It’s about that time again, when we all get together to see the newest technology there is to offer at AAPEX/SEMA this November. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) will take place from November 1-4 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centers in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a first time attendee or a veteran on the scene, you’re sure to be delighted.
AAPEX
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) continues to draw crowds year after year with suppliers showing off their newest technology and displaying the most innovative products in the industry.
This year, AAPEX will feature over 2,200 automotive aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers with an expected 44,000 targeted buyers. The AAPEX exhibits are open November 1-3 from 9 am to 5 pm. New products are the No. 1 reason buyers attend shows, so be sure to stop by the New Products and Packaging Showcase to see which products are making their debut this year. There are already a few celebrity appearances slated for the show. On Tuesday, November 2, you can see artist Guliano Zuccato, Richard Rawlings from “Fast N’ Loud” and singer-songwriter Sarah Burgess.
This show will also feature more than 60 education sessions to keep attendees up-to-date on what’s going on in the automotive industry. AAPEXedu sessions will be held in the Venetian, Marco Polo Rooms. They are free of charge and open to anyone interested in the latest news and challenges taking place in the market. There will be great networking opportunities throughout the week and even more opportunities to boost your business.
Stay connected with the 2016 AAPEX app that will keep you up to date on what’s happening throughout the week.
For more information, visit: www.apexshow.com
SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is estimated to be the biggest one yet. This year, it will feature more than 2,500 products and 2,400 exhibitors, which are sure to keep all attendees very busy. This event is the super bowl of the auto industry, with incredible opportunities to see cutting-edge technology on display and in action.
The exhibition floor will be open at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Westgate Exhibit locations November 1-4 from 9 am to 5 pm. The New Products Showcase will be open November 1-3 from 8 am to 6 pm and November 4 from 8 am to 3 pm. Attendees definitely don’t want to miss a new and featured event this year, which is the SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition on November 4. This special event will allow car customizers to take extraordinary machines and make then even better.
As the largest automotive aftermarket trade show in the world, SEMA also attracts industry icons and celebrities. This year, those in attendance can see racecar drivers Danica Patrick, Jeff Gordon, Tanner Foust and Mario Andretti. Other celebrity appearances include “Duck Dynasty’s” Willie Robertson, “American Idol’s” Taylor Hicks and many more. Keep your camera close by for this event and check the SEMA website for a complete list of celebrity appearances.
For more information on tickets, discounts and travel arrangements visit: www.semashow.com
Global Tire Expo
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) and SEMA have teamed up once again to provide a tire exhibition and conference that serves the unique needs of the tire dealers and the tire business community, targeted to all segments of the tire industry, including light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty, retreading, recycling and more.
Product categories you’ll find here are tires for passenger cars, trucks and off-the-road equipment, recyclers, retreaders, suppliers and affiliated organizations.
At educational sessions, attendees will hear experts discuss topics like “The Facts About Torqueing Wheels,” “TIA’s 2016 Legislative Review,” “Tire Dealers Successful Secrets” and much more. If you’re in the tire industry or have considered adding this service to your business, you don’t want to miss this.
For a full list of TIA-sponsored educational sessions and a schedule, visit: www.tireindustry.org/global-tire-expo-2016-tia-educational-sessions
Las Vegas
Another reason AAIW is so exhilarating is Las Vegas’s constantly changing attractions. New additions are popping up everywhere, whether it’s new restaurants, hotels or shows, you’re sure to find something new each time you go.
New attractions include the Las Vegas Arena, which will be featuring the Professional Bull Riders Finals Week during AAIW. Treasure Island has opened attractions based on Marvel Comic’s “The Avengers” and Hasbro’s “Transformers.” Visitors can operate Iron Man’s suit and even challenge Captain America. Speed Vegas has a special 100-acre speed complex. You can drive your dream car on the racetrack, whether you prefer the speed of a Ferrari 458 Italia, a Lamborghini Huracan or the American muscle of a Shelby GT.
If it’s nightlife that draws you in, Intrigue at Wynn is a new club featuring year-round views of the venue’s waterfall and pyrotechnics show. Jewel at Aria is also a breath of fresh air with a multi-level luxurious, modern feel. Budweiser Beer Park at Paris is a wonderland of outdoor grilling with spectacular views while visitors choose from more than 100 beer selections.
Of course, Las Vegas is known for its entertaining shows that cycle through. A few acts taking the stage during the first week of November include The Righteous Brothers, Santana and Carrot Top. If you’re interested in cuisine, there are a number of new restaurants including Wahlburgers, Sugar Factory American Brasserie, Eggslut and El Burro Borracho, Guy Fieri’s second Las Vegas restaurant.
With so many options to fill the agenda, AAIW is sure to be a success. We can’t wait to see you there.
