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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Garage Matters
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20261003T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20261003T170000
DTSTAMP:20260917T124254Z
CREATED:20260917T124254Z
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UID:4281-1791018000-1791046800@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:Top Awards 2026: Top Technician Semi Finals
DESCRIPTION:The 2026 Top Technician competition shifts from screen to workshop bay on Saturday\, 3 October\, as the Delphi Academy in Warwick hosts this year’s high-pressure semi-final stage. \nNarrowed down from three rigorous online theory rounds\, the nation’s top ten diagnostic technicians will go head-to-head across live vehicle bays. \nAt stake are just five places in November’s Grand Finals\, with Head Judge Ian Gilgrass overseeing scoring to separate calculated diagnostic routines from guesswork. \nRather than textbook faults or artificial bench tests\, the tasks are devised by judges. Each station replicates the real-world headaches landing on workshop ramps daily\, from conventional petrol and common-rail diesel systems through to high-voltage battery electrics and alternative powertrains. \nThe scenarios deliberately mirror vehicles that have already “been everywhere\,” complete with layered faults such as shorted grounds\, low-pressure leaks\, blown fuses\, and misrouted wiring designed to mask primary faults. \nThe panel has form for testing mental discipline as much as technical knowledge; past rounds famously saw competitors face a hydrogen fuel-cell Toyota Mirai\, where the actual culprit was a severe 16-amp parasitic drain from a stuck heated rear window rather than the complex powertrain. \nWith a strict 20-minute countdown clock on each station\, reaching a complete fix inside the time limit is rarely feasible. Instead\, scoring centres entirely on diagnostic methodology: \n\n\nSymptom verification: Interrogating the job card\, confirming the customer fault\, and noting secondary symptoms. \n\n\nStructured test plans: Establishing a logical path to prove or disprove hypotheses before picking up a spanner. \n\n\nSystematic testing: Verifying wiring schematics using multimeters\, oscilloscopes\, and thermal imaging equipment. \n\n\nPenalising guesswork: The judging framework hits hard against “scattergun” part-swapping\, unverified assumptions\, or chasing consequential fault codes. \n\n\nThe five highest-scoring technicians from the day will progress directly to the Top Awards live finals in November.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/top-awards-2026-top-technician-semi-finals/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Top-Technician.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261010
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261011
DTSTAMP:20251023T095623Z
CREATED:20251023T095533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T095623Z
UID:1356-1791590400-1791676799@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:The Blend 2026
DESCRIPTION:The Blend is a major annual conference and networking event for owners and managers of independent garages across the UK and Ireland. \nOpen to all garages\, the one-day event combines practical business insight with high-quality networking\, attracting around 500 delegates from across the automotive aftermarket. \nHeld every October at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham\, the conference features multiple speaker sessions\, panel discussions and supplier stands during the day\, followed by an evening dinner\, awards and entertainment. Topics typically cover areas such as workshop profitability\, leadership\, customer service\, marketing\, mental health and emerging technologies. \nThe Blend has become one of the must-attend dates in the independent garage calendar\, offering actionable advice\, peer-to-peer learning and a friendly\, relaxed atmosphere that encourages like-minded garage professionals to connect and share best practice.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/the-blend-2026/
LOCATION:Eastside Rooms\, Birmingham
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/This-years-conference-marked-the-largest-gathering-in-The-Blends-six-year-history.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="The Blend Events":MAILTO:info@theblend.events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20261110T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20261111T160000
DTSTAMP:20260917T124944Z
CREATED:20260917T124944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T124944Z
UID:4284-1794301200-1794412800@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:Mechanex Sandown Park 2026
