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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T134500
DTSTAMP:20261014T194053Z
CREATED:20260427T221715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T194053Z
UID:10000507-1793797200-1793799900@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:ASE 2026 Updates
DESCRIPTION:Matt Shepanek ASE’s VP or Credential Testing Programs will go over the ASE test workshop process and talk about some exciting new inititives in the works.
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/ase-2026-updates-2/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Venetian Ballroom\, AAPEX Stage 2
CATEGORIES:Business Management
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/event-filesAVKWK2yeTbGKgRaiykPK_Shepanek-Headshot.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T140000
DTSTAMP:20261014T193939Z
CREATED:20260427T221315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T193939Z
UID:10000470-1793797200-1793800800@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:AI for Shop Owners: From Curiosity to Competitive Advantage
DESCRIPTION:Short Description (For Registration) \nArtificial Intelligence is rapidly changing how businesses operate\, and independent repair shops are no exception. In this session\, Rick White will demystify AI and show shop owners how to begin using it immediately to improve efficiency\, communication\, and decision-making. Attendees will learn practical ways to use AI tools for everyday shop operations including marketing\, SOP creation\, hiring\, and business analysis. \n Long Description \nArtificial Intelligence is no longer a distant technology reserved for large companies. Today\, shop owners can use AI tools to streamline tasks\, generate ideas\, improve communication\, and gain valuable insights into their business operations. \nHowever\, many owners remain unsure where to start or how these tools actually apply within a repair shop environment. \nIn this session\, Rick White introduces a practical approach to using AI in the automotive repair industry. Attendees will learn what AI is\, how it works\, and how to use it effectively without needing a technical background. \nRick will demonstrate how AI can assist with everyday tasks such as creating SOPs\, developing marketing content\, writing job descriptions\, improving internal communication\, and analyzing financial data. Participants will also learn how to craft effective prompts that produce useful and reliable results. \nBy the end of the session\, shop owners will have a clear understanding of how AI can support their daily operations and help them remain competitive as technology continues to evolve. \n Board Description (Content\, Objectives\, Relevance\, Expertise) \nCourse Objectives \nBy the end of this course\, attendees will be able to: \n• Understand the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and how it applies to small businesses• Identify practical ways AI tools can support daily shop operations• Develop effective prompts that generate useful and accurate results• Use AI to assist with marketing\, hiring\, communication\, and documentation• Evaluate opportunities where AI can improve efficiency and decision-making within their shop \n Why This Course Is Essential \nArtificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries across the economy. Many shop owners are aware of AI but remain uncertain about how it applies to their business or how to begin using it effectively. \nWithout guidance\, owners may either ignore the technology or attempt to use it without a clear understanding of its capabilities and limitations. \nThis course provides a practical introduction to AI tailored specifically to the needs of independent repair shop owners. By learning how AI can support daily operations and decision-making\, shop owners can position themselves to take advantage of emerging technology instead of being left behind by it. \n Course Content \nThis session will explore: \n• What artificial intelligence is and how it works in practical terms• Common misconceptions about AI and its role in business operations• How to create effective prompts that generate valuable results• Practical applications of AI for repair shops including marketing\, SOP creation\, hiring support\, and internal communication• Using AI tools to analyze data and support better business decisions \n Differentiation Factors \nMany discussions about artificial intelligence focus on technical details that are difficult for small business owners to apply in real-world situations. This course translates AI concepts into practical strategies specifically designed for independent automotive repair shops. \nRick’s approach focuses on immediate application rather than theory\, helping attendees understand how AI can support their business today without requiring advanced technical knowledge. \n Instructor Expertise \nRick White is the President of 180BIZ\, a coaching and training company dedicated to helping independent auto repair shop owners build stronger\, more profitable businesses. \nRick works with shop owners across North America on leadership\, operational systems\, marketing strategies\, and financial performance. His practical teaching style helps owners apply new ideas and tools directly within their shops. \n Alignment with Current Industry Needs \nTechnology is evolving rapidly\, and artificial intelligence is beginning to influence many aspects of business operations. Shop owners who understand how to leverage these tools can gain a meaningful advantage in efficiency\, communication\, and decision-making. \nThis course helps independent repair shop owners understand how AI fits into their business environment and provides practical strategies for using these tools responsibly and effectively.
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/ai-for-shop-owners-from-curiosity-to-competitive-advantage/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Venetian Ballroom\, AAPEX Stage 1
CATEGORIES:Business Management
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/event-filesxHBWPbemT2WCSOnBjDs8_Rick-approved-Headshot-300-x-300px.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T142000
DTSTAMP:20261014T194328Z
CREATED:20260811T193856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T194328Z
UID:10000848-1793800800-1793802000@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:Making Sure you Understand the Service Port and Coupler Requirements for Refrigerant Retrofits
DESCRIPTION:Discussion on how the importance of following having the correct Port Adapters for retrofitting refrigerants and why. \nPresented by AirSept\, Inc. Visit them in booth V2235!
