Bodyshop Magazine

IMI Skills Competition Finals 2025
2025-11-25 09:00 - 2025-11-28 17:00 (Europe/London) | Cardiff & Vale College, City Centre Campus, Dumballs Road, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 5FE, United Kingdom
The IMI Skills Competition sets out to identify the most talented young apprentices working in the automotive sector. Run annually, they are designed to raise standards, confidence and levels of expertise in technical skills across four streams of competition: automotive body repair, automotive refinishing, light vehicle technology and heavy vehicle technology. They also provide a pathway for apprentices to compete as part of Team UK in the WorldSkills International competitions.

SMMT Annual Dinner 2025
2025-11-25 18:00 - 23:30 | JW Marriott Grosvenor House, 86-90 Park Lane, London, W1K 7TN, United Kingdom
The 108th SMMT Annual Dinner will be held on 25 November 2025 in the Great Room at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane. The dinner is one of the key events in the automotive calendar, and is expected to be attended by 1,000 guests from the automotive industry, government and the media.

Automechanika Shanghai 2025
2025-11-26 09:00 - 2025-11-29 17:00 | National Exhibition and Convention Centre (Shanghai), 333 Songze Avenue Road, Shanghai, Qingpu District, China
Automechanika Shanghai is the largest trade event for the automotive aftermarket in the China region. The 2024 event drew 222,341 visitors from 181 countries and regions, with 28% visiting from outside China. 6,763 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions showcased their products and services across 350,000 sqm of exhibition space.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR BODYSHOP AWARDS & 30 UNDER 30 2026
2025-12-01 00:00 - 23:00 | Online Event
Nominations for the Bodyshop Awards 2026 and 30 Under 30 opened on 1 December 2025 and will remain open for four months until midnight on 31 March 2026. Both competitions are completely free to enter and are judged by an independent panel of collision repair experts. The prize-giving ceremony for both competitions will take place during the Bodyshop Awards & Expo 2026 on 14-15 October at The Belfry Hotel & Resort near Birmingham.

Insurance Times Awards 2025
2025-12-03 18:00 - 23:30 | JW Marriott Grosvenor House, 86-90 Park Lane, London, W1K 7TN, United Kingdom
The Insurance Times Awards celebrate excellence, impact, and innovation across the UK general insurance industry. They recognise the outstanding achievements of professionals and companies across the sector. This year, 32 award categories will spread across three key groups – broker, insurer/MGA, and general.

IAAF Annual Awards Dinner
2025-12-04 18:00 - 23:30 | DoubleTree by Hilton (Milton Keynes), Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK1 1ST, United Kingdom
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation Annual Awards Dinner will take place on 4 December in Milton Keynes. The event includes the “Pride of Aftermarket Awards”, which recognise outstanding people, products, and businesses, and will feature comedian Ed Byrne as the after-dinner entertainment. The day will also include the IAAF Conference.

School of Thought Automotive Careers Fair
2025-12-09 09:00 - 17:00 | Eyebox Training and Conference Centre, Spires Industrial Estate, Ibstock Road, Longford, Coventry, CV6 6JR, United Kingdom
School of Thought will host an Automotive Careers Fair at Eyebox Training & Conference Centre in Coventry in December. Working with the Warwickshire Skills Hub, School of Thought and Eyebox will promote the industry to year 10 and year 11 pupils. More than 50 young people from local schools are expected to attend the event, which will showcase the cutting-edge innovations and varied career opportunities available in the automotive aftermarket.

IBIS@ Automechanika Dubai
2025-12-09 10:00 - 2025-12-11 17:00 | Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Trade Centre 2, United Arab Emirates
IBIS will be bringing a taste of its 2025 theme – “Shaping the Future: Leadership Through Collaboration” – to Automechanika Dubai, the largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket in the MENA region.

Automechanika Dubai 2025 (UAE)
2025-12-09 10:00 - 2025-12-11 17:00 | Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Trade Centre 2, United Arab Emirates
The largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket in the MEA region, Automechanika Dubai will transform the Dubai World Trade Centre into a global meeting point for industry leaders, innovators, and professionals driving the future of automotive. The three-day event will be a hub for networking, learning, and partnerships, creating opportunities for business growth.

