AAPEX - Where the automotive aftermarket meets!

The first week in November is when the automotive aftermarket descends to Las Vegas for the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) at the Sands Expo Center.

Known in some circles as SEMA’s older brother, AAPEX, which is not open to the general public, helps auto part retailers find potential new products and services to sell to us Regular Joes.

While the convention may not have a tricked-out C-10 or a slick Dodge Ram on airbags on display like its SEMA counterpart, AAPEX is where all the industry’s heavy-hitters and decision makers play. Manufacturers and suppliers (new & remanufactured replacement parts, service and installation, etc.) from around the world will represent the nearly half of trillion dollar automotive aftermarket sphere.

Basically, this is the place where you’ll see “need” parts rather than the “want.” In addition, you would expect to see some major players here (Bosch, Goodyear, ACDelco), and some celebrities like racing star Danica Patrick and various NASCAR drivers.

The product expo also serves as a learning experience. AAPEX’s education seminars cover a variety of topics such as current aftermarket industry trends and best practices.

Combined, the SEMA and AAPEX shows are the one biggest conventions of the year in Sin City with other satellite events held throughout the Vegas strip.

AAPEX – Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, NV – November 3-5