Independent Garage Annual Conference and Networking Event
Saturday, 18th October 2025
More updates for the next event will follow in the upcoming months
Featuring
Sponsors
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Evening Host
Alexis Conran
A TV Presenter, Times Radio Presenter and Actor, Alexis is best known as the man who identifies, uncovers and helps us to protect our businesses and ourselves against scams. As writer and presenter of the highly acclaimed BBC TV show, The Real Hustle, he is in the rare position of being able to advise and educate even the most-foolhardy on issues surrounding security and risk (in the real and virtual world), and identify the human behaviour, communication skills and confidence tricks that the world’s top scammers rely on to achieve their unscrupulous aims.
An expert in social engineering, Alexis shares insights into information security and how people are psychologically manipulated into performing actions or divulging confidential information. Alexis hosts his own weekend review show on Times Radio and since May 2023 has been hosting his own daytime show on Channel 5.
Event Charity
Special Media Cover
As Mentioned On
2-in-1event
Conference
During the day, there will be a conference where you will hear from industry speakers on how to run your business more productively and efficiently. Also, you will learn about the latest business technology tools to assist in accomplishing the change. The conference includes lunch and non-alcoholic beverages.
Evening Event
In the evening, there will be a 3-course meal where you will have the opportunity to network with other successful garage business owners and key members of staff. It will be an opportunity to discuss what's been learnt during the day and other business-related topics.
Bonus - unofficial pre-event
As always, many attendees arrive at the conference the night before and meet up for a pint. If you are new to the community, this is a fantastic opportunity to break the ice and start networking.
Attendee testimonials
Garage industry event
Created for garage business people
Have a front seat at a one of a kind conference to learn about the latest technology and industry topics which can help implement the best practices into your business.
Who should attend
The event is designed for business owners and senior managers of UK and Ireland based garages. The conference content is largely focused on best business practices, with a wealth of industry expert speakers providing relevant and current topics. There are also announcements and demonstrations of new features coming to Garage Hive, showcasing how the features can assist garages in growing their business and help with their day to day challenges
Community power
Whether you are currently a Garage Hive customer, looking to switch to Garage Hive or even if you happy with your existing GMS but are in the industry and would like to learn from and communicate with like-minded people we welcome all to grow together with the Garage Hive community. It's a one-of-a-kind club full of successful garage owners who want to help other members.
There is no better way to join the community than attending The Blend.
Networking
Build new connections
Influence software development
Meet other garage owners and build connections that can be helpful in all areas of your business.
Meet the Garage Hive team in real life. Discuss your development ideas with the developers. Get expert advice on solving specific problems and unlock the true potential of the most advanced GMS in the market.
Socialise with your peers
Meet your colleagues and friends in a semi-business environment and enjoy socialising.
You said we listened
Your convenience is the key objective
Drop your bags on Friday night and pick them up on Sunday morning.
Both the day conference and evening event for The Blend 2024 will take place in a high-class conference centre attached to a hotel.
Fresh content
We aim to eliminate repeat content as much as possible. That applies to both business topics and the software. We are therefore preparing something special for The Blend 2024.
Breakout Sessions
It's hard to please everybody with the same content, therefore The Blend 2024 will have breakout sessions so that you can choose the content that's more relevant to your needs.
Air-con and ventilation
The venue of The Blend 2024 is brand new and meets the latest standards so that air conditioning and ventilation won't be a problem.
More Garage Hive content
Thanks to the breakout sessions, it will be possible to deliver much more helpful Garage Hive content for those who want it. This will be useful for both the new Garage Hive users and experienced ones.
State of the art venue
You deserve the best and we are proud to present the venue of The Blend 2024. The Eastside Rooms is a brand new conference centre located in the centre of Birmingham. Read more about the venue here.
Hotel
The Aloft Hotel is conveniently connected to the event venue. All you need to do is show up! We have reserved a limited number of rooms at a preferential rate. If they are sold out, you can check if the hotel still has any rooms for the date or find other alternatives.
Address:
4 Woodcock St,
Birmingham
B7 4BL
Other nearby hotels
Hotel Conference Aston
Address:
Aston University, Aston St, Birmingham B4 7ET
3-star hotel
5 minute walk away from the venue
Premier Inn - Birmingham City - Aston Hotel
Address:
Richard Street, Waterlinks House, Aston, Birmingham B7 4AA
3-star hotel
10 minute walk away from the venue
Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (Exchange Square) hotel
Address:
6, Exchange Square, The Priory Queensway, Birmingham B4 6FY
3-star hotel
13 minute walk away from the venue
Clayton Hotel Birmingham
Address:
Clayton Hotel, Albert St, Birmingham B5 5JE
4-star hotel
13 minute walk away from the venue
Aparthotel Birmingham
Address:
St. Chads Queensway, Birmingham B4 6HY
3-star hotel
15 minute walk away from the venue
Holiday Inn Express Birmingham - Snow Hill, an IHG Hotel
Address:
Snow Hill Plaza, St. Chads Queensway, Birmingham B4 6HY
3-star hotel
15 minute walk away from the venue