The annual Matco Tools Expo was held Feb. 6-9 in Las Vegas, bringing nearly 1,200 distributors together from across the country. The event showcased a wide span of new products as well as various training sessions, but perhaps more importantly, it brought in-person networking and the ability to re-connect with familiar faces.
“One of the things I think everyone was looking forward to for our expo is to be together, to be in the same room, and talk to people they haven’t seen since last year,” said Bryan Kaufman, marketing communications manager, Matco Tools. “Products are a big part of why we are here, but camaraderie and togetherness are also something people were particularly looking forward to this year.”
When walking the show floor, it was evident to see first-hand the support from everyone in attendance, including the suppliers, industry partners, and, of course, the tool distributors.
“It means everything,” Kaufman said. “It’s why we’re here. This is a big event for [the distributors]. It’s a time away from their stores and their routes to sort of recharge and refocus. It’s a big deal for us and for our distributors.”
Products
Attendees were not only able to see new and existing products, but they also got to be hands-on with the tools and equipment. Product highlights included the new RapAssist, a remote diagnostic and programming support multi-tool, through Matco’s continued partnership with Opus IVS. The device features IVS 360 Live Expert Support, built-in remote assist programming (RAP), OE-endorsed pre- and post-repair scanning, and a J2534 tool with 5” touchscreen.
Matco Tools also unveiled their new 4s Series toolboxes, featuring aluminum overwrap handles, 28” depth, power drawer with a removeable tool holster, and 8” power strip with extra interior USB charging port.
Other new products displayed on the show floor included Limited Edition .85 HP Blue Pneumatic Die Grinders, Hyper-Step drill bit sets, magnetic wrench racks, adjustable parts trays that are also stackable, and many, many more.
Aside from tools, Matco’s line of branded merchandise continues to be growing quickly, Kaufman noted. This category ranges from ice cream scoopers and sandwich makers to retractable back scratchers and tool-themed crayon sets.
All new and existing tools and equipment can now be ordered on Matco’s recently launched app – the Matco Tools App. With a dedicated section on the floor, distributors were able to see and experience the app on an oversized cell phone-like display model.
“We have thousands of technicians signed up and using the app,” Kaufman noted. “It’s kind of an extension of the distributors, so they can do things like payments, submit warranty requests, or even shop for items when they want to and not necessarily when the Matco distributor shows up.”
Training
In addition to live product demonstrations on the show floor, distributors were also able to sit in on various trainings held throughout the day. Trainings remain an important part of the expo and continue to increase each year.
“It’s been expanding,” Kaufman said. Each year, more and more training opportunities emerge.
Since diagnostics can be very technical, Kaufman said majority of the trainings are now geared to help distributors understand and know how to sell diagnostic tools.
Other training sessions include more general sales tips and techniques as well as ways to maximize business.
Next year’s Matco Tools Expo is slated for Feb. 18-22 and will be held in San Antonio.
For more photos from the show floor, click here.
