AAPEX Reports Increase in Number of Independent Repair Garages Registered for 2014 AAIW

Oct. 22, 2014 – As of Oct. 11, the number of independent repair garage owners and managers registered for the 2014 Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) – made up of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) and the SEMA Show – was up nearly 9 percent compared to 2013, underscoring the value it provides to thousands of service professionals. AAPEX is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nev., with AAPEXedu sessions starting on Monday, Nov. 3.

AAPEX co-owners – the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) – attribute the growth in part to the all-new Service Professionals Program set to debut at the 2014 AAPEX. The free program, sponsored by MAHLE Service Solutions, will provide customized AAPEXedu sessions to address service professionals biggest pain points, a Recruiting and Retaining Conference, facilitated roundtable discussions, in-booth auto parts and tool and equipment demonstrations exclusively for service professionals, a new General Session featuring keynote speaker Steve Forbes and the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Fall 2014 General Meeting. The AVI Training Conference also is part of the Service Professionals Program, however, separate registration and a fee are required to participate in the conference.

AAPEX also reports that many AAPEXedu sessions for service professionals are near capacity. Based on registrations thus far, the sessions noticeably hitting the mark with service professionals include: “The Secrets of Social Media Marketing Success,” “How to Build an Online Marketing Machine,” “Brand Building for Your Future,” “Ready, Blame, Fire! Myths and Misses in Marketing,” “Motivating the Millennials” and “The 2015 Aftermarket Outlook.”

AAPEXedu Sessions to Help Distributors Stay Competitive and Retain Employees

Oct. 27, 2014 – The 2014 AAPEXedu will feature five sessions on warehouse distributor (WD) management to help attendees enhance their traditional sales with telematics, stay competitive in e-tailing and grow their businesses. Several additional AAPEXedu sessions will focus on “Talent is Your Greatest Asset” to show attendees how to retain and motivate employees and create a culture of recognition in the workplace.

AAPEXedu sessions are free and start on Monday, Nov. 3, a day before the official start of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). AAPEX is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

The following sessions are designed specifically for WDs:

•  Import Parts Explosion: Are You Taking Your Share?
• Creating a World Class Service Organization
• Distribution in the Age of E-Tailing
• The Telematics Business Model for Warehouse Distributors
• State of the Art Diagnoses for WDs and Manufacturers

Sessions that focus on retaining talent include:

• Beyond the Paycheck: Creating a Culture of Recognition in Your Workplace
• Motivating Millennials: Understanding, Attracting, Motivating and Keeping the Youngest Generation Entering the Workplace
• Performance Excellence: The Employee Factor
• Mastering Personal and Business Networking
• How to be a Culturally-Ready and Culturally-Friendly Employer: Insights into Your Diverse Workforce 
• Coaching the Sale: How to Become the Greatest Sales Manager in the World

The 2014 AAPEXedu will offer 49 sessions, including three new, customized conferences: the Service Professionals Program, sponsored by MAHLE Service Solutions, which will take place throughout AAPEX, the Recruiting and Retaining Program on Nov. 3, and the REMANedu Conference on Nov. 3.

Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, will round out the AAPEXedu program with a keynote address, “The Next Four Years: Navigating the Economy for Business Growth and Success,” during the new, free General Session on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

AAPEX Debuts “Ask Joe” Videos

Oct. 20, 2014 – The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) has debuted a series of “Ask Joe” videos to help attendees prepare for AAPEX and grow their business while at the event. AAPEX is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nev., with AAPEXedu sessions starting on Monday, Nov. 3.


The new videos are: “We’ve Got an App for That!” to encourage attendees to download and use the AAPEX 2014 Mobile App sponsored by ZF Services; “Get a Free Ride on Our AAPEX Shuttle Service” to make sure attendees take advantage of the shuttle service between the Sands Expo Center and most official AAPEX hotels; and “Who’s an AAPEX ‘Ask Joe’” to introduce attendees to customer service attendants who will be on the AAPEX show floor to answer their questions. Attendants will be easily identified by their stripped shirts with “Joe” insignia on the front and “Ask Joe” on the back. AAPEX exhibitor Red Kap produced this year’s shirts.

Two additional videos will spotlight the 2014 AAPEXedu program with its nearly 50 sessions and the all-new Service Professionals Program making its debut at this year’s AAPEX. To watch the new AAPEX videos, visit: vimeo.com/aapex.

In addition to the “Ask Joe” videos and customer service attendants on the show floor, attendees also can get help while at AAPEX by visiting the full-service and self-service stations located throughout AAPEX.

AAPEX 2014 Mobile App Helps Attendees Navigate Show Floor

Oct. 16, 2014 – The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) 2014 Mobile App includes new content and many features to help attendees get ready for the event when on the go and easily navigate the show floor while at AAPEX. AAPEX is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nev., with AAPEXedu sessions starting on Monday, Nov. 3.

