The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2026 is turning up the heat this June as the hugely popular Hot Wings Challenge makes its return – bringing bold opinions, brave panellists and seriously spicy wings to the show floor.

First made popular at Automechanika Birmingham 2025, the Hot Wings Challenge is a fiery twist on the traditional panel debate. As the wings get hotter, so do the questions, pushing industry leaders out of their comfort zones and into refreshingly honest territory.

This year’s line-up promises no shortage of insight or personality, the panel will feature Tina Drayson, Operations Director at CCM Garages, Gary Wood, Managing Director at Intelligent Auto, Jenny Price, Director at James Price Garage and influencer Jordan Kendal of JLK Vehicle Technicians, aka The Norfolk Tech.

Guiding the discussion (and keeping the wings coming) will be moderator Mark Field, IAAF Chief Executive.

Audiences can expect unfiltered insights, quick-fire reactions and plenty of laughs as panellists tackle progressively hotter wings with every round. Opinionated, unpredictable and impossible to fake, the Hot Wings Challenge strips back rehearsed soundbites in favour of real talk about the challenges, opportunities and future of the sector.

Guaranteed to be one of the most talked-about sessions of the show, the Hot Wings Challenge is a must-see for anyone who likes their industry debate with a serious kick. The panel will take place on Thursday 4^th June at 2pm at the Business Management Theatre.

The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event takes place on 3^rd and 4^th June at the NEC, Birmingham – registration is open now and free for trade visitors, you can secure your ticket here.

This is a must-attend event for independent garages, workshops, repairers and bodyshop professionals looking to stay ahead in a fast-moving industry. From evolving vehicle technology and the latest tools to new techniques and industry insights, the event focuses on the practical tools, training and knowledge workshops need right now.

Visitors can look forward to hands-on access to the latest diagnostic equipment, workshop tools, parts, technical training and business support, alongside networking opportunities, live demonstrations and expert-led sessions tackling the biggest challenges facing garages today – including electrification, ADAS, diagnostics and workshop efficiency.

A strong line-up of exhibitors have already signed up to the event, this includes Autel, Bosch, Delphi, GS Yuasa, Hella, LKQ Euro Car Parts, MAHLE, NAPA Auto Parts and Think Car.

Joanne Knowles, Event Director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, commented: “The Hot Wings Challenge was one of the standout moments at Automechanika Birmingham, and we’re excited to bring it to the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event this June.

“It breaks away from the usual panel format and gets people talking – not just on stage, but long after the session ends. It’s honest, entertaining and shines a light on the real conversations happening across the industry right now. Our audience can expect plenty of laughs, a bit of discomfort and some genuinely insightful debate.”

For a free ticket to the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 2026, visit here.