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/making-sure-you-understand-the-service-port-and-coupler-requirements-for-refrigerant-retrofits/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Hall A\, AAPEX Stage 3
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20241029_AAPEX_16x9_v1.00_01_07_17.Still007.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T145000
DTSTAMP:20261014T194329Z
CREATED:20260811T193857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T194329Z
UID:10000849-1793802600-1793803800@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:Stock Smarter\, Not Harder: AI-Driven Inventory for Aftermarket Distributors
DESCRIPTION:Aftermarket distributors are stuck between two expensive bets: carry too much safety stock and tie up working capital\, or carry too little and lose revenue to stockouts. Both come down to guesswork\, manual replenishment\, lagged ERP forecasting\, and now tariff-driven supplier lead time swings make it worse. In this session\, we’ll show how Blue Ridge’s adaptive AI forecasting model replaces guesswork with explainable\, signal-driven replenishment recommendations. This is the same approach that drove Lohmiller & Company’s 24% inventory reduction and 11% fill rate improvement. Attendees will leave the session with tools to benchmark their own inventory position. \nPresented by Blue Ridge Global. Visit them in booth V644!
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/stock-smarter-not-harder-ai-driven-inventory-for-aftermarket-distributors/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Hall A\, AAPEX Stage 3
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20241029_AAPEX_16x9_v1.00_01_07_17.Still007.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T153000
DTSTAMP:20261014T193850Z
CREATED:20260427T221256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T193850Z
UID:10000459-1793802600-1793806200@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:Lead from Context\, Not Control – How Burned-Out Owners Can Create a Championship Company
DESCRIPTION:The independent automotive service industry doesn’t suffer from a lack of effort – it suffers from chronic leadership fatigue. Too many owners carry the weight of every problem\, decision and outcome. The unfortunate result is slow growth\, high stress and teams that never fully mature into their potential. \nThis session introduces a powerful leadership shift: moving from control-based management to context-driven leadership. Attendees will learn how elite operators build clarity of purpose\, character and culture – creating environments where people grow\, performance accelerates\, and the owner’s role evolves from operator to strategic leader. \nWho This Session Is For \n\nOwners feeling trapped in daily operations\nKey leaders preparing to scale responsibility\nMulti-location operators building leadership depth\nTeams seeking high-performance alignment\n\nWhat You’ll Walk Away With \n\nA practical framework for leading through purpose and character\nA model for aligning culture with performance expectations\nTechniques for reducing decision bottlenecks\nA new leadership lens designed specifically for NAICS 811111\n\nWhy This Session Is Different \nRather than leadership theory\, this session connects psychology\, identity\, and execution into a system designed for real-world automotive service teams. \nSession Experience \nStrategic storytelling\, interactive reflection and immediately usable leadership frameworks. \nPresented by Michael Herzberg SmithStrategist\, educator and industry futurist – helping independent automotive service companies evolve into high-performance\, investment-ready enterprises. Michael leads The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence’s acclaimed\, industry-transforming Legacy Program. \n 
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/lead-from-context-not-control-how-burned-out-owners-can-create-a-championship-company/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Venetian Ballroom\, AAPEX Stage 1
CATEGORIES:Business Management
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/event-filesOjnbDEamSoWhqpbjtK9p_Michael-H-Smith-headshot.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T144500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T153000
DTSTAMP:20261014T194340Z
CREATED:20260824T193940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T194340Z
UID:10000865-1793803500-1793806200@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:SustainabiliTALK
DESCRIPTION:Join industry leaders and peers for SustainabiliTALK\, exploring the evolving role of sustainability in the automotive aftermarket. This interactive session will highlight emerging perspectives\, encourage the exchange of ideas\, and provide an opportunity to engage with others who are shaping the future of the industry. Whether you’re looking to learn\, connect\, or contribute to the conversation\, SustainabiliTALK offers a forum for meaningful discussion and valuable networking.
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/sustainabilitalk/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Venetian Ballroom\, AAPEX Stage 2
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20241029_AAPEX_16x9_v1.00_01_07_17.Still007.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261104T152000
DTSTAMP:20261014T194329Z
CREATED:20260811T193858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T194329Z
UID:10000850-1793804400-1793805600@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:Aftertreatment Training: How the System Works & Solutions for DEF Pump\, DEF Doser & Sensor Troubleshooting
DESCRIPTION:A 20-minute session covering how diesel aftertreatment systems work\, the unique challenges of diagnosing DEF pumps\, DEF dosers\, and sensors\, and proven solutions for accurate troubleshooting. Designed for technicians\, service professionals\, and distributors who want to stop guessing and start diagnosing systematically. \nPresented by Maxzz Diesel. Visit them in booth V2576!
