Expo Red 2022: A network united by modernisation
After a long break due to the pandemic, YPF celebrated the second edition of Expo Red, a trade fair exclusively dedicated for the operators that compose the biggest network of service stations in Argentina. PetrolPlaza had the chance to be at the event to interview exhibitors and attend several of its conferences.
YPF celebrated the second edition of the Expo Red trade fair, a special event for the operators of its network of service stations across Argentina. Over two days, forecourts operators from all over the country were able to meet more than 70 exhibitors and attend a wide range of presentations to improve the service and experience at their forecourts. The event gathered more than 2,000 professionals from the industry at the Arenas Studios venue in Buenos Aires.
The event was held in the context of the oil company’s 100-year anniversary and its Operators Association (AOYPF) tenth anniversary. In contrast to the previous edition, Expo Red 2022 adopted a two-day format that let exhibitors and visitors get the most out of the experience by networking, building new businesses and learning. Throughout the different spaces of the expo, operators were able to learn about the best practices and equipment for all segments of the service station business, from fuel retailing to modern convenience stores.
“We were part of the first Expo Red back in 2019 and we already had a good experience then. This has been a great return. Both the AOYPF and YPF are big clients – the fair has brought us closer with operators. Although we have permanent contact with them, it's easier for us to meet with the more than 500 operators that comprise the association in these kinds of events,” said Pablo Capuano, Commercial Manager for Bertotto Boglione.
Supplier companies at Expo Red 2022 all agreed that the fair had a great atmosphere. Operators from over 20 provinces were at the event to learn more about YPF’s modernisation strategy. Representatives of the firm led conferences to showcase the evolution of its network in line with its “Station of the Future” concept. The company aims to upgrade more than 180 forecourts in the near future and to open the first site of its new "maximum efficiency" concept for stations, seeking to build “the best service station in the world”.
“The largest oil company in the country, and one of the largest in Latin America, has adopted a theme of modernisation and transition in all aspects of the service station business. The expo’s audience is composed of all the main dealers of YPF, which comprises more than 50% of service stations in Argentina, and they are here to look for new ideas and learn about the newest technologies to modernise their forecourts. This is a premium opportunity to show our latest products that fit into the model that YPF is trying to motivate their dealers to adopt,” commented Frank De Poli, Regional Director of ELAFLEX Latin America.
Other firms reflected on the impact of the event on the challenges that exist after the pandemic. Although major optimism was shown regarding the recuperation of the sector after two hard years, some suppliers recognized that there is still a long way to go for getting things back on track.
“The biggest challenge we are facing is stability. Nowadays, long term planning is still difficult and it depends a lot on the movement and projection of the energy business and the socio-economic context. So it's a segment that is constantly moving – its pace being the biggest issue. Our expectations are focused on accompanying our clients the best way possible in this transition,” said Diego Aloe, RS & Service Sale Manager for Gilbarco Veeder-Root Latin America.
Expo Red 2022 was an effective platform to boost relationships between operators and exhibitors – a platform for YPF to explain the new mindset of a fuel retailer. Industry professionals managed to look beyond the pandemic and make new business connections throughout Argentina. As a result, YPF and AOYPF have confirmed that there will be a third edition of the expo on April 19-20 of 2023.
