The North East Automotive Expo 2026 takes place on Thursday 24 September at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland, bringing together 100+ exhibitors and 750+ delegates from across the UK automotive supply chain — including OEMs, Tier 1s, SMEs, and technology providers.
CyberNorth members can access NEAA member rates and benefit from direct engagement with one of the UK’s most advanced automotive regions.
Panels
If a JLR incident happened in your business, could you survive?
As manufacturing becomes increasingly connected, cyber security is no longer just an IT issue. It is a business-critical challenge that affects every part of the supply chain. From ransomware attacks and data breaches to vulnerabilities within supplier networks, manufacturers of all sizes face growing threats that can disrupt operations, damage customer trust and impact competitiveness.
Delivered in partnership with CyberNorth, NEAA member organisations and wider stakeholders, this panel session will bring together industry experts, manufacturers and cyber security specialists to explore the evolving threat landscape and discuss practical strategies for building a more resilient supply chain. It will be opened by Martin Kendall, Managing Director at LOGISTEED UK, who will set the scene and share details of a cyber threat that took place within their business and how they were positioned to react.
Panel Chair
- Thea Scott, Director, CyberNorth
Panellists
- Martin Kendall, Managing Director, LOGISTEED UK Limited
- Ian Loughlin, Head of Technology and Digital Transformation, LOGISTEED UK Limited
- Craig Pratt, Director, CMYK | Business Technology
- Lloyd Bonson, Head of Manufacturing, Waterstons
- Craig Hester, Head of Operations, Net-Defence
- Representative from Nissan
- Representative from CGI
Why attend or exhibit
- Showcase cyber capabilities to a high‑value automotive audience
- Connect with decision‑makers, buyers, and supply‑chain leads
- Generate new commercial opportunities
- Position your organisation alongside leading automotive brands
- Share expertise through sector‑focused conversations and panels
CyberNorth Member exhibition rates
- 3x1m stand: £900 + VAT
- 3x2m / 6x1m stand: £1,700 + VAT (NEAA member rate)
- Delegate attendance: Free for CyberNorth members
- Technology Showcase: Space still available
What’s happening in 2026
- Meet the Buyer programme: Structured engagement with OEMs and Tier 1s
- Technology Showcase: Innovations shaping the future of mobility
- Main Stage presentations: Including Nissan keynote, diversification panel, and a cyber security panel featuring CyberNorth
- Extensive networking: Connect with peers, partners, and customers across the supply chain
If you’re exploring opportunities in the automotive sector or looking to expand your reach, this Expo offers a strong route to market.