Take Command of Your Future at NORTHEAST
by Alana Quartuccio
It’s time to take command of your future.
It’s a new year, and with that comes the opportunity for a fresh start. Whether that means new equipment for the shop, enhanced training for your technicians or expanding and overhauling your business’s offering, there is really only one place to get it all started. AASP/NJ’s NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show is just two months away, and excitement is growing for the largest automotive services show on the East Coast!
As details unfold for the 2026 show – set for March 20-22 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, NJ – collision repair and automotive professionals can rest assured the show will have everything you need to drive your future.
“NORTHEAST offers automotive repair professionals opportunities they can’t get anywhere else outside of SEMA,” states AASP/NJ President Ken Miller. “Exposure to equipment, tools, resources and education are all here under one roof, and that offering expands more and more each year. If you want to get in a good position for a healthy future, this is where you need to be in March.”
The 2026 iteration marks the 49th year of AASP/NJ’s flagship event. Thousands of automotive professionals from up and down the East Coast and beyond make the Meadowlands their go-to destination every March and get the first look at the newest equipment, tools and new technologies on the market via more than 150 exhibitors.
And it wouldn’t be NORTHEAST without the many activities that make this event fun and worthwhile! The Fourth Annual Body Work Bowl Collision Repair Skills Competition will make its return, giving technicians a chance to get in the ring – literally – and show off their skills in painting, welding and estimating. The top three winners in each category take home a slew of prizes and some pretty cool bragging rights! The NORTHEAST Dollars giveaway is another popular favorite. All one has to do is pre-register, attend the event and be sure to have your phone along because you may just be randomly selected for $500 worth of NORTHEAST Dollars to be applied to any purchase on the show floor.
The show really does have something for everyone, and this year, the focus extends deeper into the automotive mechanical world.
NORTHEAST 2026 will mean even greater opportunity for mechanical shop owners, promises AASP/NJ Mechanical Executive Director Joe Ocello.
“Come for the exposure to colleagues, vendors, training and more,” he suggests. “Not only will you be surrounded by like-minded professionals, but it’s also an opportunity to get access to information you normally don’t have time for during your work day. Taking the time to meet with vendors on the show floor will open the door to learn about training programs and new technologies you would not be aware of without taking the time to meet them on the show floor.”
The NORTHEAST educational slate is expected to include offerings pertaining directly to the mechanical side this year as well. “Things are changing so quickly,” Ocello continues. “Shops are struggling to keep up with rapid industry changes like staffing shortages and rising costs. One doesn’t always have the time to follow up on the many issues the mechanical field experiences, but NORTHEAST provides opportunities to learn how to tackle these issues from those in the know.”
Speaking of education, AASP/NJ is excited to welcome back AirPro Diagnostics as Education Sponsor. NORTHEAST is known for an elite educational experience that can’t easily be found outside of SEMA. Every year, some of the industry’s most recognizable professionals flock to the Meadowlands to share their knowledge about the most pressing issues and industry trends.
Who could possibly be more recognizable than Mike Anderson (Collision Advice)? Anderson travels over 300 days a year, bringing his dynamic brand of knowledge to repair professionals around the country, and he always makes NORTHEAST one of his stops! This year, he will team up with Benjamin Stephens (Matthew’s Auto Supplies) for a day-long estimating workshop to kick off the NORTHEAST weekend on Friday, March 20.
Anderson says it’s the people that make it easy to come back year after year. “Everyone is always so gracious and kind for having me. 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.”
He’s proud to team up with Stephens for this important session. “I just think the world of Benjamin. I worked with him and his dad at their shop before his dad passed away. I’m not going to be doing this forever as I have more years behind me than I do in front of me so any time I can support the younger generation that’s out there sharing knowledge and insight is an honor for me to do so. My goal is not to teach this class, but I’ll be there to provide color commentary and to support Benjamin.”
“I’m really looking forward to returning to NORTHEAST,” shares Stephens, whose debut estimating-based presentation at the show last year drew standing-room attendance. “I was blown away with the turnout and response.”
This year, his presentation will be focused on estimating, but he will also branch into negotiations and how to take care of the customer. Stephens will address procedures repair professionals may not easily be thinking about when it comes to ADAS calibrations or safety system checks.
He will also address how the Right to Appraisal can be used to get fairly reimbursed. “When I teach estimating, I talk about the things one can charge for, but the hard part can be getting paid for those items.” Stephens will share his success with utilizing the Appraisal Clause. “What’s the point of training someone to charge for things if they can’t get paid for it? So, I want to show attendees that they can get paid.”
He’s enthusiastic about working with Anderson whom he credits with setting him on the path he’s on today.
“I’m definitely excited to do this presentation with Mike Anderson. Aside from my father, he is the reason I’m in this business. Back in the mid 2000s, my dad was in a 20 Group led by Mike. My father told me I had to meet him. So, I got on the plane with my dad to wherever the meeting was held, met him and was inspired. My goal was to become a math professor, but Mike convinced me to take over my dad’s business and grow it. That’s what I did. I owe a lot to Mike. I’m inspired to do what he does. I always liked teaching and sharing knowledge, and that is what Mike does. He helps people with their livelihood and in supporting their employees and their technicians and families. It’s really come full circle. I get to do my job working for Matthew’s Auto Supplies, and I get to work side by side with Mike.”
Later in the NORTHEAST weekend, Anderson will enlighten attendees with the unveiling of his new presentation based on his 2026 theme of “Ignite Excellence.” “Every year, I pick a new theme. Last year, it was ‘Stay Humble, Stay Hungry.’ We just need to ignite excellence within our organization when it comes to safe and proper repairs and the customer experience. I’ll be bringing industry-specific statistics for the individual surrounding states of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania and whatever the latest greatest is regarding OEM trends, certifications and insurance trends. It’ll be great to just catch up with people.”
Kyle Bradshaw (K&M Collision; Hickory, NC) will make his debut at NORTHEAST 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.
More on the educational slate will be unveiled in upcoming issues of New Jersey Automotive.
“There’s already so much excitement brewing for NORTHEAST 2026; there’s no doubt it will be our biggest show yet,” Miller promises. “NORTHEAST has become the must-attend event for anyone serious about this industry. If you’re committed to staying current and competitive, start making your plans now!”
NORTHEAST 2026 show hours are 5pm to 10pm on Friday, March 20, 10am to 5pm on Saturday, March 21 and 10am to 3pm on Sunday, March 22. Attendees can pre-register for free admission, make accommodations and get the latest updates by visiting aaspnjnortheast.com.
Want more? Check out the January 2026 issue of New Jersey Automotive!