20 November 2008

The Global Automotive Aftermarket Meets at AAPEX

by Shirley Brown
sgbrown@xplornet.com

Where do professionals in the automotive aftermarket go to see the latest new products, learn about industry trends, and network with top executives and colleagues from around the globe? The resounding answer is AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo.

This year, AAPEX will be held November 4 to November 6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be co-located with the SEMA Show, which is being held the same week at the Las Vegas Convention Center. As the world’s largest business-to-business event for the $295 billion global automotive aftermarket industry, AAPEX will most likely have 2,000-plus exhibitors and nearly 5,000 booths by show time in November.

Replacement parts
Every brand of replacement part will be at AAPEX—suspension and front-end products, engines, engine parts and fabricators, paint and body products, heat transfer and mobile air conditioning products and parts, and leading suppliers of chemicals and lubricants. Also on display will be the latest tools, diagnostic equipment and software in a comprehensive Tool and Equipment section. Again this year, there will be a “Greenway”—a section that will highlight environmentally- friendly products and services for the automotive aftermarket. In addition, the New Product and New Packaging showcases will display more than 400 of the latest product innovations and packaging
trends that will be on WD and jobber shelves and service centres in 2009.

Information for buyers
Buyers are encouraged to visit the AAPEX more about products and exhibitors at this year’s event. The site includes an exhibitor list that is searchable by product category or by exhibitor, and an interactive fl oor plan showing the location of exhibitors. It is also recommended that buyers use the AAPEX online matchmaking tool, ‘Netzone,’ to connect with exhibitors before the show even starts. Netzone lets buyers build a list of exhibitors they want to see based on a search criteria, plus provides a customized floor plan of target exhibitors, and schedules and confirms appointments with exhibitors.

In addition to the products and services at AAPEX, the networking opportunities during the event are unmatched with buyers from virtually every industry segment, including manufacturers, wholesalers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, independent service providers, technicians, parts stores, manufacturers’ reps, exporters, importers, and packagers. AAPEX also draws a strong and growing international audience of buyers from 150-plus countries, and is certifi ed as part of the U.S. Department of Commerce International Buyer Program.

Buyers and distributors
“No other trade event or trade show offers as many qualified buyers and distributors from all segments of the automotive aftermarket,” says Bill Glasgow, Sr., AAPEX show manager. “Our loyal attendees know that a visit to AAPEX gives them a good view of the global aftermarket and its many domestic and international players, all packed into three days.” An AAPEX educational program rounds out the event with approximately 15 sessions that deliver critical data and information to help buyers succeed in the global automotive aftermarket.

Registering online
Buyer registration is open on the AAPEX Web site. Buyers who have previously attended AAPEX can use their Alumni numbers to expedite the registration process and receive show credentials in the mail prior to AAPEX. AAPEX is jointly sponsored by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). For more information, visit www.AAPEXShow.com.