Attendees from all over the world will be convening in Las Vegas for this year’s Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW).
The Nov. 1-3 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) and the Nov. 1-4 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show – your ticket is good for admission to both events – will additionally be anchoring numerous international corporate meetings and organizational conventions designed to deliver the latest in learning along with offering networking opportunities on a global scale.
Widely known as the “eye candy” element of AAIW for its emphasis on custom cars, parts and accessories, the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center will also be providing attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events and networking.
Last year’s event attracted more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers perusing displays segmented into 12 sections; the new products showcase highlighted more than 2,500 recently rolled-out components.
Face-to-face discussions
Jointly produced by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, SEMA and AAPEX are gearing up to host more than 2,200 exhibitors and 45,000 targeted buyers among the 160,000-plus attendees from more than 140 nations who are expected to file through the turnstiles.
“While at AAPEX, international buyers can connect with U.S. exhibitors that export and want to connect with new business partners,” says Michael Barratt, the Auto Care Association’s senior vice president of meetings and events.
“AAPEX works closely with specialists from the U.S. Commercial Service, the export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce, to assist international buyers attending the event. In 2015, specialists led 26 official buying delegations to AAPEX. New services are planned for 2016, which will add even more value to international buyers’ AAPEX experience in 2016.”
“All aftermarket channel partners – service professionals, distributors, retailers and manufacturers – benefit from the opportunities for face-to-face discussions and the education that AAPEX provides,” according to Chris Gardner, AASA’s vice president of programs and member services.
“Manufacturers can display their latest products and showcase their advanced technology. Service professionals benefit from live demonstrations of new products. Distributors and retailers alike gain from meeting with suppliers both old and new,” Gardner says. “All aftermarket channel partners can select from the free AAPEXedu sessions and Let’s Tech discussions to expand industry knowledge and develop strategies to advance their business.”
The educational offerings have been enhanced with a focus on technology for the entire segment and increased training opportunities for service professionals.
“AAPEXedu has been updated to include a technology track to examine the impact of technology on the industry and prepare aftermarket professionals to take advantage of new opportunities. New for 2016 is the Let’s Tech, program, which will allow AAPEX participants to learn more about new technology in quick presentations of 20 minutes or less throughout the show,” Barratt says.
AAPEXedu’s technician training includes the return of the Service Professionals program and the concurrent Audio-Video Inc. (AVI) Conference.
Savvy managers
“New for 2016,” says Gardner, “AAPEX has partnered with the Automotive Service Association (ASA) to promote and support ASA’s Regional Management and Technical Training programs, one of which will be held during AAPEX with a specific focus on management education. This partnership ensures that the independent repair community will access a tremendous amount of value in the training we are offering.”
“AAPEXedu features sessions designed to aid aftermarket business owners in advancing their companies’ success,” Barratt points out. The schedule includes tracks devoted to management, profitability, sales, marketing and customer service.
“In addition, AAPEX attracts the top aftermarket industry executives, industry analysts and thought leaders. Owners and managers have myriad opportunities during the week to network with these leaders and peers in the aftermarket to learn best practices and problem solving,” he says.
“Savvy managers will bring their up-and-coming staff members to AAPEX. The event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for aftermarket newcomers to experience the full scope of the industry in one location during one week,” says Barratt. “They can meet and network with peers, benefit from the experience and insights of industry leaders, and expand their industry knowledge and value to the company.”
“We are excited about the Let’s Tech sessions, a new way of delivering valuable information and training quickly,” Gardner notes. “These sessions will be useful dialogue starters between buyers and exhibitors about new technologies impacting the aftermarket.”
“Education of the next generation of technicians and automotive professionals is important to the future of the automotive industry both in the west and across the United States,” says Selwyn Joffe, chairman, president and CEO of Motorcar Parts of America, sponsor of a gala dinner being presented by the California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA), which represents aftermarket manufacturers, jobbers, warehouse distributors and retailers in California, Nevada and Arizona.
Motorcar Parts of America has production facilities located in California, Mexico, Malaysia and China, augmented by administrative offices in California, Tennessee, Mexico, Singapore and Malaysia.
With members arriving from 34 countries, the National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA) is among the many organizations conducting annual side-conventions in conjunction with AAPEX. A full plate of activities includes a NARSA awards breakfast, a golf tournament and a special Cooling System Appreciation Reception.
Another AAPEX-affiliated event is the Remanufacturing Conference presented by the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and Auto Care Association, which will address the challenges and opportunities ahead for the remanufacturing industry.
The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association’s (AWDA) 69th Annual Business and Education Conference offers an array of one-on-one business meetings between manufacturers and distributors.
As part of the Auto Care Association, the Import Vehicle Community will be reaching out to its membership, as will the Car Care Council Women’s Board and YANG, the Young Auto Care Network Group.
Might be making news
Given the approaching Nov. 8 Presidential election, the Nov. 2 AAPEX General Session is likely to generate interest as four-star Gen. Michael Hayden (Ret.) delivers a keynote address.
A former director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA), Hayden has been making headlines by joining other traditionally nonpartisan government officials in harshly questioning Donald Trump’s fitness to serve as commander-in-chief.
Not exactly enamored of Hillary Clinton either, Hayden has been controversial in telling media outlets that he may not be casting a ballot in the presidential race.
His public comments and concerns regarding Trump have been especially hard-hitting: “I can argue about this position or that position – I do that with the current president,” said Hayden in a widely disseminated television interview. “But he’s inconsistent. And when you’re the head of a global super power, inconsistency, unpredictability – those are dangerous things. They frighten your friends and they tempt your enemies.”
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