Anchoring Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), the Nov 3-5 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) is breaking last year’s record-setting lineup of exhibitors as more than 2,400 manufacturers and suppliers will be showcasing the latest products, services and technologies to some 39,000 targeted and qualified industry buyers landing in Las Vegas from 140 nations.
Co-owned by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), all of AAPEX’s available booth space has been sold out. Organizers of the concurrent Nov. 3-6 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show also are reporting an especially positive response. (Attendance badges are reciprocally valid for both events.)
AAPEX this year will be hosting about 330 first-time exhibitors, and booth operators from more than 30 countries will be represented, including Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Spain and Turkey.
“Although AAPEX does not have a theme each year, the overall theme for this year’s event is AAPEX: Ahead of the Curve,” says Arlene Davis, vice president of meetings and events at the Auto Care Association. “Early in 2015, we launched a major rebranding initiative to clearly convey what AAPEX represents for both exhibitors and buyers in the global automotive aftermarket industry.”
Numerous changes have been implemented as part of the rebranding and transformation process. A re-designed show floor features sections positioned according to parts categories, making it easier for attendees to navigate the aisles and locate specific booths and products.
An all-new logo with a streamlined look and contemporary feel has been created to be in sync with the many technological advances taking place in the industry – plus the design highlights the unique value delivered to industry buyers streaming through the turnstiles.
“While at AAPEX, buyers get to explore the most innovative technologies and solutions, talk in-person to manufacturers from around the world, and gain the tools necessary to stay ahead of the curve,” Davis says.
AAPEXedu, which starts on Monday, Nov. 2, is the educational program. Nearly 50 free sessions will be conducted, many with a dedicated focus on emerging and disruptive technologies to help attendees stay competitive in today’s high-tech and highly sophisticated business environment.
Many topics will be relevant to exhibitors as well as buyers, including “Will You Be Able to Attract the Best Millennials to Your Sales Team,” “Gen Y Decoded,” “Selling in the Age of Disruption,” “How to Profit from Content Marketing” and “How to Put Your Online Marketing Toolbox to Work.”
Sessions will be identified in newly designated tracks, including disruptive technology, vehicle systems technology and operating your business technology. Subjects include 3D Printing, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Telematics, 21st Century Technology Vehicles, Leveraging the Third Platform, Warehouse Robotics, New Safety Technology and Transforming Traditional Aftermarket Supply Chains.
“In addition to the AAPEX General Session presentation by Louis Efron of Tesla Motors, a redesigned show floor, new branding and AAPEX TV, attendees will benefit from more technology in booths than ever before. We’re also adding demonstration areas for emerging technologies to show attendees the potential impact on their businesses,” says Davis.
“We’re launching AAPEX TV, bringing a whole new level of excitement and exposure,” she says. A full news crew will report on various programs and features, airing on televisions in the lobbies of the Sands Expo Center, on the show floor and in guest rooms on its own channel in the Venetian/Pallazo, the Mirage and the Westgate Hotel (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton).
“U.S. exhibitors are taking additional space and are bringing a variety of staff to meet the demands of the AAPEX buyer,” Davis notes. “They have folks who can respond to technical questions, to international buyers and much more. In addition, many of our exhibitors are showing new high-tech tools, parts and much more. Many of them will be showing more about telematics and other challenges facing the industry.”
Under one roof
All of the products on display will be listed and searchable on the www.aapexshow.com website and Mobile App in categories that align with industry standards. “This change will make it easier for attendees to identify what they’d like to see at AAPEX and ensure they have the right tools for the job,” she explains.
“It’s free, easy to download and install, and even easier to use. New this year, exhibitors are listed within product categories that align with industry standards, making it super easy to use the app’s Product Category search to find what you’re looking for at AAPEX.”
Another addition is ExpressEdu, a series of free, short, thought-provoking presentations on concepts, practices and ideas offered to accommodate attendees’ busy schedules.
“We anticipate that AAPEX will once again attract the key buyers and decision-makers – both domestic and international. The key decision-makers come prepared to do business and to learn as much as they can from manufacturers, industry experts and colleagues,” says Davis.
“WDs and retailers can see, touch and compare the latest products, services and technologies at AAPEX, all under one roof. AAPEX provides the opportunity to meet in person with key manufacturers to solidify existing relationships and build new partnerships,” she emphasizes.
“With nearly 800 U.S. manufacturers, of which more than 300 export, AAPEX provides an excellent opportunity for buyers to meet new U.S. export partners to grow their bottom line.”
The event works closely with the U.S. Commercial Service – the export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce – to help support and assist buyers traveling to AAPEX. Many buyers arrive as part of official international buyer delegations led by specialists from the U.S. Commercial Service. When traveling with an official delegation, the specialists help buyers identify exhibitors that export, determine the market potential of product lines, set up appointments with potential suppliers and facilitate in-person meetings.
“All industry segments will benefit by attending AAPEX,” says Davis. “All total, we have approximately 20 different buyer categories. In 2014, we had solid growth in several of our target buyer categories, including independent repair garages, auto parts retailers, warehouse distributors and tool and equipment dealers,” Davis reports.
“Attendees also represent program groups, import specialists, tire dealers, mass merchandisers, franchised and independent dealers, fleets and PBE jobbers. As an added bonus, many industry conferences also will take place during AAPEX, giving buyers the benefit of maximizing their time and money while in Las Vegas.”
Current conferences include the 2015 Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Annual Business and Education Conference, the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Micro Conference, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Fall 2015 General Meeting, the International Heat Transfer Association (NARSA) Annual National Convention, the AVI Training Conference, the Remanufacturing Conference, and the Fixed Ops Magazine Conference and Expo.
Peter MacGillivray, vice president of events and communications at SEMA, encourages attendees to take a closer look at what the Tuesday-Friday, Nov. 3-6 SEMA Show has to offer.
“We’re seeing buyers stay longer and take advantage of every opportunity to connect with exhibitors at the SEMA Show,” he observes. “These are buyers who are focused on getting the most out of the SEMA Show and, in fact, we know that buyers who are at the show for the entire duration tend to be more successful than those who come for just one day.”
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