The free AAPEX app, sponsored by ZF Services, features a Schedule of the nearly 50 AAPEXedu sessions, an Exhibitors section searchable by exhibitor, product and brand, a Planner to help attendees map out their itineraries, and a My Notes area where attendees can write and email notes about AAPEX. New products included in the 2014 AAPEX Product Showcase also will be included on the app.

While at AAPEX, attendees can use the app’s Walking Map with a Booth Visited feature and an interactive Floorplan with a Locate Me option to orientate themselves on the show floor. The app also features a Shuttle Bus schedule and an extensive Help section with tutorials and frequently asked questions.

“ZF Services is excited to sponsor the AAPEX mobile app this year. We have found the app to be a beneficial tool for all attending,” said Mark Cali, Product Management and Marketing Manager. “The AAPEX mobile app has answers to all event questions at your fingertips.”

The app is available for Android, iPhone, iPad and any other mobile web-ready device. To download the AAPEX Mobile App, visit www.aapexshow.com/app. When downloading the app from iTunes or Google Play, buyers should search “AAPEX 2014.” To watch a short video, “We’ve Got an App for That!” visit: vimeo.com/aapex/app.

AAPEX is expected to feature more than 2,400 exhibitors, 5,000 booths, nearly 50 AAPEXedu sessions and 39,000 targeted buyers. More than 130,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from nearly 125 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX. To register for AAPEX, visit: www.aapexshow.com/register.

AAPEXedu to Spotlight Industry Trends to Help Attendees Boost Profitability

Oct. 14, 2014 – The 2014 AAPEXedu will feature 12 sessions on the latest industry trends to help attendees increase sales, boost profitability and grow their businesses. AAPEXedu sessions are free and start on Monday, Nov. 3, a day before the official start of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). AAPEX is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

The following sessions will cover demographic and economic influences shaping the global aftermarket, projected 2015 automotive product sales performance, the technologies likely to drive aftermarket growth in the coming years and more:

• Will Consumers/Drivers Impact the Aftermarket?
• Trade Expansion in Mexico: Why it’s the Right Time
• 2015 Aftermarket Outlook
• Import Parts Explosion: Are You Taking Your Share?
• Aftermarket Dynamics and the Road Ahead
• Global Supplier Consolidation: Threats and Opportunities for the Aftermarket
• NHTSA Safety and Regulatory Plans: What is Coming Down the Pike
• Distribution in the Age of E-Tailing
• Commercial Vehicle Trends: Where is the U.S. and Canadian Commercial Vehicle Market Headed
• State of the Art Diagnosis for WDs and Manufacturers
• Aftermarket Telematics and the Connected Car
• Five Trends in Five Minutes: Trends Affecting the Aftermarket  

When registering for AAPEX, www.aapexshow.com/register, attendees should select the AAPEXedu sessions they would like to attend as many of the industry trends classes are filling up quickly.

The 2014 AAPEXedu will offer 49 sessions, including three new, customized conferences: the Service Professionals Program, sponsored by MAHLE Service Solutions, which will take place throughout AAPEX, the Recruiting and Retaining Program on Nov. 3, and the REMANedu Conference on Nov. 3. Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, will round out the AAPEXedu program with a keynote address, “The Next Four Years: Navigating the Economy for Business Growth and Success,” during the new, free General Session on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

AAPEX is expected to feature more than 2,400 exhibitors, 5,000 booths, nearly 50 AAPEXedu sessions and 39,000 targeted buyers. More than 130,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from nearly 125 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX.

AAPEX represents the $477 billion global aftermarket auto parts industry, and is jointly sponsored 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, visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com.

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AAPEX Announces Sponsors For New General Session with Keynote Speaker Steve Forbes

Oct. 8, 2014 – Eight companies are the official sponsors of the new, free Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) General Session on Wednesday, Nov. 5, that features a keynote address by Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media. Forbes will discuss, “The Next Four Years: Navigating the Economy for Business Growth and Success,” and will provide insights and strategic advice for attendees to grow their businesses during uncertain times. The General Session will be held from 8 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. in The Venetian Palazzo Ballroom.

The following companies are VIP Experience sponsors of the General Session: Robert Bosch LLC, Booth 5038; UCI FRAM AutoBrands, Booth 1838; and ZF Services LLC, Booth 5061. These exhibitors will enjoy breakfast with Steve Forbes, tickets to a VIP seating area, complimentary copies of Forbes’ new book, Money: How the Destruction of the Dollar Threatens the Global Economy and What We Can Do About it, a VIP book signing and many other sponsorship benefits.

At the Concierge Experience level, the following companies are sponsors: Brake Parts, Inc., Booth 838; Dayco Products LLC, Booth 4026; East Penn Mfg. Co., Inc., Booth 4022; SKF, Booth 4650; and TASCO. Concierge Experience sponsor benefits will include tickets to a reserved seating area, complimentary copies of Forbes’ new book and exclusive entrance to the General Session.

