Best Auto Repair Shop Names (70+ Ideas)

Looking for the best automotive industry conferences and events for 2026? This guide will help you navigate the most impactful automotive conferences and trade shows slated for 2026. We will dive into what makes each event unique, price, location, and more.

Key Automotive Conferences and Trade Shows

When it comes to elevating your auto repair business or career, knowing which events to prioritize is crucial. Each of these conventions offers a distinct experience, catering to different roles in the shop. Let's explore the big events you can’t miss in 2026.

1. Tektonic

What:  Tektonic is a brand new automotive conference for 2026. Whether you're leading the business, managing the front desk, or turning wrenches in the bay, Tektonic offers tailored training to elevate your skills, connect with peers, and drive your career forward in a space built for you.

Come for the shop-tested fixes. Leave with the horsepower to hit top-gear growth. Tektonic is a three-day event built for every shop, no matter your size, brand, or business model. Expect industry-first content, with Tekmetric-backed know-how.

When: April 9-11th, 2026

Where: Marriott Marquis - Houston, TX

Cost: Standard pricing starting at $1,499. Use discount code: "TEK6CONF" to save $$$.

Website: Tektonic

2. SEMA Show

What: The SEMA Show offers an attendee experience like no other automotive trade show on the planet. It's the best place to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills by attending any one of the 99+ free education sessions – all of which are led by top industry professionals.

The SEMA Show is the premier auto show geared to help small businesses thrive and succeed. The trade-only event enables automotive specialty equipment manufacturers to display alongside automotive manufacturers to debut new, innovative products and connect with industry buyers from all over the world.

When: November 3-6th, 2026

Where: Las Vegas Convention Center - Las Vegas, NV

Cost: Early bird pricing starting at $50

Website: SEMA

3. AAPEX

What: Only AAPEX gives you the training, products, and insights to help you stay ahead today and prepare for tomorrow — all while you connect with the entire industry under one roof! Live, interactive demos. Expert-led business education. Our most robust training program yet. It’s all here to give you a jump on every new advancement and the knowledge to tackle your biggest challenges.

Where else can you come face-to-face with the world’s part suppliers showcasing innovations that give you an edge in the here and now — and global perspectives on where the industry is headed next?  Spend three days at AAPEX Las Vegas and make sure you’re ready to steer your business toward success!  

When: November 3-5th, 2026

Where: The Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum - Las Vegas, NV

Cost: Early bird pricing starting at $50

Website: AAPEX

4. NADA

What: NADA Show offers a full program of innovative products, emerging trends and networking opportunities. Four full days of outstanding education, emerging trends and networking opportunities for all areas of your dealership.

When: February 3-6th, 2026

Where: Las vegas Convention Center - Las Vegas, NV

Cost: Early bird pricing starting at $679

Website: NADA

5. ASTA

What: The ASTA Expo is an annual event that brings together professionals from the automotive aftermarket industry for training, networking, and discovering the latest innovations. Anyone is welcome, including shop owners, managers, technicians, service writers, and anyone in the automotive service and tire industry looking to grow their knowledge, network, and business.

When: September 25th, 2026

Where: Raleigh Convention Center - Raleigh, NC

Cost: Not disclosed for 2026 yet - check website.

Website: ASTA

6. Shop Hackers

What: The annual Shop Hackers seminar provides owners and staff in the independent automotive repair and collision/body industries with: Top-tier knowledge, life-changing personal connections, actionable strategies, increased motivation, one unforgettable experience.

With over a thousand attendees, a large array of vendors, and world-renowned industry leaders, this auto conference is unlike any other in the industry. You may laugh, you may cry, you will eat well, and one thing is for sure — you will walk away changed for the better.

When: July 2026

Where: Murfreesboro, TN

Cost: Not disclosed for 2026 yet - check website.

Website: Shop Hackers

7. Vision

What: VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, provides the opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and gain new skills, all while networking with leading automotive service industry professionals. Choose from more than 100 cutting-edge management, technical, and educator training courses. VISION also features a 60,000 square-foot exhibit hall showcasing the latest tools, equipment, and technology.

When: March 5-8th, 2026

Where: Overland Park Convention Center - Overland Park, KS

Cost: Early bird pricing starting at $435

Website: Vision

8. ATI

What: Learn how top-performing shop owners are navigating today’s economy and running more successful, profitable businesses. Our world-class speakers and informative sessions will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive.