DESCRIPTION:As one of the UK’s longest-established garage trade shows\, Mechanex continues its regional run with a dedicated two-day format tailored specifically for independent garage owners\, workshop managers\, and technicians. \nFree to attend\, the regional layout is designed to bring key industry suppliers and technical specialists directly to working workshops. \nThe exhibition floor hosts a broad mix of major component brands and niche manufacturers\, displaying the latest replacement parts\, workshop consumables\, hand and power tools\, diagnostic platforms\, and garage management software. \nUnlike conventional trade exhibits driven by sales collateral\, the focus remains firmly on letting technicians inspect hardware\, handle tools\, and evaluate workshop systems first-hand before committing capital expenditure\, supported by live bay demonstrations and exclusive show-only commercial deals. \nPractical training forms the backbone of the event programme under the PMM Live banner. \nStaged across both days\, free-to-attend technical and business seminars led by industry specialists tackle real-world diagnostic snags\, emerging vehicle powertrain developments\, and actionable strategies to tighten workshop efficiency and margin performance. \nSelected seminar sessions also qualify for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation\, providing workshop staff and technicians with verifiable training hours away from the ramp.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/mechanex-sandown-park-2026/
LOCATION:Sandown Park\, Surrey
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mechanex-2022-Preview-22.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Professional Motor Mechanic":MAILTO:office@hamerville.co.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20261114T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20261114T170000
DTSTAMP:20260917T123631Z
CREATED:20260917T123631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T123631Z
UID:4279-1794646800-1794675600@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:Top Awards 2026 Finals
DESCRIPTION:The Delphi Academy in Warwick will host the live finals of the 2026 Top Awards on Saturday 14 November\, before proceedings shift to the DoubleTree by Hilton\, Coventry\, for the Top Awards Dinner. \nIn a first for the event\, the live finals day is opening its doors to the wider trade. Workshop owners\, vehicle technicians\, and apprentices who haven’t made the cut this time round can watch the pressure unfold live from the floor\, take in technical seminars and meet headline suppliers including Delphi\, Snap-on\, TOPDON\, LKQ Euro Car Parts\, HELLA\, Garage Hive\, and JLM Lubricants. \nProceedings also include Ben’s Big Breakfast\, an on-site networking brunch supporting the industry charity. \nTop Technician 2026\nThe UK’s top five diagnostic technicians\, narrowed down from three online stages and October’s semi-finals\, face five 50-minute live diagnostic tasks. Devised by Head Judge Ian Gilgrass and previous winner Steve Smith\, the tests target complex faults across modern petrol\, diesel\, hybrid\, EV\, and alternative powertrain platforms. \nThe scoring heavily penalises guesswork\, rewarding structured diagnostic processes: symptom analysis\, dedicated test plans\, wiring schematic consultation\, and systematic verification. \nPast winners have leveraged the title into major career moves and significant tooling and training packages. \nTop Garage 2026\nFinalists across six operating categories\, ranging from single-van mobile operations to 10-plus bay and multi-site businesses\, go before a panel of commercial and academic judges. \nRunning a format akin to Dragons’ Den\, entrants deliver a timed business presentation followed by detailed cross-examination. \nScorecards evaluate customer satisfaction\, staff training\, operational efficiency\, and long-term financial planning. The day also resolves the Service Advisor Award and the Ben Health & Wellbeing Award. \nTop Apprentice 2026\nReturning for a second run under the leadership of Colin Denton\, the Top Apprentice stream pits five Level 2 and Level 3 finalists against five hands-on practical stations. \nStructured to mirror modern End Point Assessments\, tasks cover chassis systems\, mechanical inspections\, electrical troubleshooting\, and real-world customer explanations.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/top-awards-2026-finals/
LOCATION:Delphi Academy\, Warwick\, Unit 10\, Titan Business Park\, Spartan Cl\, Royal Leamington Spa\, Warwick\, CV34 6RR\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/f05f3bb9-64b6-4ba5-a73c-a153453ce04c-2-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20261118T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20261119T170000
DTSTAMP:20260917T130146Z
CREATED:20260917T130146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T130146Z
UID:4286-1794992400-1795107600@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:Road Transport Expo Scotland 2026
