AAPEX Learning Forum

AAPEX is more than just a market place. We offer an extensive selection of educational sessions, with a variety of topics targeting multiple facets of the industry. The sessions are free to attend to AAPEX attendees and exhibitors.

For more information on the AAPEX Forum CLICK HERE.

Aftermarket Women's Business

The Car Care Council Women’s Board has a fantastic opportunity for retailers, program groups, independent warehouses and manufacturers’ reps to invite and host female shop owners and managers for the first-ever Aftermarket Women’s Business , Nov. 1-3 in Las Vegas, Nev., during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo! As a host, your female shop owners and managers will receive unprecedented educational and networking sessions, focused on empowering the industry’s women to achieve business and professional success.

For more information on attending the Aftermarket Women's Business CLICK HERE.

AIA Events at AAPEX

Our events are a key benefit to membership in AIA, allowing members to meet new business partners, expand their automotive knowledge, and make new contacts and friends that can last a lifetime. AIA Events at AAPEX continue to draw more AIA member and guest participants, as more attendees view the AIA Fabulous Networking Reception, AIA Luncheon/Awards Program and AIA Seminar Series as among the best events at AAPEX.

For more information about AIA Events at AAPEX CLICK HERE.

For a list of AIA Event sponsors CLICK HERE.

AVI Conference: High-end Technical Training in Vegas

AVI and AAPEX have joined forces this year to bring you TWO exciting events at ONE time! AVI will be bringing their world class technical training to AAPEX at Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas!
Get out to Vegas for Industry Week for top notch training and more at AAPEX. All classes will be geared towards the needs of the installer/technicians/shop owners to help them be more efficient with diagnostics.
Join headlining speakers Dave Scaler, John Thornton, Bob Pattengale and more for a dynamite training event right in the heart of industry week! Technicians will be able to take advantage of all the valuable industry events at the same time and place!

The registration cost for attendees will be $395 early sign-up, $450 after October 15th.

For more information, including a schedule of sessions, CLICK HERE.

Car Care Fair to Showcase “Be Car Care Aware” at AAPEX

The Car Care Council is taking the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign directly to where all the key aftermarket industry decision-makers will be – AAPEX in Las Vegas. The Car Care Fair exhibit will showcase the U.S. and Canadian campaigns, as well as provide booth space within the exhibit for groups who are involved in educating consumers about vehicle maintenance on behalf of the industry through their own programs. Staff will be on hand to explain the benefits for companies doing business throughout the distribution channel to be involved in the consumer education campaign. Visitors will get one-on-one demonstrations of how to plan and host Community Car Care Events and free consumer vehicle check-ups during National Car Care Month and throughout the year. A new video about hosting car care events will debut at the exhibit and samples of all campaign promotional and marketing materials available to aftermarket companies will be available. Among the groups who will participate in the exhibit are NASCAR Angels, RepairPal.com, the Alliance to Save Energy, AutoNet TV, the Car Care Council Women's Board and Demandforce. For more information, contact Rich White at 301-654-6664 or e-mail rich.white@aftermarket.org.

Engine Repower Council to Showcase the Engine Rebuild Area at AAPEX

The Engine Repower Council exists to create awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of rebuilt and remanufactured engines to extend vehicle life. The Engine Repower Area at AAPEX will feature live NASCAR engine rebuilds courtesy of the technicians at Hendrick Motorsports. Watch as an engine is built from the ground up at record-breaking speeds of 20 minutes or less. Demonstrations will be conducted twice a day during all three days of the show. Be sure not to miss this exciting event on the show floor!

CLICK HERE to watch one of the engine rebuilds from AAPEX 2010.

New Product and Packaging Showcases

Surveys show that the main reason most buyers attend tradeshows is to find the latest technology and innovative products. CLICK HERE for the 2011 AAPEX Product Extra featuring this year's New Product Showcase entries.

The New Product and Packaging Showcases offer Exhibitors a unique chance to display their new products and packaging. Located in the Upper Lobby of the Sands Expo Center, the Showcases are a main attraction to all those entering the Show.

For the 2011 New Product Showcase Award Winners, CLICK HERE.

For the 2011 New Packaging Showcase Award Winners, CLICK HERE.

Know Your Parts

The Know Your Parts exhibit will highlight the importance of quality parts from full-service aftermarket suppliers and promote the independent automotive aftermarket. The exhibit will include informational material about the Know Your Parts industry awareness and education campaign as well as displays and literature demonstrating the difference between parts from full service suppliers and low cost, low quality parts. Representatives of full service suppliers will be on hand to discuss the Know Your Parts campaign and quality parts. For more information on Know Your Parts, visit www.AASAKnowYourParts.org or contact media@mema.org.

Shop of Tomorrow

Wireless communication with the customer’s vehicle, as well as seamless communication between shop diagnostic equipment and systems – these are not futuristic fantasies. These technologies are available today and will be demonstrated and demystified in the Shop of Tomorrow showcase at AAPEX. The Shop of Tomorrow will be located in the Sands Expo Center.

Live demonstrations will be conducted at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day.

For a 15 minute video about the Shop of Tomorrow CLICK HERE.

Tool and Equipment Lounge sponsored by Professional Tool & Equipment News Magazine

Having the right tools and equipment increases efficiency in the shop. The latest in tool and equipment innovations are awaiting you in the Tool & Equipment Section. And when it’s time for a break, located in the center of the Tool & Equipment section is the Tool and Equipment Lounge sponsored by Professional Tool & Equipment News magazine. You can call the PTEN T&E Lounge home while at AAPEX. Complete with refreshments, the lounge will offer a place to sit to rejuvenate, provide access to the latest information on tools and equipment, keep you entertained with the Carrera Slot Racing Challenge and provide a place to meet one-on-one with manufacturers and colleagues. Professional Tool & Equipment News www.pten.com. Carrera Slot Racing http://www.carrera-toys.com/us

Your State Associations

State trade associations connect small business to national initiatives and connect national companies to aftermarket small business. A panel of national aftermarket business leaders proclaimed that state trade associations are most valuable for the following:

1) Leading government affairs initiatives at the State house and state regulatory level.

2) Supporting national government affairs efforts with grass-roots outreach.

3) Identifying and addressing locally-specific business issues.

To the locally-owned aftermarket small business, your state trade association brings value in other ways, as well:

* Group buying discounts and time-saving referrals for business services including insurance.

* Attracting national resources to support efforts especially in education and marketing.

* Networking and market development at the local level

Together with our national association partners, your state association connects you to the industry network that speaks with a single voice to government and to the public.

Become a member of the state trade associations that serve your markets. Your support will be appreciated and your reward will be a stronger industry.

For the 2011 State Associations Directory CLICK HERE.

Where Did Your Love Affair With Cars Begin?

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is proud to partner with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AIAA) to present “Where the Love Affair Begins” at the 2011 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo! This exhibit is designed to spark fond memories and inspire a bit of playful fun for all attendees. Another goal is to highlight toys and games as an important component of the alternative product categories merchandise mix that AAPEX buyers may wish to consider adding to their inventory.

To learn more about the toys on display in this exhibit CLICK HERE.