SuperConference is not just about learning; it’s about community. Engage in interactive, team-building activities with the most supportive community of shop owners in the industry. Build relationships that will last a lifetime and grow your network with high-performing peers and professionals.

When: March 18-21, 2026

Where: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress - Orlando, FL

Cost: Not disclosed for 2026 yet - check website.

Website: ATI

Why you should attend an automotive trade show

Now that we’ve explored some of the top 2026 events, let’s zoom out and consider the benefits of attending automotive conferences.

Networking opportunities

Imagine walking into a room filled with hundreds, even thousands, of people who share your passion, understand your challenges, and are dedicated to the same industry. That's the power of networking at automotive conferences. These aren't just casual conversations; they are opportunities for mentorship, partnerships, collaboration, and mutual growth.

Industry trends and insights

The automotive industry moves at lightning speed. What was cutting-edge last year might be standard this year, and obsolete next. Attending conferences gives you visibility into the future of auto repair. You’ll gain firsthand knowledge of the emerging trends and critical insights that will shape the industry for years to come.

Final thoughts

Finding the right automotive conference for you can be challenging but we hope this guide was helpful. Whether you are just starting your business or have spent your whole life fixing cars, there is an event for you.

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The automotive repair industry is constantly evolving, and shop owners need software that keeps pace. ​​Tekmetric offers auto repair shops an all-in-one platform–built with firsthand shop insight–to manage workflow, customers, and profitability.

No single solution fits every business perfectly, and a variety of Tekmetric competitors offer alternative functionalities and approaches. This overview provides an honest look at Tekmetric through the lens of customer feedback and core product strengths. Whether actively comparing software options or simply exploring what’s available, this guide is designed to help you make confident, informed decisions.

What is Tekmetric?

Tekmetric is the all-in-one solution for modern auto repair shops. Tekmetric is designed to streamline operations, enhance profitability, and improve customer communication for automotive repair businesses.

An all-in-one solution, Tekmetric provides a centralized platform for managing various aspects of a repair shop's daily workflow. Its focus on real-time data and a user-friendly interface has made it a popular choice for modern automotive repair shops.

Most importantly, Tekmetric is the only auto repair shop software in the market that was created by a former shop owner – so every feature was designed with firsthand insight into what shops actually need.

Why choose Tekmetric?

Shopmonkey, AutoLeap, Mitchell 1, and other competitors offer robust features and may look similar on the surface. Researching the pros and cons of each software takes time, so we boiled it down for you and highlighted five reasons why Tekmetric is the leading shop software.

1. Built by a former shop owner: Tekmetric is built to solve real pain points for shops, not generic SaaS assumptions.
2. All-in-one solution: Tekmetric offers cloud-based shop management software, payments, marketing, mobile app and more.
3. Multiple integrations: 70+ integrations consolidated into one workflow.
4. Unlimited users + No long-term contract: Pricing model designed to scale seasonally without renegotiation.
5. Trusted support: U.S.-based phone, chat, and email support plus industry-leading uptime.

How Tekmetric Compares to Other Auto Repair Shop Software

While Tekmetric is a prominent software in the industry, several Tekmetric competitors provide compelling alternatives. Let's compare Tekmetric in terms of features, integrations, customer support, pricing, and customer reviews.

Features

Tekmetric offers a variety of features that cater to the diverse needs of auto repair shops. Some of its core functionalities include:

• Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVIs): DVIs allow technicians to capture photos and videos on their mobile devices to visually communicate findings to customers. This transparency helps build trust and often leads to higher approval rates for recommended services.
• Payments and Flexible Financing: Tekmetric Payments gives you the POS tools to get paid faster and more reliably, whether customers pay upfront or over time. With secure, encrypted transactions and flexible financing options like Buy Now, Pay Later, you can offer your customers a payment schedule that fits their budget, and get more repair orders approved in the process.
• Marketing and CRM: Need help building your repair shop website, managing online reviews, or taking online appointments? Tekmetric Marketing has you covered with modern CRM features to enhance your customer engagement.
• Repair Orders and Estimates: Tekmetric simplifies the creation and management of repair orders, enabling shops to quickly generate accurate estimates, track progress, and convert estimates into invoices. It can automate parts and labor calculations, improving efficiency.
• Customer Communication: The software facilitates seamless customer communication through SMS and email notifications, allowing shops to provide real-time updates on vehicle status, share inspection results, and send payment links.
• Inventory Management: Shop owners can efficiently manage parts inventory, track stock levels, and integrate with parts ordering platforms like PartsTech and Nexpart to streamline the procurement process.