Ben Ball 2025
2025-12-10 18:00 - 23:30 | London Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, London, W1K 1BE, United Kingdom
The Ben Ball is returning to the heart of Mayfair in December 2025 with a fresh new look and feel reflecting the iconic new venue and Ben’s future vision. The automotive charity is now inviting the automotive family to book early for Ben Ball 2025 (supported by AutoTrader), its exclusive black-tie event which will take place at the luxury five-star London Hilton Park Lane on 10 December.

CES 2026 (USA)
2026-01-05 09:00 - 2026-01-08 17:00 | Las Vegas Convention Centre, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, United States
CES 2026 is the world’s largest tech trade show, showcasing innovations in AI, smart devices, automotive technology, and more. The event connects industry leaders, innovators, media, and potential customers from across the world.

Brussels Motor Show 2026
2026-01-09 09:00 - 2026-01-18 17:00 | Brussels Exhibition Centre (Brussels Expo), Place de Belgique 1, Bruxelles, 1020, Belgium
The 102nd edition of the Brussels Motor Show – which is billed as the largest car, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle event in Europe – will take place from 9-18 January in Halls 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, Astrid and Patio at the Brussels Expo, 1 Place de Belgique.

Manchester Motor Show
2026-01-10 09:00 - 17:00 | Manchester Central Convention Complex, Windmill Street, Manchester, M2 3GX, United Kingdom
For the first time, Manchester is hosting its own motor show, bringing together the leading brands and new models from Stellantis, coupled with future tech and hands-on experiences in the Manchester Central Convention Complex. It’s free to enter if you register in advance.

ILC Motor Claims Networking Lunch
2026-01-16 12:00 - 15:00 | JW Marriott Grosvenor House, 86-90 Park Lane, London, W1K 7TN, United Kingdom
The I Love Claims Motor Claims Networking Lunch in January is expected to attract key individuals of influence from across the insurance claims industry. This year’s event includes a move to a new venue, Grosvenor House, London – offering greater potential for an exceptional event experience, value added sponsorship opportunities and expanded reach across the claims community.

ABI Annual Conference 2026
2026-02-03 09:00 - 17:00 | Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Centre, Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3EE, United Kingdom
The Association of British Insurers’ Annual Conference is expected to bring together key industry decision-makers from across the insurance and long-term savings industry. The agenda, featuring expert speakers from within and beyond the insurance sector, will explore how the industry can “collectively accelerate change, drive growth, and strengthen resilience” to help households, communities, and businesses across the UK.

ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2026 (India)
2026-02-05 09:00 - 2026-02-07 17:00 | Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre), Sector 25 Dwarka, New Delhi, 110061, India
India’s leading international trade fair for the automotive service industry targeting trade visitors from the Indian subcontinent. Its latest chapter scored high on exhibitor and visitor satisfaction delivering a plethora of new product innovations and high performance networking.

Steer Automotive Apprentice Competition (heats)
2026-02-09 09:00 - 2026-02-13 17:00 | Emtec (Nottingham College), Ruddington Fields Business Park, Nottingham, Notts, NG11 6JZ, United Kingdom
Steer Automotive Group will hold its annual apprentice competition heats over five days in February at EMTEC (Nottingham College) during National Apprenticeship Week. In 2026 there will be a new category for apprentice VDAs, alongside body repair, refinishing, and MET. The schedule for the heats is as follows:

Body repair: 9-10 February
Refinishing: 10-11 February
VDA: 11-12 February
MET: 12-13 February

The finals will take place over two days the following week at Thatcham Research, with a ceremony for the winners to be held at the end of the second day.

National Apprenticeships Week 2026
2026-02-09 09:00 - 2026-02-15 17:00 | Online Event
A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

IBIS Middle East 2026 (UAE)
2026-02-10 09:00 - 2026-02-11 17:00 | Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre First, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
IBIS Middle East 2026 will take place in February at a new venue in Dubai. The event will be the first one under the new 2026 theme “Connecting Changemakers” and will feature a more dynamic format, interactive high-level debate, and the usual unparalleled networking opportunities.

Steer Automotive Apprentice Competition (finals)
2026-02-18 09:00 - 2026-02-19 17:00 | Thatcham Research, Colthrop Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4NR, United Kingdom
Steer Automotive Group will hold its annual apprentice competition finals over two-days at the Thatcham Research Automotive Academy in February. In 2026 there is a new category for apprentice VDAs, alongside body repair, refinishing, and MET. There will be a ceremony for the winners at the end of the second day on 19 February. The competition heats in all four categories take place at EMTEC (Nottingham College) from 9-13 February.

