Vegas cutting hotel deals for AAPEX attendees

Many Las Vegas hotels have reduced their room rates and are offering additional incentives for Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) attendees in light of current economic conditions. AAPEX is Nov. 4-6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.

Executives of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), owners of AAPEX, and SEMA executives met recently with key management of major hotels in Las Vegas to seek support for their respective members and show attendees.

“We do not take for granted the support of our AAPEX exhibitors and buyers especially during these challenging economic times,” says Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “Hopefully our negotiations on their behalf with top Las Vegas hotel executives to ‘sharpen the pencil’ on room rates and other concessions will help ease the pain this year.”

“We are pleased to partner with the Las Vegas hospitality industry to offer AAPEX and AAIW attendees even more ‘bang for their bucks’ during this important week for the automotive aftermarket,” says Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA. “This year, more than ever, AAPEX provides unprecedented ROI. It provides great opportunities for education on industry issues and networking, in addition to the business value of the trade show.”

The following hotels are offering reduced rates and additional incentives:
• Circus Circus: one free buffet dinner and $25 in free casino play
• Excalibur: $131 rate to a tiered rate of $89, $99, $119; $159 rate reduced to $139
• MGM Grand: $25 bar/restaurant credit, 2-for-1 spa pass and 15 percent off spa services
• Signature at MGM: $245 rate for junior suites reduced to $199
• Mirage: Tiered rate of $209 and $239 is now reduced to $209 flat rate and $175 for all arrivals on Sunday, Nov. 2.
• New York New York: two welcome cocktails, 2-for-1 breakfast, $15 off of a spa treatment and 2-for-1 roller coaster ride
• Treasure Island: 15 percent off Mystere tickets
• Palms Place: $245 rate for studio suites reduced to $199
• Las Vegas Hilton: 2-for-1 buffet coupon, 2-for-1 drink in Tempo Lounge and $10 promotional chip in the casino
• Gold Coast: Tiered rate of $88 and $138 is reduced to a tiered rate of $57, $104, $66, $88 and $138.
• Platinum Hotel & Spa: $199 rate reduced to $189
• Palace Station: Rates for courtyard rooms reduced from $94 and $115 to $79 and $99. Tower room rates reduced from $115 and $135 to $99 and $119.
• Flamingo: $155 flat rate reduced to a tiered rate of $90, $130 and $155
• Imperial Plaza: $132 flat rate reduced to a tiered rate of $70 and $132
• All Harrah’s Properties:
Margaritaville: 10 percent discount on total bill at Margaritaville (7-10:30 a.m., limit four guests per check); buy one/get one free Who’s to Blame/Margarita (7a .m. to 2 a.m., one per person); free souvenir in gift shop with purchase of $15 or more; Jubilee: 2-for-1 show ticket

Attendees who have already made hotel reservations for AAPEX may qualify for the new rates, depending on the hotel.

Freeman, the AAPEX convention contractor, is also offering enhanced pricing and value-added packages on show-related production essentials, including improved pricing on shipping and drayage.

For more information, visit www.AAPEXShow.com.