AIA Canada Night returns to AAPEX, providing Canadian aftermarket leaders a space for meaningful conversations and networking 

LAS VEGAS – July 14, 2026 – The AAPEX Show packs a lot of events over a four-day period: keynote talks, sessions, training, a student competition, and a whole bunch of networking events. 

The best way to get the most out of the show is to arrive with a plan for the events you want to attend and the exhibitors you want to meet. With such a wide variety of options, the experience can feel a little overwhelming, especially for first-time showgoers, so having a plan will help you make the most of your time. 

As such, we’re aiming to help visitors refine their plans by highlighting some key events in the AAPEX blog leading up to the show. To that end, we caught up with Emily Reed, a content and media specialist with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), for a Q&A on AIA Canada Night at AAPEX.

Q1: What is AIA Canada Night at AAPEX?

ER: “Canada Night is the AIA Canada’s premier networking event and is held annually in Las Vegas during AAPEX and SEMA. It brings together professionals from across the Canadian auto care and aftermarket supply chain – including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, service providers, suppliers, and industry partners – for an evening focused on building relationships and strengthening industry connections. It has become one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year and has been an AIA Canada tradition for more than 50 years.”

Q2: How did the idea for this event come about?

ER: “Canada Night began more than five decades ago when a small group of Canadian automotive aftermarket suppliers attending AAPEX in Las Vegas decided to gather informally with their Canadian customers. Over time, those casual meetups evolved into a signature industry event, with AIA Canada taking on the organization and stewardship of what is now one of the Canadian aftermarket’s most important networking traditions.”

Q3 Who should consider attending and why?

ER: “Anyone working in the Canadian auto care and aftermarket sector should consider attending. The event is designed for industry professionals and companies that have a presence in Canada or serve the Canadian market. It offers a unique opportunity to meet key decision-makers, connect with customers and suppliers, strengthen existing relationships, and develop new business opportunities – all in one place during the industry’s busiest week. Many attendees describe it as one of the best opportunities to network with peers from across the Canadian aftermarket.”

Q4: What makes AIA Canada Night special?

ER: “What makes Canada Night special is that it brings the Canadian aftermarket community together outside the trade show environment. While AAPEX and SEMA are busy with meetings and exhibits, Canada Night creates a dedicated space for meaningful conversations and relationship-building. The event consistently attracts leaders from across the industry, making it an excellent opportunity for both seasoned professionals and those newer to the sector who want to expand their network and visibility within the Canadian market.” 

Q5: Where can people register?

ER: “Registration is available through the Canada Night event page on the AIA Canada website. Single tickets can be purchased online and corporate packages (with tickets ranging from 4-10) are available for companies looking to bring teams or host clients and partners. The event listing, with the registration link and full pricing, can be found here.”

AIA Canada Night will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (local time) at the HaSalon at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

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AAPEX 2026 will be held from Nov. 3–5, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at The Venetian Expo & AAPEX Forum. See the exhibitor prospectus for exhibiting details. Complimentary passes are available to the media; email: [email protected].

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