Unlocking the Future: NORTHEAST 2026 Highlights

Recap by Alana Quartuccio, Katie Agnello, and Sofia EsHaq

Success is a journey. There are no limits to how far one can go when one puts the pedal to the metal. Set the right course, and you will unlock your path to success.

Thousands of automotive professionals were en route to a promising future when they made AASP/NJ’s NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show their prime destination last month! It’s the only event of its kind and size that offers a first look at the newest innovations and tools on the market, features the “who’s-who” of industry presenters, awards prizes, giveaways and more! It’s truly an all-inclusive experience you just can’t get anywhere else outside of SEMA.

“NORTHEAST 2026 was definitely one for the books,” AASP/NJ President Ken Miller exclaimed. “Every year, the show just gets bigger and better. From expanded education to include Spanish-speaking and mechanical offerings to new giveaways and excitement, there truly was something for everyone to take back to the shop and put to good use. This industry isn’t getting any easier. You get what you put in, and NORTHEAST puts you in the driver’s seat toward your future.”

The support for this year’s show was immense, with new and returning exhibitors populating the aisles of the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus welcoming crowds all weekend long.

AirPro Diagnostics returned to their longtime role as Education Sponsor.

“We keep returning to sponsor and present at NORTHEAST because we know it’s a great show,” commented Josh Cascanet (AirPro Diagnostics). “We have a lot of customers who visit our booth to see us. We also had the opportunity to present, and we had a great turnout with lots of involvement from the attendees. We believe it’s important to have education at these shows to give technicians and business owners alike access to information they would not have otherwise.”

“NORTHEAST allows us to show up for the local industry, build meaningful connections and highlight our newest innovations to the market,” expressed Tina Nelles of BASF (Platinum Sponsor).

Nick Mattera of returning Lanyard Sponsor GYS/Innovative CRTE also celebrated the opportunity to showcase equipment to the right audience.

“NORTHEAST brings in a good crowd, and there is nothing like being in a place where you can showcase everything live,” he shared. “It’s nice to be in front of the customers. We see a lot of new faces, and a lot of buyers come to this show which is great for business. AASP/NJ goes out of their way to accommodate all our needs here at the show. Their members are very loyal to this company, and we appreciate that. We return as the lanyard sponsor every year because it’s great marketing to see the lanyards in event photos. It’s really valuable exposure for us!”

Metropolitan Car-o-liner has been a part of NORTHEAST since its early beginnings. President Dave Demarest Jr. recalls his father being involved back when NORTHEAST was a tabletop show, and now it’s gearing up for its 50th anniversary in 2027.

“We’re happy to be here,” he relays. “Things are changing all the time. People can now find things instantly on the internet. They can watch videos and find their local distributors, so it’s always good to be at the trade show once a year where people can talk face to face, see product demonstrations and get some education.”

Pelatec Spray Apparel made their NORTHEAST debut showcasing unique spray suits new to the US market. Alex Humphries said his only regret was not bringing pallets of spray suits to sell right from the show floor!

“This is a new business,” Humphries continued. “This show gave me an opportunity to see the reaction from the audience. We bring fashion to the spray apparel business. Spray suits are usually sweaty and ugly, and painters just don’t like them. We’ve got a suit that has certain functions that helps the painter feel cool, as it’s body heat regulating. It’s also good looking and has functions that painters just love. This show has confirmed two things for me: [NORTHEAST is] a good show, and we have the right product at the right time. Many people told me we had the best product!”

Joe Kraz of Media Sponsor Indasa USA has been coming to the show for 10 years. He reported non-stop traffic on the show floor over the NORTHEAST weekend. Kraz sees it as a great opportunity for vendors to get in front of new people. He also championed the educational component that sets out to help shops become more successful in their day-to-day.

“Indasa has become the exclusive channel partner for Fusor, so we’re introducing new products to the market. We brought the same booth here that we had at SEMA. People are just loving the booth, the entertainment and the excitement. It’s been great!”

Gold Sponsor Matthew’s Auto Supplies returns year after year because of the opportunities it provides, allowing them to showcase their products and interact with customers. “It was a great show once again,” expressed Rick Haas. “Traffic was very good, and our team has been doing a great job. We expanded our booth this year to bring in our mobile training center. We also sold T-shirts to help generate revenue for the Collision Industry Foundation (CIF).”

Johanny Diaz of first-time exhibitor PNC Bank called NORTHEAST 2026 an excellent show. “PNC Bank is a preferred bank for small business owners, so we are here to support all of them, including exhibitors and those who come to see the show,” she offered. “Automotive is one of our preferred industries, and we are happy to be here to support. We are so honored to have been invited, and we want to continue our support by returning for many years to come.”

For Silver Sponsor Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists, it’s the great results that bring them back each year. Dale Huckabee maintained, “It’s a great show with great turnout. The ROI we get from this show is unparalleled, even compared to some of the national shows we do. It’s phenomenal.”

Returning exhibitor Advance Auto Parts has been growing with the show year after year.

Dave Rockstroh expressed his love for the show that has allowed his company’s presence to expand substantially over the years by bringing in partnering vendors such as Autel.

“Weeks ago, out at a training in Kansas City, I learned a lot of trainers and staff were headed to NORTHEAST, which I thought was pretty neat because it’s more than an auto body show,” Rockstroh recalled. “It’s become a good mix of all different types of vendors, and that creates an even bigger draw.”

He also commended the show’s set up, highlighting some of the nuances that bring great benefits to exhibitors such as different colored lanyards that signal out customers from other vendors and badge markers to call attention to buyers, so one is certain to give attention to those who have decision-making power. “What’s nice about this show is that they are always willing to listen and try to make improvements.”

“This year marked the 49th year of AASP/NJ’s flagship event,” Miller added. “Enthusiasm for NORTHEAST won’t let up anytime soon. We are already gearing up for the 50th iteration next year. It’s going to be an extra special event, and we can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store.”

AASP/NJ thanks the generous sponsors who supported NORTHEAST 2026: BASF (Platinum Show Sponsor); Matthew’s Auto Supplies (Gold Show Sponsor); Alloy Wheel Repair (Silver Show Sponsor); GYS/Innovative CRTE (Lanyard Sponsor); AirPro Diagnostics (Education Sponsor); INDASA USA (Media Sponsor).

AASP/NJ’s 50th annual NORTHEAST 2027 Automotive Services Show is scheduled for March 19 – 21, 2027 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus. Be sure to visit aaspnjnortheast.com for details once they become available.

Want more? Check out the April 2026 issue of New Jersey Automotive!