Become a Career showcase exhibitor

Student Automotive Innovation Challenge 

The 2026 Student Automotive Innovation Challenge (formerly known as Student Aftermarket Day)  returns to Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada in Barrie, Ontario, bringing together students, educators, and automotive aftermarket professionals for an engaging day of learning, innovation, and career exploration.

Developing the next generation of talent is essential to the future of Canada’s automotive aftermarket. This event provides a unique opportunity for employers to connect directly with students studying sales, marketing, business, and other automotive-related programs who are exploring careers in the industry. 

Presented in partnership with AIA Canada and the Young Professionals in the Auto Care (YPA) Committee, the event features: 

  • Student Innovation Challenge presentations 
  • Industry panel discussion 
  • Mentor networking opportunities 
  • Career Showcase 
  • Networking with industry leaders, educators, and future professionals 

Career Showcase

The Career Showcase is the premier opportunity for companies to introduce students to the diverse career paths available within the automotive aftermarket. 

As an exhibitor, you will have the opportunity to: 

  • Showcase your company, products, and culture 
  • Promote internships, co-op placements, and career opportunities 
  • Connect with highly engaged students and emerging talent 
  • Build your employer brand with the next generation of industry professionals 
  • Network with educators and other automotive industry leaders 

Exhibitor registration is open to companies across the mechanical and collision sectors of the Canadian auto care industry.

Career showcase exhibitor information 

Exhibitor fees 

  • Member and IEN: $225 + HST 
  • Non-Member: $300 + HST 
  • 2026 AIA Canada Maple Leaf and Gold Sponsors: Complimentary 

Your exhibitor package includes 

As a Career Showcase exhibitor, you will receive: 

  • One (1) 6-foot draped exhibit table 
  • Two (2) chairs 
  • Lunch and refreshments for up to two (2) representatives 
  • Two (2) complimentary parking passes 
  • Full access to the conference and networking opportunities with students, educators, and automotive industry professionals 

Reserve your space

Space is limited and exhibitor booths are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 

Application deadline: August 31, 2026, or until all exhibitor spaces are sold out. 

Event details 

Date: November 18, 2026 

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Location:
Georgian College
Automotive Business School of Canada
Building N
1 Georgian Drive
Barrie, ON L4M 3X9 

Questions?

Contact the AIA Canada Events team at events@aiacanada.com.

Apply now

Park N Fly Benefits

How the program works

  • Members select their departure city from the drop-down menu
    1. Choose Valet or Self-Park where applicable
    2. Enter their outbound and return dates
    3. Click find your rate
    4. The rates will automatically load
    5. Print a copy of the coupon
  • When exiting the lot
    1. Scan the printed Park’N Fly coupon at the Self-Park pay station
  • If members are using a Valet location
    • Hand a copy of the printed voucher to the agent at check-out or give them the discount code 1120313 once the code is entered by the agent the rate will automatically append to the AIA Canada rate program.
  • Discount Code 1120313
  • At check out members simply scan their pre-printed coupon the Valet or Self-Park pay station
  • When exiting the lot
    • Select form of payment
      1. Credit card
      2. Debit card
    • If they have any difficulties simply
      1. Manually enter 1120313 at the pay station and the rate will be applied
    • Scan the Park’N Fly ticket