• Reporting and Analytics: The platform provides valuable insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) such as gross profit, average repair order (ARO), and close ratio, enabling shop owners to make data-driven decisions to boost profitability.

Integrations

Integrations are crucial for any efficient shop management solution. Tekmetric excels here by offering the most integrations in the industry. Tekmetric integrates with 70+ tools like ALLDATA, Advance Auto Parts, and PartsTech to streamline your workflow.

When comparing auto repair shop management software, make sure you choose a software that supports your entire workflow and can grow with your business.

Customer Support

Customer support is a vital aspect of any software solution. Tekmetric prides itself with industry-leading uptime and customer support. Our US-based support team is ready to answer your call, email, or chat message.

Don’t believe us? Our G2 reviews speak for themselves.

Pricing

Pricing structures for shop management systems can vary significantly. Some offer tiered pricing based on the number of users or repair orders, while others have flat monthly fees. Tekmetric's pricing offers a monthly subscription (no long-term contracts), unlimited users, with add-ons available for specific features.

Tekmetric starts at $179/mo, offering a competitive price and the ability to cancel at any time. We believe in earning your business every month.

How Do Customers Feel About Tekmetric?

Customer feedback, particularly from platforms like G2, provides insight into the real-world user experience. Some of the common themes in Tekmetric reviews include:

• User-friendly Interface: Many users find Tekmetric intuitive and easy to navigate, which helps with quicker onboarding for staff and improved daily workflow.
• Comprehensive Functionality: Customers appreciate the all-in-one nature of Tekmetric, noting its effectiveness in handling everything from digital vehicle inspections to repair orders, inventory, and customer communication.
• Strong Integrations: The seamless integration with other essential tools is frequently highlighted as a major benefit, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient operation.
• Responsive Customer Support: Numerous reviews commend Tekmetric's customer support team for their promptness, knowledge, and willingness to assist. This level of support contributes significantly to a positive customer experience.
• Improved Efficiency and Profitability: Shop owners often report an increase in efficiency and a positive impact on their profitability due to Tekmetric's reporting capabilities and real-time insights.
  

Final thoughts

Choosing the right shop management software is a critical decision for any auto repair business. Tekmetric offers a powerful cloud-based solution with a strong set of features, excellent integrations, and highly-regarded customer support.

Shop owners should carefully evaluate their specific needs, budget, desired functionalities, and the importance of various integrations when considering a software solution. The goal is to find a solution that not only meets current demands but also scales with the future growth of the business, ensuring a smooth and efficient customer experience for years to come.

It turns out that the shop owners, service writers, general managers, and technicians that rely on Tekmetric everyday chose us once again as the clear market leader on G2!

Okay, okay, we're sorry for another humble brag... But this is really more about you, the users than it is about us! If you're not familiar, G2 is a peer-to-peer review site. Users just like you can submit reviews and vote on the tools they use everyday, like Tekmetric.

Really, this is all thanks to all the amazing independent shops that do great work every day with Tekmetric. The shops that keep people's vehicles safe and reliable. The heroes that get their customers back on the road every single day!

We were just chosen because you all love us so much! 😳

But that's not all. Tekmetric was also chosen for how easy it is to get your shop up and running!

• Most Implementable Fall 2023
• Most Implementable Small Business Fall 2023
• Fastest Implementation Fall 2023
• Momentum Leader Fall 2023
• Leader Fall 2023

We totally get it, the last thing you want is to have to pause everything you're doing and let the bills pile up, just to relearn how to run your own shop.

That's why we make it as easy as possible, handling all the heavy lifting so your shop can sit back, relax, and hit the ground running right away!

That kind of makes sense, considering Tekmetric was chosen as one of the easiest shop management systems to do business with. 

• Leader Fall 2023
• Easiest To Do Business With Fall 2023
• Easiest To Do Business With Small Business Fall 2023

Tekmetric comes from shop owners, advisors, technicians, and managers just like you. We live, breathe, and execute innovation, the kind of innovation your shops need to get even more value out of the work that shops like yours already do!

We're always working hard to make Tekmetric even better!

Thank you! Thank you for partnering with us, and thank you for helping us create the best possible solution for running an independent auto repair shop!

We're excited to be awarded and regarded so highly, and we strive to keep that level of excellence and support at every step in your shop.

Tekmetric is always being updated, and we’ll never stop working with and supporting shops to help them run efficiently and with fewer headaches, so you can focus on doing what you love!