Mississauga, Ontario -- From September 17 to 20, the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario will host its annual symposium and trade show at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale.
Over four days, shop owners, technicians, and industry professionals will gather for an intensive program to sharpen skills, explore electrification, and build connections.
The event kicks off on EV Day on September 17. Attendees will have the chance to hear from James Carter of Vision Mobility -- recognized as one of Canada’s leading voices in the shift toward electrification.
Carter will be followed by a provincial official who will discuss public policy and its impact on the EV ecosystem. The schedule promises supplier presentations, insights from shops that are already adapting to EVs, and hands-on experiences including on-site EV test drives.
On September 18, the focus shifts to business training and the trade show. The day begins with sessions covering shop security, theft prevention, legal HR compliance, and apprenticeships.
Workshops include a communications session by Dale Carnegie and performance benchmarking using PME Guru dashboards.
It wraps with a keynote by David Coletto, a public opinion analyst, examining how political uncertainty is influencing automotive businesses across Canada.
That evening, the AARO Trade Show opens -- a networking opportunity to engage with vendors, see the latest industry innovations, and discuss the day’s presentations in a more informal setting.
The final two days, September 19-20, are devoted to intensive technical training through “Lindertech Technical Training.” Professionals can choose from several deep-dive sessions: “Subaru 101,” “Air Fuel Sensors Demystified,” diagnosing turbocharged vehicles with volumetric efficiency & fuel trim, or “Diagnosing Difficult Misfires.” One track is also entirely dedicated to servicing the Tesla Model 3—covering everything from high voltage diagnostics to thermal systems and maintenance nuances specific to EVs.
AARO is positioning this Symposium & Trade Show as more than a conference—it’s a chance for the aftermarket to stay ahead of rapid change: electrification, evolving customer expectations, regulatory shifts, and tightened competition. For attendees, the event aims to deliver actionable skills, up-to-date technical knowledge, refreshed business strategies, and plenty of chances to make industry connections.
