AASP/NJ gearing up for NORTHEAST 2026 in March, announces tool grant opportunities
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers New Jersey (AASP/NJ) annual NORTHEAST trade show is coming up in March, and will include $2,500 grants to two up-and-coming collision or mechanical technicians for tools and equipment.
The show will take place March 20-22 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, New Jersey. AASP/NJ says there will be more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest tools and equipment at the show, as well as national-level educational opportunities, giveaways and competitions, engaging panels of industry experts discussing and debating the hottest topics, and countless networking opportunities.
The tool grants are made possible by donations from Spark Underwriters and World Insurance Associates. To be eligible, technicians must be employed at a shop or studying at a technical high school in New Jersey.
“Pursuing a career in this industry can be challenging, so the association does whatever we can to help young people develop their path,” said AASP/NJ President Ken Miller in a press release. “It can be expensive to get started, so awarding them supplies and tools can give them a head start to a bright future.”
AASP/NJ will also present its Sixth Annual Young Technician of the Year Award at the show on the 21st at 2 p.m. Young Technician Award nominations can be provided here. Submissions must be received by midnight on March 9.
The NORTHEAST education series will kick off on Friday with a “can’t miss” day-long seminar devoted to estimating presented by Collision Advice’s Mike Anderson and Benjamin Stephens with Matthew’s Auto Supplies.
“Everyone is always so gracious and kind for having me at the show,” Anderson said in an AASP/NJ press release. “It’s always a great turnout. It’s one of the largest trade shows in the country as far as attendance goes, so it’s a great opportunity to connect with people.”
Stephens’ debut presentation at the NORTHEAST 2025 show drew standing-room attendance, the release states. AASP/NJ says he’s eager to deliver even more repair planning information as he branches into negotiations and addresses procedures related to ADAS calibrations or safety system checks.
He will also address how the “Right to Appraisal” can be used to get fairly reimbursed.
New Jersey legislators filed a right-to-appraisal bill, Assembly Bill 3262, in December as the companion to S2157. The Assembly bill was referred to the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee in January. The Senate bill sits with the Commerce Committee.
Washington, Texas, and Rhode Island passed right-to-appraisal laws last year. Illinois has also filed a right-to-appraisal bill.
Kyle Bradshaw, of K&M Collision in Hickory, North Carolina, will also make his debut at NORTHEAST 2026 with his “Excellence Wins: Redefining Customer Experience in Collision Repair” presentation.
Bradshaw will share real, day-to-day examples of how his team has built a culture focused on doing the small things with excellence — the kind of details that earn trust, create loyalty, and turn a stressful repair experience into something customers actually appreciate, the release states.
A panel discussion focused on OEMs and ADAS will also be on deck, and attendees can expect to see an array of courses geared toward mechanical automotive shops.
More on the educational slate will be released in upcoming issues of New Jersey Automotive available at grecopublishing.com.
The 4th Annual NORTHEAST Bodywork Bowl Collision Repair Skills Competition will be held the same day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for body technicians, estimators, and painters for a chance to win cash and prizes. Awards will be announced on the 22nd at 11 a.m.
To learn more about NORTHEAST 2026, register for a free attendee badge, or view the schedule and floor plan, visit aaspnjnortheast.com.
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Featured image and video provided by AASP/NJ