Automechanika Frankfurt takes place next month with the 2016 version of the biannual event promising to be bigger and better than ever. It is a trade fare on a vast scale and in 2014 attracted almost 138,000 visitors from all over the world and 4660 exhibitors to the Messe Frankfurt exhibition site.

Automechanika in Frankfurt has also established itself as a must visit event for hundreds of key decision makers in the Irish aftermarket. Figures for the 2014 exhibition show that almost 900 visitors came from Ireland, a huge figure in relative population terms when compared to the 3990 visitors from the UK. The reason for this is that the event has firmly established itself as not only a place to see the latest product and service innovations from all the leading global suppliers, but also very much as place to do business.

It does not matter what level you may be at in the automotive aftermarket supply chain, Automechanika is bound to have something of interest. It provides factors and distributors with the chance to meet suppliers or to have direct contact with people from the brands they are selling. This means they can get all the very latest information on product developments and innovations. Traditionally aftermarket suppliers will wait for Automechanika to launch new products and programmes, so there is never any shortage of things to see and talk about.

Operators of garages and bodyshops, or technicians, can also get much from the event, especially in terms of seeing new tools and equipment up close and getting all the relevant information direct from the manufacturers. The event also provides a window on future developments in the industry and this year will have a special focus on connectivity, alternative power trains, autonomous cars, mobility services and smart data analytics.

If you are a veteran of previous Automechanika Frankfurt shows then you will know what to expect, but if you are visiting or considering a visit for the first time here are a few practical pointers to consider.

• Allow yourself plenty of time. The exhibition site is vast. It can take up to half an hour to get from one hall location to another so planning stand visits is vital. An Automechanika Navigator App for smart phones will be made available this month. It is free of charge and well worth downloading.
• Make a plan and book appointments. The scale of the show means wondering the isles on spec is not likely to be productive. Work out who you need to see and set a schedule.
• Hotel accommodation in Frankfurt around the show can be notoriously expensive. You can visit on a more restricted budget by booking accommodation further afield and travelling in by train each day. There is a station in the heart of the exhibition complex. Airb&b may also be able to provide a cheaper option.
• Getting to event is relatively straightforward. There are direct flights from Dublin to Frankfurt and the Messe Frankfurt exhibition site can then be easily reached by train or taxi. 
• The Exhibition is open from September 13th to 16th  9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturday 17th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• You can save on the admission price by pre-registering online. This also avoids the queues on entry. You can register at http://automechanika.messefrankfurt.com