Once a year the automotive aftermarket comes together in Las Vegas for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in November. It’s a week of new faces, old friends and lots of exciting products. Since there is so much going on during AAIW, it helps to plan ahead. To help you, we’ve put together our annual AAIW preview.
Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo:
One of the most highly anticipated events during this week is the Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX).
Running November 2-5 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, AAPEX is the one of the largest automotive expos in the U.S. and brings in tens of thousands of attendees each year.
This year, AAPEX is expected to feature more than 39,000 targeted buyers and 2,200 automotive aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers showing off their newest products, services and technologies.
For the first time ever, you — the attendee — will get to choose the Best New Product in each of nine categories using the latest scanning technology. The products that receive the most scans will be awarded the Best New Product in their respective category. The categories are: accessories and general merchandise; appearance chemicals and car care; automotive lighting; business tools and services; chemical, lubricant and filter; hard parts; safety; technology; and tools and equipment.
To search for all the exhibitors you want to meet while at AAPEX, go to www.aapexshow.com and click Find Exhibitors & Parts. You can also download the AAPEX app on your iPhone or iPad via Apple’s App Store or on your Android devise via Google Play. Just search “AAPEX 2015,” and it will be the first app you see.
This year, AAPEXedu begins Monday, November 2, and will address the most current issues and challenges in the automotive aftermarket industry, including business, sales management, technical trends and best practices.
There are two program formats: AAPEXedu and ExpressEdu. AAPEXedu sessions are one hour, and ExpressEdu sessions are 30 minutes.
Certain topics being covered include: Maximizing the Value of Your Business: What to Do Before You Buy or Sell a Company, How to Best Connect and Sell to the Millennial Buyer, How to Profit From Content Marketing and Decoding the New Customer Mind.
For more information about the educational sessions, including topics and speakers, visit: www.aapexshow.com and click AAPEXedu.
To register for AAPEX, visit: www.aapexshow.com and click Register. Online attendee registration through Friday, October 16 is $25. Attendee registration by fax or mail through Friday, October 16 is $50. Attendee registration starting Monday, October 19, either online or onsite is $75. If you register online on October 19 or later, you’ll have to pick up your show badges onsite at the Sands Expo.
Once you register, don’t forget to book your hotel, too. Hotel accommodations during AAIW go quickly, so it’s best to hedge your bet and get your room now. Visit www.aapexshow.com and click Discounted Hotels under the Exhibitors tab. As a reminder, Travel Planners is the only official housing company associated with AAPEX.
AAPEX represents the $477 billion global aftermarket auto parts industry and is jointly sponsored by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). For more information, visit: www.aapexshow.com or email: [email protected]
Specialty Equipment Market Association Show:
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. The Las Vegas Convention Center November 3-6 is the only place you can network with 2,300-plus companies in the industry while checking out the latest in automotive products.
More than 130,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries connect at SEMA Show to do business in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets. In 2014, the show attracted more than 60,000 buyers.
Don’t miss the New Products Showcase for recently introduced products. Make sure to set aside at least an hour to take a seat in one of SEMA’s business-building sessions. They are free and hosted by industry experts in fields like online marketing, social media, email marketing, customer service best practices and tools and money saving tips.
For more information, airline discounts codes and special hotel rates visit: www.semashow.com
Global Tire Expo:
The Global Tire Expo is where SEMA and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), team up to specifically serve tire dealers and all segments of the tire industry, including light- medium- and heavy-duty, retreading, recycling and more. Check out new, innovative products and see hands-on technical demonstrations.
Check out educational sessions powered by TIA. Topics will include: New Developments in TPMS and Tool Technology, Using Digital to Your Advantage, Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets, Training More Than Tires, and Aftermarket Wheels and Tires – Right Sale, Right Fit.
For a full list of TIA sponsored educational sessions and schedule, visit: bit.ly/1JMwIg4
One thing is for sure, you won’t have a lack of things to do during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week. Whether you’re going for the first or 20th time, there will be something for you this year in Vegas.