DESCRIPTION:Building on its debut run in 2025\, Road Transport Expo (RTX) Scotland will return to the SEC Glasgow on 18–19 November 2026\, scaling up its exhibition footprint to meet demand across the commercial transport and fleet sectors. \nFor independent workshop owners\, technicians\, and apprentices managing commercial contracts\, light-haulier maintenance\, or mixed-fleet servicing\, the expanded show offers direct\, hands-on access to the hardware entering workshop bays. \nMore than 80 major manufacturers and suppliers will showcase the latest vehicle platforms\, specialist workshop tooling\, replacement components\, and emerging transport technologies. \nExtended opening hours and upgraded visitor facilities are designed to let workshop professionals get off the tools and inspect technical equipment efficiently without losing critical operating time. \nTechnicians and garage owners can talk face-to-face with parts manufacturers\, fleet suppliers\, and technical specialists to evaluate products\, compare operational solutions\, and assess investment before committing capital. \nThe floor brings workshop professionals together with fleet operators\, transport managers\, and commercial drivers navigating Scotland’s evolving regulatory and powertrain landscape.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/road-transport-expo-scotland-2026/
LOCATION:SEC Centre
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RTX-Scotland-26.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261204
DTSTAMP:20260917T133323Z
CREATED:20260116T164015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T133323Z
UID:1763-1796256000-1796342399@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:IAAF Annual Conference and Dinner 2027
DESCRIPTION:The IAAF Annual Conference and Awards Dinner returns on Thursday 3 December 2026\, moving to a new venue at The Vox\, Resorts World\, NEC Birmingham. \nOrganised by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF)\, the event brings together key stakeholders from across the UK automotive aftermarket for a day of insight\, discussion and recognition. \nRepresenting the entire aftermarket supply chain\, including manufacturers\, suppliers\, distributors\, buying groups\, motor factors and independent garages\, the IAAF plays a central role in protecting members’ interests and giving the sector a unified voice. \nThe annual conference provides an opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders on the issues shaping the aftermarket and influencing day-to-day business operations. \nThe evening awards dinner celebrates achievement and contribution across the sector\, recognising the businesses and individuals helping to strengthen and future-proof the aftermarket. \nFor independent garages\, the event offers valuable perspective on the wider industry landscape\, alongside the chance to connect with suppliers\, trade bodies and fellow professionals.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/iaaf-annual-conference-and-dinner-2027/
LOCATION:The Vox\, Resort World\, Birmingham\, B40 1PU\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IAAF-Conference-and-Dinner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="IAAF":MAILTO:info@iaaf.co.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270206T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270206T213000
DTSTAMP:20260917T130245Z
CREATED:20250907T202839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T130245Z
UID:813-1801909800-1801949400@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:Thistle Auto Revival 2027
DESCRIPTION:The Thistle Auto Revival Networking Event returns on Saturday\, 6th February 2027. \nIt will once again bring the independent garage community together for a full day of learning\, networking\, and celebration. \nBrought to you by Lawson AutoTech and located at Alloa Town Hall\, the event is designed to strengthen the bonds between garage owners\, suppliers\, and technicians while providing fresh ideas to help independent businesses thrive in a fast-changing aftermarket. \nFull details to be confirmed! \nWhat’s On\n\nIndustry Networking: Connect with garage owners\, managers\, and teams from across the UK.\nSupplier Showcase: Meet leading suppliers in parts\, tyres\, oils\, software\, tools\, and more.\nBusiness Insights: Hear proven strategies and practical advice from industry leaders.\nFood & Hospitality: Enjoy quality dining throughout the day.\nGala Dinner & Celebration: Round off the evening with dinner\, drinks\, and dancing.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/thistle-auto-revival-2027/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Thistle1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270319T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270321T170000
DTSTAMP:20260917T122815Z
CREATED:20260917T122815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T122815Z
UID:4275-1805446800-1805648400@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:Classic Car & Restoration Show 2027
DESCRIPTION:The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show is set to return to the NEC\, spotlighting traditional craft skills\, historic metal\, and hands-on workshop expertise. \nFor technicians\, apprentices\, and garage owners who appreciate heritage engineering alongside modern diagnostics\, this year’s event scales up with a record 120 live restorations taking place across the exhibition halls. \nShowcasing mechanical recommissioning and body fabrication as it happens\, the displays put practical trade skills centre stage alongside more than 1\,300 vehicles representing 160-plus car clubs. \nMarket activity is also geared for high interest. Iconic Auctioneers will host its biggest-ever Classic Car Sale with 270 lots crossing the block\, while the Your Shout Stage features trade personalities and TV presenters—including Richard Hammond\, Dominic Chinea\, and Mike Brewer—discussing restoration techniques and trade projects. \nThe weekend lineup is completed by practical hands-on workshops\, the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership competition\, the Footman James Barn Find showcase\, and Sporting Bears charity dream rides.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/classic-car-restoration-show-2027/
