ASTE 2020 cancelled, ASTE 2021 expected to return larger than life
With safety as a top priority, the Independent Garage Owner’s Association of North Carolina (IGONC) has decided the Automotive Service and Technology Expo (ASTE) will not happen in 2020.
Despite hopeful attitudes from event organizers and industry members, Covid-19 presents unignorable factors which will not allow ASTE 2020 to occur as planned. IGONC’s decision was made based on gathering size restrictions imposed by North Carolina and the uncertainty of the timeline for the virus.
ASTE is the Southeast’s largest aftermarket automotive show, and the 2021 expo will return as the largest installation yet. With estimated 180 vendors and nearly 80 exhibitors, including Advance/Carquest and Tekmetric, ASTE 2021 will offer new excitement and opportunities for attendees. In similar fashion to the 2019 expo, ASTE 2021 will continue the traditional ASTE Pizza Party and Casino Night, and commence with a banquet dinner including IGONC’s Annual Induction of Officers and Awards Ceremony.
IGONC is also excited to announce that there will be two ASTE events taking place in 2021. The fall expo will resume as expected and will be preceded by a new spring event. IGONC hosting two events will ensure that ASTE 2021 will return larger than life.
IGONC Executive Director Tricia Sauls states, “As ASTE grows and gains national following, we want to provide a safe and fun experience for all participants, which isn’t feasible this year. We are working with current and new vendors and repair shops to expand ASTE and provide an educational, fun event at a very cost-effective price. We are excited and expect the ASTE 2021 will be bigger and better than ever.”
With over 500 members, IGONC is North Carolina’s largest member-sponsored non-profit association serving the independent automotive repair, service and collision repair industries since 1959. The association is dedicated to helping its members deal with the many challenges impacting garage owners in their state.
