Training and professional development are part of a strong business case for sending employees to tradeshows, like AAPEX 2025.

Among the good reasons to attend AAPEX 2025 is to stay ahead of the curve on trends; here are seven automotive aftermarket trends to watch.

In an opinion piece published by Ward’s Auto, Bill Hanvey, CEO, Auto Care Association, says a key to solving the auto technician shortage is to change the perception of the job, compensation and career prospects.

AAPEX has extended the deadline for its all-new Student Engine Assembly Competition to September 15, 2025. The competition is a timed event where teams of vocational students will race to disassemble and reassemble a Chevy 350 engine.

While many associate the automotive aftermarket with service and repair shops, that’s often the last stop along an intricate and lengthy supply chain. That supply chain includes U.S.-based manufacturers, remanufacturers, distributors, retailers, independent repair shops, technology providers and fleet managers. 

The top reasons attendees say they come to AAPEX are to find new products and innovations (65%); find new suppliers (58%); and maintain existing relationships (54%).

AAPEX attracts a “Who’s Who” list of the aftermarket. Here is a sample of brands registered to exhibit or attend AAPEX 2025 to date.