Insurance Innovators Fraud & Claims
2026-02-24 09:00 - 17:00 | Convene, 155 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3YD, United Kingdom
Insurance Innovators Fraud & Claims is billed as the place where claims and counter fraud experts from across Europe come together to shape innovation and best practice.  With two conferences in one event, attendees can dig deep into how to protect industry profitability, better serve customers and keep fraudsters at bay.

NBRA Equipment Expo
2026-02-26 09:00 - 17:00 | GTG Training Centre, Bearing Drive, Willenhall, Wolverhampton, WV11 3SZ, United Kingdom
The Ageas and NBRA Equipment Expo returns to GTG Training Centre in Wolverhampton in February 2026, and it promises to be even bigger and better than the 2025 edition. The event is a chance to see the latest innovations, explore tools and technology shaping the repair industry, and connect with leading suppliers.

Modern Insurance Claims Awards
2026-02-26 18:30 - 23:30 | Rum Warehouse (Titanic Hotel), Stanley Dock, Regent Road, Liverpool, L3 0AN, United Kingdom
The Modern Insurance Magazine Claims Awards are “dedicated to celebrating and uniting every aspect of the claims ecosystem”. This year’s Modern Claims Awards will strive to acknowledge rising and established superstars in the world of claims, while revelling in the talent of the insurance sector.

Commercial Fleets Summit 2026 (Belgium)
2026-03-03 09:00 - 2026-03-04 17:00 | Van der Valk Hotel (Brussels Airport), Culliganlaan 4, Brussels, Machelen, 1831, Belgium
The Commercial Fleets Summit is a two-day international industry event dedicated to LCV fleets. The 2026 edition will explore how to cut total cost across the entire fleet lifecycle, from in-fleeting to de-fleeting. It promises to provide practical toolkits and use cases, as well as a looking in detail at emerging trends.

IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026
2026-03-11 18:00 - 23:30 | InterContinental London Park Lane, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1J 7QY, United Kingdom
The Institute of the Motor Industry Annual Dinner and Awards 2026 will take place on Wednesday, 11 March at the London InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane. It promises to be an exciting night of celebration of automotive excellence with some of the best and brightest working in the sector.

SMMT Electrified 2026
2026-03-12 09:00 - 17:00 | Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Centre, Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3EE, United Kingdom
SMMT Electrified brings together more than 400 senior representatives from industry, government, key partner sectors such as infrastructure, energy, fleets, insurance and logistics, and diverse stakeholders to discuss how we can jointly make the transition to zero emission mobility a success.

CLEPA Aftermarket Conference (Belgium)
2026-03-18 09:00 - 2026-03-19 17:00 | Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, Brussels Airport (BRU), Brussels, 1930, Belgium
Cybersecurity requirements and Euro 7 standards, along with the review of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation, are reshaping the regulatory framework for the automotive aftermarket, and – together with rapid technological developments – are set to transform the industry. The 2026 edition of the CLEPA Aftermarket Conference will highlight how collaboration empowers competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. Europe’s leading event for the sector will bring together senior executives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to exchange insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Fleet News Awards 2026
2026-03-18 18:00 - 23:30 | JW Marriott Grosvenor House, 86-90 Park Lane, London, W1K 7TN, United Kingdom
The Fleet News Awards will return in March 2026 with new categories and new opportunities for fleets, manufacturers and suppliers to enjoy the benefits that go with winning and being shortlisted.

Classic Car & Restoration Show 2026
2026-03-20 09:00 - 2026-03-22 17:00 | National Exhibition Centre (NEC), North Avenue, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT, United Kingdom
The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show is the show to attend whether you are a restoration or repair professional, or you are simply looking to reignite your passion for cars. The event brings together 1300-plus cars on display, 160-plus car clubs representing a wide variety of marques and models, and 250-plus exhibitors and autojumblers including restoration companies, service providers and product suppliers.

IBIS USA 2026
2026-03-23 09:00 - 2026-03-25 17:00 | Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, 7500 East Doubletree Ranch Road Scottsdale, Arizona, AZ, 85258, United States
IBIS USA 2026 will take place in March at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. The event will include thought-leadership content under the new 2026 theme “Connecting Changemakers” and will feature a more dynamic format and interactive high-level debate, as well as the usual unparalleled IBIS networking opportunities.
