Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative, Capricorn, recently concluded its annual Gala Dinner and Trade Show events across Australia and New Zealand from September to November. All events were well received, with almost 5,000 Capricorn Members, Preferred Suppliers and guests taking part.
While the focus of each Capricorn Gala Dinner is to connect Members and Preferred Suppliers who are part of the Capricorn network, the events also provide a well-earned, end of year celebration with food, music and lots of fun for all who attend. The tradeshows also provide Capricorn Members with access to the latest offerings from Capricorn Preferred Suppliers with special offers to take advantage of on the night.
Melbourne was the final location and once again the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted the trade show, this year with 76 supplier partners all displaying their latest offerings and showing their support for the hundreds of members who visited throughout the afternoon.
Once again, the Capricorn team was out in force, “working the room” and connecting with exhibitors, Members and guests. In true Capricorn style it was no surprise to find Group CEO David Fraser, CEO Automotive Brad Gannon and Head of Sales Australia Dale Durden all mixing and mingling on the exhibition floor.
The trade show was as busy as ever and again it was clear that everyone was in it together – except of course for the hotly contested Best Booth award, which this year was taken out by Castrol.
Moving into the evening, Tim Gossage, Western Australian television personality was the MC once again and announced that somehow Capricorn had squeezed a few more into the Crown Palladium to eclipse last year’s record attendance.
The formalities began early with Victoria/Tasmania Director, and newly elected Chair, Mark Cooper taking to the stage to outline the performance for the full year ended June 2019. Group CEO David Fraser then took to the stage with a very clear message: “Because our success is your success your success is ours” he delivered a very passionate thank you, recognising the achievement of breaking the $2bn barrier for the first time. Fraser also unveiled Capricorn’s new logo: Stronger with Capricorn, a reflection of the mutually beneficial relationship with Members and Preferred Supplier Partners.
On the entertainment side, the Capricorn Gala Dinners did not disappoint with the hilarious Lawrence Mooney ensuring total hysterics with his stand-up show across Australia, while in New Zealand, outstanding ventriloquist comedian Darren Carr was a major highlight. Live music at each Capricorn Gala Dinner ensured a fantastic finale to a great year went long into the night.
“It has been a real pleasure to catch up with so many Capricorn Members and Preferred Suppliers throughout Australia and New Zealand, to hear more about their businesses and how Capricorn is supporting their continued growth,” said Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer, David Fraser. “The events themselves are a great opportunity for workshops, suppliers and all others involved in the automotive repair industry to come together and make lasting connections. The fact that it’s a great night out with outstanding food and entertainment doesn’t hurt either.”
Once again, Capricorn has delivered for Members with yet another record-breaking year. There was a real sense of community around the room, across both Supplier Partners and Members as they all work towards a common goal. David Fraser and his Automotive CEO, Bradley Gannon, can be justifiably proud of a great year.
Editor: Look out for the full story, the annual results and highlights with lots more pics in the February 2020 issue.