This September, shop owners and their teams will gather for four high-energy days designed to sharpen business strategy, master new technologies, and strengthen technical skills.

The 2025 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontairo (AARO) Symposium & Trade Show, being held Sept. 17 and 18, and co-located with Lindertech Training on Sept 19 and 20, in Mississauga, Ont., blends expert-led training, panel discussions with industry leaders, and invaluable networking to keep your shop ahead of the curve.

Plus, organizers have confirmed Ontario Premier Doug Ford as Guest Speaker as EV Day special guest speaker.

Day 1 – September 17: EV Day with AARO
Electrification is transforming the aftermarket—and EV Day puts you in the driver’s seat. The morning kicks off with keynote speaker James Carter of Vision Mobility, offering a global perspective on the shift toward electrification. Expect panel sessions featuring top shop owners, trainers, and suppliers sharing their firsthand experience on:

• How to equip technicians for EV work
• Real-world challenges and opportunities in EV service
• Integrating EV service profitably into your business model

Don’t miss SHIFT HAPPENS: INDUSTRY LEADERS FORECAST THE EV FUTURE

Moderated by Andrew Ross, Indie Garage, with panelists Andrew Ackers, Upper James Autopro, Darryl Croft, OK Tire/Electric Vehicle Network, and Daniel Breton, Electric Mobility. You’ll get insights that will provide a path forward for your business.

You’ll also hear from special guest speaker Ontario Premier Doug Ford on policies shaping the province’s EV ecosystem.

The day includes live supplier presentations, test drives of multiple EV models, and peer-to-peer discussions that deliver practical insights you can act on immediately.

Day 2 – September 18: Business Growth + AARO Trade Show
Day Two blends deep-dive training with targeted panel discussions on business resilience and operational excellence. Panels will explore:

• Protecting your shop from fraud, theft, and cyber threats
• Apprenticeship and workforce development strategies with Support Ontario Youth
• Building customer loyalty through better communication, led by Dale Carnegie facilitators

In between panels, you’ll access sessions on HR legal compliance and learn to benchmark performance. The day closes with political analyst David Coletto breaking down how current events impact small business, followed by the AARO Trade Show for supplier meetups, product previews, and relaxed networking.

Days 3 & 4 – September 19–20: Lindertech Technical Training
Advanced hands-on training covers topics from Subaru-specific diagnostics and air fuel sensor testing to turbocharged vehicle analysis and difficult misfire diagnosis. A full-day Tesla Model 3 service course equips you to tackle one of today’s most in-demand EVs, covering both common maintenance tasks and advanced high-voltage system work.

Why Attend?

• Gain actionable strategies from industry panels and expert speakers
• Build technical skills for current and future vehicle platforms
• Connect with peers, suppliers, and trainers who can help you grow
• Leave with tools to improve profitability, efficiency, and service quality immediately

CLICK for more information and to register for the 2025 AARO Symposium & Trade Show