Preventative Automotive Maintenance (PAMA, formerly AOCA) is bringing iFLEX (International Fast Lube Expo) — formerly held within The Car Wash Show — to AAPEX, on Nov. 3-5, at The Venetian Expo and Ceasar’s Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. The move gives members easier access to PAMA’s education, suppliers, technology, and business connections across the automotive aftermarket. 

“I think it's important to say just how impressive AAPEX is as an event,” says Jenn Bochnowski, current president of PAMA. "The scale, energy, and caliber of the experience are incredible. You're surrounded by thousands of people invested in the automotive aftermarket, with an enormous show floor, new products and technology, hands-on demonstrations, education, and opportunities to connect with people from virtually every corner of industry.” 

That excitement is part of what makes the move to AAPEX such a natural fit for PAMA and its members. 

Expanding Industry Connections 

With the quick lube industry expanding into more preventative automotive maintenance services, the move to AAPEX places iFLEX in a stronger aftermarket environment.  

“For us, it really came down to asking where PAMA and our members need to be, not just today, but as the industry continues to evolve,” Bochnowski says.  

Quick lube operators do much more than oil changes; they have become a larger part of the automotive aftermarket. Because of that growth, PAMA saw an opportunity to help its members expand at AAPEX. 

“We saw an opportunity to place our members in an environment with the manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers and industry organizations influencing their businesses' future,” says Bochnowski. 

PAMA understands that its membership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Operator members may be looking for training, technology, new products or solutions to business challenges, while vendor members are looking for meaningful opportunities to connect with operators and decision-makers. Both are an integral part of the larger aftermarket. 

“Our members can have the focused iFLEX experience and connect with their PAMA community and then step outside of that footprint and have the entire aftermarket at their fingertips," Bochnowski says. "That's a tremendous amount of value in one trip.” 

That broader access to the aftermarket is only part of what PAMA hopes members will gain from the move. 

Building Valuable Relationships 

Just as important are the personal connections and conversations that can come from bringing the quick lube community together within a much larger industry event. 

Even on a larger stage, AAPEX remains driven by relationships and meaningful conversations.  

“Conversations are happening everywhere with operators, manufacturers, suppliers, industry leaders, and people genuinely excited about the aftermarket's direction,” Bochnowski says. “I think some of the greatest experiences will come from the conversations we don’t plan for.” 

Hosting iFLEX alongside a large convention gives PAMA’s members much more value to their experience in Las Vegas. 

“There’s tremendous value in putting operators, vendors, industry partners, and other aftermarket professionals in the same place,” Bochnowski says. “You have opportunities to talk with someone facing the same challenge, learn what another operator is doing differently, meet a supplier you haven’t worked with before, or make a connection that turns into a partnership down the road.” 

PAMA wants to facilitate the environment for those meaningful connections, but its members bring it to life. That’s why member participation at the event is so critical. 

Make Industry Week Count 

For first-time Industry Week attendees, Bochnowski encourages involvement. 

“My biggest advice is to participate. Don’t just walk the show floor and go home,” Bochnowski says. “Attend our educational sessions, spend time with our vendor members, network with other operators, and come talk with PAMA leadership.” 

The move to AAPEX not only expands offerings for PAMA members; it also plays into the association’s strategic plans.  

“We want to create a clearer path from being a member to becoming an engaged member, a volunteer, and potentially a future leader in the association,” Bochnowski says. "We want members to know that PAMA is their association. We exist to support and advance the preventative automotive maintenance industry, and we’re at our best when the people doing this work every day are actively part of the conversation.” 

Learn more about the new iFLEX at AAPEX by visiting www.automaintenance.org/page/iFLEX2026.