Make sure you’re prepared to make the most out of Mechanex this year with PMM’s not-so-serious trade show survival kit.
1. Make sure your vehicle storage space is empty
This is the number one thing you need to remember this year. Every year, at the end of each day of the two-day event, there is someone who is left scratching their head in the car park, asking themselves: “how on earth am I meant to fit all these tools and all this equipment I’ve just bought into this boot full of my children’s toys?” Needless to say, the toys get left behind at the Sandown Park car park. So, remember, before you stock up on bargain deals, keep the children happy and remove their stuff from your boot!
2. Do your vocal exercises in the queue on the way in
With over 60 exhibitors at the show, each with new tools and technology to talk your ear off about, you should be prepared to do a lot of chatting. PMM’s official advice is to pack cough sweets, make sure to drink plenty of hot tea before and during the show and run through a few quick vocal warm-ups as you’re queueing to get into the show. Nothing too strenuous is required, but we have relied on our personal favourite, “I am the very model of a modern Major General…” for years now and frankly you can’t get us to shut up from the start of the show to the finish.
3. Food and drink are key
All serious adventurers stress the importance of keeping your energy up during a day of strenuous activity and Mechanex is no different! If you seriously think you can make it around every stand AND visit the new LIVE demo area with over ten different speakers across both todays without ongoing sustenance, then you’re madder than you look. Luckily, we have you covered! As many of you are aware by now, visitors to Mechanex are provided with a free bacon roll. So don’t worry, you’ll have the energy to keep going from stand to stand, carrying ever multiplying bags of goodies.
4. Bring the apprentice
It’s a well-known fact of life that an apprentice left unsupervised is a recipe for disaster. So what to do whilst you’re spending the morning at Mechanex? Why not bring them along for the ride! There is plenty of fun and games at the show, such as Dewalt’s Wheel Change Challenge to keep them entertained, great seminars from Bosch, Pico Technology and others to keep them informed, and free bacon rolls to keep them fed so their mum won’t be mad at you. Plus, it’s always handy to have an extra pair of hands to carry your bags for you!
5. Notify your friends
So you’re planning to spend an hour or two at Mechanex, nip in there in the morning and be back in the garage for lunch. Ok. We’ve heard this one before and we have something to tell you: There is a large chance that you will stay longer than you planned. You may even come back for the second day. With over 60 of the top companies from the aftermarket, including Comma Oil, Dayco, Gates, JLM, Launch, Liqui Moly, LKQ, Opus IVS, Bosch, Pico Technology, Pichler Tools, Pro-Align, the IGA, Rotronics, Thinkcar, FAI, Topdon… the list goes on! There is a LOT to see. In fact, this one may be a two-hander, so why not tell a friend about the show and get them to come with you and help you out.
