Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Steve Forbes Tells 1,200 AAPEX Attendees: Aftermarket Can Impact Change

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Dec. 2, 2014 – During his keynote address at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, connected with attendees as he spoke of a new business-friendly environment for the aftermarket due to recent election results. Forbes delivered his address to more than 1,200 attendees during the all-new, free AAPEX General Session on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at The Venetian, Palazzo Ballroom, in Las Vegas.

During his address, “The Next Four Years: Navigating the Economy for Business Growth and Success,” Forbes shared his thoughts and wisdom about the economy, monetary policy and health care reform.

He told attendees that as a result of the recent elections on Nov. 4, the newly elected Republican majority in the U.S. Congress will be able to affect real change, including meaningful reform to the U.S. tax structure.

“In this new business-friendly environment, the aftermarket and other manufacturers also can have a great impact on legislative and regulatory reform,” said Forbes.

The message he conveyed throughout his keynote address was that positive things will happen when there is the realization of the need for a different approach.

A former presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000, Forbes continues to lead the most successful business news magazine in America. Throughout his tenure, his keen ability to provide economic insights on the big issues of the day has been trusted by business leaders around the world. He also is the author of a new book, Money: How the Destruction of the Dollar Threatens the Global Economy and What We Can Do About it.

VIP Experience sponsors of the AAPEX General Session were: Robert Bosch LLC; UCI FRAM AutoBrands; and ZF Services LLC. These exhibitors enjoyed breakfast with Steve Forbes, tickets to a VIP seating area, complimentary copies of Forbes’ new book, a VIP book signing and many other sponsorship benefits. 

Concierge Experience sponsors were: Brake Parts Inc; Dayco Products LLC; East Penn Mfg. Co., Inc.; SKF; and TASCO. Concierge Experience sponsor benefits included tickets to a reserved seating area, complimentary copies of Forbes’ new book and exclusive entrance to the General Session.

AAPEX was held Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev. The event featured approximately 2,400 exhibitors, 5,000 booths and nearly 50 AAPEXedu sessions.

AAPEX 2015 dates are Education: Monday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 5; Exhibits: Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Nov. 5, at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nev.


AAPEX represents the $477 billion global aftermarket auto parts industry, and is co-owned by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). For more information, please visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com.