The three days featured a trade show, informative sessions, social events and the Parts4 AGM

After much anticipation and a few false starts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parts4 Automotive welcomed more than 180 members, guests, and suppliers when it opened its bi-annual Trade Show and Conference in Sydney earlier this year.
Held over the weekend of 19-21 August, delegates were treated to a blend of informative trade sessions and social events while enjoying the hospitality on offer at the Rydges World Square Hotel, located in downtown Sydney.
“While Parts4 members enjoy a wide variety of benefits, many believe that our bi-annual conference is the most valuable of the lot,” Parts4 Automotive Business Development Manager, Kim Mamouney, said.
The Parts4 Automotive business structure allows members to maintain their independence while belonging to a national buying group that also delivers significant rebates.
The conference opened with a BBQ dinner on Friday evening. This relaxed event provided members and suppliers with an excellent opportunity to rekindle old friendships and make new acquaintances.
“During the evening, I made sure to take a step back and just soak up the atmosphere,” Kim said.
“It was so nice to watch our members and suppliers from across Australia reconnect after what has been a challenging time for us all.”
The real business started early on Saturday morning, with the Trade Show open for business from 9.00am.
“We tweaked the trade show format a little this year, and it was a great success,” Kim said.
Extending the period that the Trade Show was open across the weekend allowed members to engage with suppliers away from distractions they face daily while they are hard at work running their businesses.
“The trade show created a buzz felt by all who attended,” Kim said.
“We know of several great deals secured during the event.”
Many of those who attended agreed that it helped strengthen existing relationships and cultivate new ones, all of which are mutually beneficial.
“We had so many people ask when and where we’d be running the next trade show, highlighting just how much it had been missed during the covid-19 outbreak,” Kim said.

Following the conclusion of the trade show, the delegation was treated to a formal dinner where more than 180 guests shared an enjoyable evening and indulged in great food, drink and company.
As Sunday morning dawned, it was straight into more serious business with the Parts4 Automotive AGM kicking off at 9.00am.
“You could tell from the bleary eyes which members had enjoyed themselves the evening before as we all gathered for the AGM,” Kim said.
“But as soon as the AGM got underway, the fog lifted quickly, and the mood was positive and optimistic.”
Parts4 says that unlike many of the other automotive aftermarket chains, it is owned and run by its members, making it truly independent.
“We’re not here to profit from our members. We’re here to help members to compete out in the marketplace,” Kim said.
“More and more independents are realising that they need to be part of a larger group to survive. And that’s the benefit of joining Parts4 because they belong to a group but still have control over their business.”
Each of the 90-plus Parts4 Automotive stores across Australia are locally owned and operated. As a result, no two stores are alike, but like birds of a feather, Parts4 Automotive members stick together, says Kim.
“We finished what was certainly a memorable, productive and enjoyable conference with a harbour cruise,” Kim said.
“Mother nature turned it on for us as we all enjoyed a magic afternoon on the water before heading home with a renewed vigour and a positive outlook.”

To learn more about becoming part of Parts4 Automotive, contact Kim Mamouney on 0418 532 307 or kim@parts4.com.au

For more information, visit www.parts4.com.au