Learn More, Earn More at AAPEX

Aug. 1, 2018
The AAPEX Show is right around the corner. Learn about the new features at this year's show, such as the Service Professionals General Session.

Continuing education: Lawyers need it, doctors need it and — perhaps most of all — automotive professionals need it. Advances in the automotive aftermarket industry move fast, and to remain competitive, staying informed is critical.

That’s why AAPEX will be rolling out even more robust educational programs for 2018, with forward-thinking, innovation-focused areas like Let’s Tech, Mobility Garage and AAPEX Technology of Tomorrow supporting the industry-leading curriculum.

Like last year, AAPEXedu sessions will be offered and accredited by the University of the Aftermarket and applicable toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations. Tracks include business management, heating/cooling, import/export, industry trends, paint and body, and the Young Professionals Program, among others. In addition to new courses focused on honing business skills — such as “The Four Cornerstones of Service Operations Success” and “Seven Steps to Winning a Customer and a Sale” — is the timely offering, “Why Should I Work for You?” Experts will demonstrate what top shops are doing to recruit talent and achieve a competitive advantage.

The AAPEXedu Service Professionals Program will include a Service Professionals General Session — a town-hall-style program with new content featuring an industry panel comprised of a shop owner, a technician and an industry trainer. The Service Professionals General Session will return this year on Thursday, November 1, and is free to attend.

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All

The Service Professionals General Session is just one of the ways AAPEX keeps the learning experience fresh and fast paced by offering content in an all-new town hall format. Another is the Let’s Tech Stage, where 20-minute presentations highlight the emerging technologies used in the products, tools and mobile apps that support specific segments of the automotive aftermarket. With topics related to diagnostics, connected cars and more, there’s plenty to help technicians stay ahead of the digital curve.

For an immersive, technology-driven experience, AAPEX Mobility Garage offers two training theaters demonstrating the cutting-edge technology influencing the automotive aftermarket. For event-goers, it’s an opportunity to see next-generation devices in action; for exhibitors, it’s an opportunity to showcase their innovations one-on-one with end users.

At Mobility Garage No. 1, technicians will find underhood training presented by AVI, featuring hands-on, expert-led demos of the latest scan tool technology and the methods required for accurate diagnostics. Each 45-minute session — followed by a 15-minute Q&A session — breaks down how each new system works, giving participants skills that can be applied immediately.

Mobility Garage No. 2, presented by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), focuses on something everyone in the automotive industry should pay close attention to: alternative energy and fuel. Specifically focusing on electric cars, this high-level forum quickly advances a technician’s capacity for working with this growing category.

In addition to the great training available at Mobility Garage, you’ll also be able to try out the products with hands-on demos — including a VR experience, where you can virtually place the parts inside of the car.

The training sessions are open to all AAPEX attendees and run throughout the event in the Bellini and Titian Ballrooms adjacent to the Venetian Ballroom and Level 2 Exhibit Hall.

See It Here First

The opportunity to see groundbreaking new products is one of the main attractions at AAPEX, and 2018 won’t disappoint. Case in point: AAPEX Technology of Tomorrow, a section where attendees can preview products that have yet to hit the market. Some items showcased will be so new that they’re still in prototype stage — i.e. a few years from being released — but all are a great way to see where technology is headed and start preparing for the future.

Of course, there will also be thousands of new products that are available right now on-site, with exhibitors providing demonstrations throughout the event. Attendees can see winners of the New Products and Packaging Awards firsthand — and meet the companies behind them — as they’re honored for their innovation at the Let’s Tech Stage on October 30.

For more information on AAPEX or event registration, visit: aapexshow.com