AAPEX is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev., with AAPEXedu sessions starting on Monday, Nov. 3.

The General Session is part of the 2014 AAPEXedu that also will offer 49 sessions, including three new, customized conferences: the Service Professionals Program, sponsored by MAHLE Service Solutions, which will take place throughout AAPEX, the Recruiting and Retaining Program on Nov. 3, and the REMANedu Conference on Nov. 3.

AAPEXedu Marketing, Sales and Branding Sessions to Help Attendees Grow Their Businesses

Oct. 6, 2014 – The 2014 AAPEXedu is offering nine sessions that will focus exclusively on the latest marketing, sales and branding strategies to address attendees’ pain points and help them grow their businesses. AAPEXedu sessions are free and start on Monday, Nov. 3, a day before the official start of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). AAPEX is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

The following sessions will cover how to plan for marketing and sales success, improve brand identity, harness social media to increase sales, turn a website into a money-maker, connect with millennials across the digital ecosystem and more:

• Ready, Blame, Fire! Myths and Misses in Marketing
• Brand Building for Your Future
• The Secret to Social Media Marketing Success
• How to Build an Online Marketing Machine
• Pushing Your Message All the Way Up
• Millennials: Future & Current Aftermarket Customers
• Marketing to Multicultural Customers
• Digital Marketing 101 for Medium and Small Aftermarket Businesses
• Selling the VALUE Nobody Can Compete With

When registering for AAPEX, www.aapexshow.com/register, attendees should select the AAPEXedu sessions they would like to attend as many marketing, sales and branding classes are filling up quickly.

The 2014 AAPEXedu will offer nearly 50 sessions, including three new, customized conferences: the Service Professionals Program, sponsored by MAHLE Service Solutions, which will take place throughout AAPEX, the Recruiting and Retaining Program on Nov. 3, and the REMANedu Conference on Nov. 3. Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, will round out the AAPEXedu program with a keynote address, “The Next Four Years: Navigating the Economy for Business Growth and Success,” during the new, free General Session on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

New Service Professionals Program at AAPEX to Feature Exhibitor Product Demos

Oct. 1, 2014 – The all-new Service Professionals Program at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) will feature auto parts and tool and equipment demonstrations in exhibitors’ booths on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and Thursday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. The demos will give buyers the opportunity to ask questions about exhibitors’ products, see first hand how they work and better understand how the products can help them grow their businesses.

AAPEX is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev., with AAPEXedu sessions starting on Monday, Nov. 3.

To date, the following exhibitors are participating in the AAPEX product demos:

• Alemite, LLC, Booth 1150 • Anglo American Tools, Booth 950
• ATEQ Corporation, Booth 1276 • AutoEnginuity, Booth 1376
• CanDo International Inc., Booth 272 • Coast Products, Booth 561
• Continental Corporation, Booth 2626 • Denso, Booth 2226
• Federal-Mogul Motorsports, Booth 3217 • Flitz International, Booth 655
• King Tony America, Booth 679 • KNIPEX Tools, Booth 1173
• Launch Tech USA, Booth 1255 • Lincoln, an SKF Group Brand, Booth 1458
• MAHLE, Booth 2661 • Redline Detection, Booth 1661
• Robert Bosch LLC, Booth 5038 • STAR EnviroTech, Booth 858
• UView Ultraviolet Systems Inc., Booth 1461 • ZF Services, LLC, Booth 5061

The Tool & Equipment segment of the Auto Care Association; the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA); and Professional Tool and Equipment News (PTEN) are sponsors of the product demos at this year’s AAPEX.

The new, free Service Professionals Program, sponsored by MAHLE Service Solutions, also will feature customized AAPEXedu sessions to address the biggest pain points of shop owners and repair professionals, networking events throughout AAPEX, a Recruiting and Retaining Conference on Nov. 3, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., PST, and an all-new General Session with keynote speaker Steve Forbes on Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 8:50 a.m, PST. The program continues on Nov. 5 with facilitated repair shop roundtable discussions from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., PST,  and the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Fall 2014 General Meeting from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, PST.

The 2014 AVI Training Conference also is part of the Service Professionals Program and will feature more than 20 high-end technical and management classes on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4. Separate registration and a fee are required for the AVI Training Conference, www.aviconference.com.

To learn more about the Service Professionals Program and exhibitor product demos at AAPEX, visit: www.aapexshow.com/EDU. To register for AAPEX, visit: www.aapexshow.com/register.

The 2014 AAPEX is expected to feature more than 2,400 exhibitors, 5,000 booths, nearly 50 AAPEXedu sessions and 39,000 targeted buyers. More than 130,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from nearly 125 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX.

AAPEX represents the $477 billion global aftermarket auto parts industry, and is jointly sponsored by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). For more information, please visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com.