Messe Frankfurt North America
About: Bridget Ferris - Vice President of Mobility and Logistics
With over 10 years at Messe Frankfurt, Bridget Ferris leads three major North American trade shows, overseeing strategy, operations, brand growth, and revenue development. Managing a 14-member team, she specializes in event planning, stakeholder engagement, and business development across global B2B industries. Bridget has successfully driven international sales growth, launched high-revenue industry pavilions, and played a key role in a major show merger in Mexico. Passionate about innovation and collaboration, she works closely with industry associations, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners to deliver impactful trade show experiences.
1. INA PAACE Automechanika Mexico has positioned itself as a cornerstone event for the Latin American aftermarket. How do you see its role evolving in shaping the region’s automotive ecosystem over the next 3–5 years?
I see our event evolving from a leading regional trade fair into the strategic hub that connects Latin America with global trends. Over the next 3–5 years, we will play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of new technologies, fostering regional supply chain integration, and supporting the professionalization of the aftermarket industry across the continent.
2. What are the most significant shifts currently transforming the automotive aftermarket landscape in Latin America, and how is the event aligning with these changes?
The most significant shifts are the acceleration of vehicle electrification, nearshoring opportunities, and the growing demand for connectivity and data-driven services. We are aligning these changes by introducing new categories such as Heavy Duty, Last Mile Delivery, and Vehicle Customization, while expanding the International Aftermarket Summit and Automechanika Academy to address these evolving needs with practical knowledge and solutions.
3. The event brings together the entire automotive value chain. How important is this integrated approach in driving innovation and collaboration across suppliers, distributors, and service providers?
This integrated approach is fundamental. By connecting manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and service providers in one place, we create the ideal environment for collaboration, innovation, and business development. Many key partnerships and new product launches at the show originate from these cross-segment interactions.
4. With categories like connectivity, autonomous driving, and digital solutions gaining traction, how is the event adapting to showcase next-generation automotive technologies?
We are actively adapting by dedicating more space and content to connectivity, ADAS, digital solutions, and electromobility. Through the Innovation4Mobility zone, technical workshops, and the Summit, we ensure attendees can see, test, and understand next-generation technologies in a practical way relevant to the Latin American market.
5. For attendees looking to source new partners, what makes this platform uniquely effective compared to other global automotive trade shows?
Our strength lies in the quality and focus of our audience. We bring together decision-makers from across Latin America who come with specific sourcing needs. Unlike more general shows, Automechanika Mexico offers a highly targeted environment where attendees can efficiently meet suppliers, test products, and build relationships tailored to regional market realities.
6. Programs such as Automechanika Academy and the International Aftermarket Summit play a key role. How do these initiatives contribute to upskilling and knowledge transfer within the industry?
These two initiatives are at the heart of our value proposition. The Automechanika Academy delivers hands-on technical training to thousands of technicians and workshop owners, while the International Aftermarket Summit provides high-level strategic insights for executives and business owners. Together, they bridge the gap between knowledge and practical applications.
7. In a highly competitive market, how important are curated networking experiences like Industry Night in fostering meaningful business relationships?
Extremely important. In a competitive environment, trust and personal relationships remain key differentiators. Events like the Industry Night create the perfect setting for meaningful conversations that often lead to long-term commercial agreements and strategic alliances.
8. How are digitalization and data-driven services reshaping aftermarket operations, and how is the event reflecting this transformation?
Digitalization is transforming how workshops manage inventory, diagnostics, and customer relationships. We reflect on this transformation by showcasing digital solutions, vehicle parc intelligence, and connectivity technologies, while offering training through the Academy on how to integrate these tools into daily operations.
9. What role does the aftermarket industry play in advancing sustainability, and how is the event encouraging environmentally responsible solutions?
The aftermarket plays a crucial role in extending vehicle life cycles, promoting remanufacturing, and supporting the circular economy. At the show, we highlight sustainable solutions, eco-friendly products, and technologies that help workshops reduce waste and improve efficiency.
10. With both domestic and international exhibitors, how do you balance regional relevance with global innovation at the event?
We maintain a strong focus on solutions relevant to the Latin American reality while bringing the latest global innovations. This balance allows local companies to access cutting-edge technology and international players to understand and adapt to the specific needs of our market.
11. The Automechanika Lovers Program highlights exhibitor loyalty. How important are long-term partnerships in sustaining the success and credibility of such large-scale events?
Long-term partnerships are fundamental to the success of our events. The Automechanika Lovers Program is a global initiative present across all 18 Automechanika shows worldwide. It recognizes and rewards the loyalty of exhibitors who trust in our platform year after year. Many leading brands accompany us in multiple countries, demonstrating the strength of these long-term relationships, which allow us to continuously improve the quality and relevance of the events while building a truly global community.
12. How does the platform support startups, SMEs, and emerging brands looking to enter or expand within the Latin American market?
We actively support startups, SMEs, and emerging brands through special participation packages and dedicated zones that give them visibility among key buyers. What makes Mexico unique is the central role of mechanics and workshop owners — they are the ones who directly recommend and decide what parts and technologies their customers will use. With one of the oldest vehicle fleets in the region, Mexican workshops have enormous influence on aftermarket decisions. This makes Automechanika Mexico an exceptionally effective platform for new brands seeking to connect with the professionals who truly move the market.
13. What are the biggest challenges currently facing the automotive service and aftermarket sector in the region, and how can industry stakeholders collectively address them?
The main challenges are the rapid technological evolution, the shortage of qualified technicians, and supply chain volatility. We believe the industry can address them through continuous training (Academy), knowledge exchange (Summit), and strong collaboration between all players in the value chain.
14. As we approach the 2026 edition in Mexico City, what key highlights or new elements can participants expect, and why is this a must-attend event for industry leaders?
For 2026 we have the largest edition in our history, with over 34,000 sqm and more than 700 exhibitors. Participants can expect new specialized categories, a stronger International Aftermarket Summit, an expanded Automechanika Academy, and the exciting Innovation4Mobility Award with over $30,000 USD in prizes. It is truly a must-attend event for anyone who wants to stay ahead in the Latin American aftermarket.