UK Garage & Bodyshop Event unveils expanded line-up
The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event has announced an expanded line-up of live demonstrations, technical sessions and specialist features.
The event, which takes place at the NEC from 3-4 June and brings together collision repair specialists, paint technicians, detailers, suppliers and bodyshop professionals, has been designed to deliver practical learning, hands-on demonstrations and business insight for the modern repair sector.
At the centre of the bodyshop programme is the Collision & Detailing Lab, which will host a packed schedule of live demonstrations, technical sessions and detailing advice focused on improving repair quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Sessions across the two days include live panel repair demonstrations from Car-O-Liner’s Stuart and Ben Alexander, AI-powered estimating insights from Solera and interactive detailing sessions hosted by the UK Detailing Academy.
Detailing
Additional highlights include ‘Adding the Finishing Touch: Unlocking the Potential of Detailing’ with Dave Moran of Clean Your Car, David Kendall from Lake Country and Richard March from UKDA, alongside ‘Cut the Cord: The Future of Dent Pulling’ with Garage Equipment Solutions and ‘Connecting the Dots: Transforming Accident Repair’ with Entegral.
Alongside the live sessions, visitors will be able to experience advanced dent-pulling repair systems in action, with demonstrations focused on improving repair quality, reducing repair cycle times and increasing workshop efficiency.
Meanwhile, Paint & Spray Live will also return for 2026, featuring a fully operational ventilated spraybooth built directly onto the show floor. Live demonstrations from leading brands including Walcom, SATA and AkzoNobel will showcase the latest refinishing systems, paint products, colour matching techniques and spraybooth efficiencies designed to improve productivity and finish quality within busy repair environments.
Bodyshop Village
New for 2026 is Bodyshop Village, a dedicated area created specifically for collision repair professionals, bringing together suppliers, equipment manufacturers and technical experts in one focused destination for body repair, refinishing and workshop technology.
The event will also feature the Detailing Pavilion, showcasing the latest products, tools and techniques across car care, paint correction, coatings and vehicle customisation, giving visitors practical insight into the trends shaping the detailing market.
Supporting the next generation of talent remains a major focus for the event, with the Ignite Arena returning to host career-focused sessions, live entertainment and interactive experiences for students and apprentices entering the sector. Visitors will also be able to hear from industry professionals discussing future career pathways, innovation and emerging automotive technologies.
Ramp Up
Another major addition for 2026 is Ramp Up, a dynamic new live feature created in partnership with JHM Butt and Snap-on. Taking centre stage at the event, Ramp Up will feature a fully operational vehicle ramp hosting live demonstrations, technical discussions and interactive workshop content designed to bring hands-on training and real-world repair insight to life across the two-day event.
The Business Management Theatre will provide UK Garage & Bodyshop Event visitors with access to a dedicated programme of expert-led seminars focused on the future of workshop success.
Designed for garage owners, aftermarket professionals and business leaders, the theatre will explore key topics including profitability, sustainability, digital transformation and strategies to help businesses adapt and thrive in an evolving automotive landscape.
BODYSHOP BUZZ
Adding to the event’s networking opportunities is the BODYSHOP BUZZ networking drinks party powered by CORE DIAGNOSTICS.
Completely FREE for bodyshop owners, managers, technicians, apprentices and support staff, and everyone from the repair sector supply chain, BODYSHOP BUZZ takes place at 4pm on day one of the big show (Wednesday, 3 June) in the Bodyshop Magazine Lounge in partnership with NBRA (stand H10) and the Collision & Detailing Lab (G12).
Real value
Joanne Knowles, event director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, said: “The 2026 event has been designed to give bodyshop and collision repair professionals more live demonstrations, more hands-on learning and more opportunities to connect with suppliers and peers than ever before.
“From live spraybooths and detailing demonstrations to technical sessions and networking events, the show is focused on delivering practical insight and real value for the modern repair sector.”
