Dates set for Southeast Collision Conference and NORTHEAST

The Southeast Collision Conference (SCC) and NORTHEAST 2026 Automotive Service Show have set their dates, and now is the time to plan, whether as a sponsor, attendee, exhibitor, or presenter. 

NORTHEAST 2026 Automotive Service Show

NORTHEAST’s 49th show, held by The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), is set for March 20–22 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, New Jersey. 

“NORTHEAST stands as the largest automotive and collision repair trade show of its kind and the second-largest nationwide after SEMA,” a press release states. “The annual event draws attendees from around the world, providing access to the latest technology, innovative tools, and world-class education delivered by leading industry experts.”

More than 100 exhibitors will be on the show floor, along with workshops and sessions designed for automotive and collision repair professionals. The show will also provide networking opportunities and interactive experiences. 

Plans are already in the works to make the fourth annual Bodywork Bowl bigger and better than ever before, the release says. The event will allow participants to test their skills in welding, painting, and estimating for prizes, recognition, and bragging rights. 

“There’s already so much excitement brewing for NORTHEAST 2026; there’s no doubt it will be our biggest show yet,” says AASP/NJ President Ken Miller in the release. “NORTHEAST has become the must-attend event for anyone serious about this industry, offering the latest education, hands-on exposure to new technology, and an incredible community connection. If you’re committed to staying current and competitive, start making your plans now.” 

Exhibitor registration is now open with early bird pricing available through Nov 3. 

Badge registration opens Dec. 1. 

For more information, visit aaspnjnortheast.com. For information about ASSP/NJ, visit aaspnj.org, and for further information, contact Thomas Greco Publishing at 973-667-6922 or via email at [email protected] 

Southeast Collision Conference

The Fifth Annual Southeast Collision Conference, held by Carolina’s Collision Association (CCA) and the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA), will take place at the Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord in Charlotte, North Carolina, April 23–24. 

“Once again, SCC will bring premier tradeshow and education opportunities to the East Coast and will feature elevated experiences for both attendees and vendors alike,” a release says. “Just as you are accustomed to, there will be national-level contributors, speakers, and vendors taking part in the events.” 

The conference is intended to move annually between the two regions to serve as many shops as possible, year over year.

Collision P.R.E.P. Education series is back with nationally recognized speakers, cutting-edge sessions, and the latest advancements in the repair industry, the release says. 

Attendees and vendors will be able to connect, learn, and showcase at SCC’s tradeshow and experiences. 

Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) meetings will take place before the event. 

“The Southeast Collision Conference has grown into so much more than just a tradeshow,” said Kyle Bradshaw, CCA president and director of fixed operations at K&M Collision, in the release. “It’s become the place where repairers, vendors, and educators come together to push our entire industry forward. What excites me most about 2026 is not just the scale of the event, but the energy and collaboration it creates for everyone who attends.”

Southeast is not only for owners but managers and technicians, the release says. It adds that the conference uses the national connections shared by both associations to bring prominent leaders in the collision industry to the show through vendors in attendance, as well as national-level industry speakers. 

“Seeing growth year over year, and especially with our attendees, WMABA is proud to continue the collaboration and excited to see what we can do in bringing leading education opportunities to our membership regions,” said Kris Burton, WMABA president and owner of Rosslyn Auto Body, in the release. “The collision repair market is difficult to manage on our own, but the inspiration found in community and education can change the way we navigate the future of our business.”

Those interested in attending the show can register here. 

Information on presenting, exhibiting, or sponsoring is available here. The deadline for submitting a presentation is Dec. 19. 

“The heart of the conference is about bringing shops together and creating opportunities for them to learn, grow, and connect with their peers,” said Kaitlyn George, CAA executive director, in the release. “This will be my first conference as executive director of CCA, and I couldn’t be more excited to experience it. We’ve put a lot of hard work into making it a success, and I’ve already seen from other events how rewarding it is when shops come together to learn, grow, and build community. That energy and connection are exactly why I love what I do.” 

Images

Featured image: The floor of NORTHEAST 2019 is shown. (Provided by Thomas Greco Publishing)