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/aftertreatment-training-how-the-system-works-solutions-for-def-pump-def-doser-sensor-troubleshooting/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Hall A\, AAPEX Stage 3
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20241029_AAPEX_16x9_v1.00_01_07_17.Still007.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261105T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261105T101500
DTSTAMP:20261014T194054Z
CREATED:20260427T221756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T194054Z
UID:10000508-1793871000-1793873700@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:Why Everything in Your Shop Still Runs Through You (And How to Fix It)
DESCRIPTION:This on-floor session is a fast-paced\, interactive demonstration focused on a common frustration for shop owners and managers: no matter how busy the team is\, everything still seems to run through one person. \nIf you feel like you’re the bottleneck—approving decisions\, solving problems\, answering questions\, and constantly being pulled in different directions—you’re not alone. Many shops struggle with unclear roles\, overlapping responsibilities\, and gaps in accountability that create confusion\, slow production\, and limit growth. \nIn this session\, we will demonstrate—live—how work actually flows through a shop\, where it breaks down\, and why even good people end up creating inefficiencies when structure is unclear. \nUsing volunteers from the audience\, we will build a real-time visual of how responsibilities are currently handled in a typical shop\, then contrast it with a clear\, organized structure that improves communication\, accountability\, and efficiency. \nThis will be a high-energy\, relatable demonstration that highlights common breakdowns in a way that is both entertaining and immediately applicable.
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/why-everything-in-your-shop-still-runs-through-you-and-how-to-fix-it/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Venetian Ballroom\, AAPEX Stage 1
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/event-filesdXC8vc4TS3LYqP3T2tpA_jimmyprofile2024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261105T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261105T113000
DTSTAMP:20261014T193830Z
CREATED:20260427T221110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T193830Z
UID:10000434-1793874600-1793878200@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:Are You Ready to Step up Into Leadership?
DESCRIPTION:Promoting a high-performing employee into a supervisory role is one of the most common — and costly — decisions organizations make. Too often\, individuals are promoted based on technical skill rather than leadership readiness\, resulting in disengaged teams\, poor performance\, and increased turnover. \nIn this practical session\, Jim Schiffler draws on his experience as President and CEO of St. Cloud Industrial Products\, Inc.\, along with insights from his Amazon Best Seller\, “Stepping Up: From Valued Employee to Supervisor\,” to help individuals figure out weather or not they are ready to apply for a supervisory or leadership role.  Jim will share insights applicants must know about themselves\, supervisory roles and the necessary skills required to succeed on the job.   \nAttendees will leave having an understanding of: \n\nmotivation necessary\nMindsets and skill needed\nPersonal & professional lifestyle changes required\nWhat a day in the life of a supervisor looks like.  \n\nValuable information of this nature are seldom shared with individuals appling for leadership roles. 
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/are-you-ready-to-step-up-into-leadership/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Venetian Ballroom\, AAPEX Stage 1
CATEGORIES:Business Management
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/event-filesJokBO3fQoKPstrYlDvkU_IMG_0178-2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261105T114500
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261105T124500
DTSTAMP:20261014T193831Z
CREATED:20260427T221112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T193831Z
UID:10000435-1793879100-1793882700@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:The Owner Trap
DESCRIPTION:Most Independent shop owners don’t struggle because of the economy\, their technicians\, or their market. They struggle because they knowingly built themselves into the center of everything. They “bottle neck” themselves. In this powerful and eye opening session\, attendees will explore “The owner trap” – the leadership pattern that keeps capable\, driven business owners stick at the same revenue level year after year.  \nWhen every major decision runs through the owner.. \nWhen difficult customers are escalated to the owner.. \nWhen Pricing\, hiring\, approvals\, and problem solving all depend on one person… \nDecision fatigue starts\, growth stalls\, and throwing money at it wont solve it.  \nThe session breaks down how owner-dependence forms\, why it feels responsible (if heroic at times) and how it quietly limits scalability. leadership development\, and long term valuation  \nAttendes will learn: \n\nThe warning signs that they have become the bottleneck\nHow owner over-involvement suppresses leadership growth within the team\nThe hidden financial coat of decision congestion\nHow to define decision authority across the organization\nThe role of systems and process in removing owner dependency\nPractical steps to transisiton from “hero” to leader \n\nThrough real world examples from high-performing automotive operations\, this session challenges conventional thinking about control\, delegation\, and leadership in independent repair shops. Particpants will leave with framework to: \n\nReclaim time\nReduce burnout\nIncrease long-term business value\n\nThis is not a conversation about working harder.  \nIts a conversation about building a business that performs at a high- level. Whether the owner is there or not. 
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/the-owner-trap/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Venetian Ballroom\, AAPEX Stage 1
CATEGORIES:Business Management
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/event-filesUURyR5dkRDiTNZvJdd6w_Jimmy-Leigh-Ann-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261105T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261105T134500
DTSTAMP:20261014T194055Z
CREATED:20260427T221758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261014T194055Z
UID:10000504-1793883600-1793886300@www.aapexshow.com
SUMMARY:ASE 2026 Updates
DESCRIPTION:Matt Shepanek ASE’s VP or Credential Testing Programs will go over the ASE test workshop process and talk about some exciting new inititives in the works.
URL:https://www.aapexshow.com/event/ase-2026-updates-3/
LOCATION:The Venetian Expo\, Level 2\, Venetian Ballroom\, AAPEX Stage 2
CATEGORIES:Business Management
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.aapexshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/event-filesAVKWK2yeTbGKgRaiykPK_Shepanek-Headshot.jpg
END:VEVENT
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