The Blend 2026 is heading towards another sell-out, with only a limited number of tickets remaining for the independent garage conference and networking event, which takes place at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
The Blend has established itself as a key event in the independent garage calendar, attracting hundreds of workshop leaders from across the UK and Ireland for a programme of peer-led learning, business strategy, networking and industry debate, followed by its annual awards ceremony.
The 2026 programme tackles some of the biggest issues facing workshops, from SERMI compliance and technician shortages to profitability, people management and day-to-day workshop control. The daytime programme will culminate with a headline keynote from Ogilvy UK Vice Chairman and behavioural science expert Rory Sutherland.
Drawing on his globally recognised work in consumer psychology, marketing and human behaviour, Rory will challenge conventional thinking around how garages communicate with customers, build perceived value and compete in an increasingly price-sensitive market.
His session will explore how independent workshops can reduce customer anxiety around vehicle repairs and strengthen the value of the service they provide, helping garages protect margins without relying solely on price.
“The Blend gives workshop leaders the rare space to step out of the daily workshop pressures, learn practical strategies from peers who have solved these exact headaches, and return with a clear plan to boost profitability,” said Ray Dilsons, Event Director at The Blend.
“And this year we’ve got Rory Sutherland joining us. He is one of the most interesting and thought-provoking voices in marketing and behavioural science, and we’re incredibly proud to be bringing someone of his calibre to The Blend.”
Run as a not-for-profit initiative supporting automotive industry charity Ben, The Blend is open to workshops across the UK and Ireland, regardless of which garage management system they use.
Alongside the speaker programme, delegates will have access to The Blend’s trade exhibition, featuring leading aftermarket suppliers including headline sponsors Castrol and The Race Group, alongside the likes of LKQ Euro Car Parts, NAPA Auto Parts, GSF Car Parts, ALLDATA, Garage Services Online and Pichler.
The day will culminate in The Blend Awards, recognising the garages, individuals and businesses making a difference across the independent sector, before the evening continues with the awards dinner.
With previous conferences reaching capacity ahead of the event, organisers are urging garage owners and workshop managers who have yet to book to act now, with the remaining tickets expected to sell quickly.
Tickets for The Blend 2026 are available online at www.theblend.events/tickets.