LOCATION:NEC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Classic-Car-Restoration-Show-2027.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270420T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270422T170000
DTSTAMP:20260917T122219Z
CREATED:20260917T122219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T122219Z
UID:4271-1808211600-1808413200@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:Commercial Vehicle Show 2027
DESCRIPTION:The Commercial Vehicle Show has confirmed its return to the NEC Birmingham from 20–22 April 2027\, marking 26 years as a staple fixture on the UK transport and fleet calendar. \nFor workshop owners and technicians increasingly taking on commercial contracts\, van fleet maintenance\, and light-haulier servicing\, the event offers a direct look at the hardware and operational demands arriving at workshop doors. \nMore than 350 exhibitors are set to take to the exhibition halls\, backed by live product demonstrations\, emerging diagnostic and repair tooling\, and practical sessions led by sector specialists. \nWith fleet operators under pressure to balance depot efficiency\, emission reduction targets\, and diverse powertrains\, ranging from modern clean diesels to battery-electric and alternative fuel vans\, the show provides vital clarity on how the commercial sector is actually transitioning in the real world. \nFor independent repairers servicing or supporting local fleets\, it offers a prime opportunity to evaluate new vehicle platforms\, inspect emerging components\, and talk face-to-face with suppliers shaping the next generation of road transport.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/commercial-vehicle-show-2027/
LOCATION:NEC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Commercial-Vehicle-Show-2027.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270608T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270610T160000
DTSTAMP:20260917T120924Z
CREATED:20260917T120924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T120924Z
UID:4264-1812445200-1812643200@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:Automechanika Birmingham 2027
DESCRIPTION:Automechanika Birmingham is locked in to make its return to the NEC from 8–10 June 2027\, setting the stage for what remains the UK aftermarket’s largest dedicated gathering. \nFor workshop owners\, technicians\, and apprentices looking to future-proof their operations\, the three-day event offers direct access to the supply chain. \nMore than 550 aftermarket brands representing 25-plus countries are lined up to exhibit\, putting the latest diagnostic gear\, workshop tooling\, parts innovations\, and technical training squarely under one roof. \nWith upwards of 15\,000 UK industry professionals expected through the turnstiles\, it serves as a critical window away from the ramp to talk candidly with parts suppliers\, evaluate new equipment before investing\, and get up to speed on the evolving vehicle technologies shaping day-to-day workshop revenue.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/automechanika-birmingham-2027/
LOCATION:NEC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AutomechanikaBirmingham.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270618T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Isle_of_Man:20270618T230000
DTSTAMP:20260917T121443Z
CREATED:20260917T121443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T121443Z
UID:4268-1813345200-1813359600@garagematters.uk
SUMMARY:BIG Awards 2027
DESCRIPTION:The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has confirmed that the British Independent Garage (BIG) Awards will take place on Friday 18 June 2027\, locking in a move to the Coventry Building Society Arena. \nMarking a shift to a new venue for 2027\, the flagship evening will spotlight the workshops\, technicians\, and rising apprentices setting the benchmark across the sector. \nAlongside the evening’s entertainment lineup\, the event remains a central date in the aftermarket calendar\, recognising operational excellence\, technical innovation\, and best practice across independent forecourts and workshop bays nationwide.
URL:https://garagematters.uk/event/big-awards-2027/
LOCATION:Coventry Building Society Arena
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://garagematters.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IGA-BIG-AWARDS.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Independent Garage Association":MAILTO:enquiries@rmif.co.uk
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