apprentice shortages within the collision repair sector.
New exhibitors also reported strong interest throughout the event.
Anne McClure, founder of Vesta Workwear, described the expo as an important introduction to the Australian market for the company’s female-focused spray-painting workwear.
“We've had stockists that are very interested, training organisations looking at the suits for their trainers and trainees, and lots of men actually wanting to buy the suit,” McClure said.
Meanwhile, Ash Jardine from Bodyshop Recruit and Consulting said demand for virtual estimating services had exceeded expectations.
“The show has been chaos. It's just so busy,” Jardine said.
“Most people didn't even know that virtual estimating existed. Once we tell people about it and how we can generate better profits in their business, it has really pricked up a lot of people's ears.”
Click here for a video of the Expo feedback from the event organisers and exhibitors.