It was an action-packed week in Las Vegas for Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week, highlighted by AAPEX and SEMA.
For those who couldn’t make it or take in everything, here’s a recap of what went down.
AAPEX kicked off unofficially on November 4 with a welcome reception. It served as a way to get some networking in before the doors opened the next morning. It was well attended, filling up the second floor lobby of the Sands Expo at the Venetian.
The next morning was the annual opening breakfast. As usual, Bill Hanvey of Auto Care Association and Paul McCarthy of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers — both organizations co-own AAPEX — welcomed attendees and touched on various issues hitting the auto care industry. They pushed again on the right to repair issue and the challenges ahead, especially as U.S. efforts hit a roadblock as the REPAIR Act failed to move forward at the federal level. They emphasized the need for industry-wide engagement to create a groundswell of action.
Then NFL broadcaster Erin Andrews took to the stage for a fireside-style chat to discuss her career and being a woman in a male-dominated field. She then hosted a panel discussion with Ashlee Arnold, vice president, Arnold Oil Company, Brad Beckham, CEO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Randy Breaux, group president, GPC North America, Philip Daniele, president and CEO, AutoZone and Shane O’Kelly, president and CEO, Advance Auto Parts.
The discussion touched on various topics affecting the automotive aftermarket, ranging from dealing with change, customer expectations and finding success.
Then show doors opened and the floor of the Sands Expo flooded with thousands of attendees.
The event had two general sessions. One was by Todd Campau from S&P Global Mobility. He highlighted issues from dealer inventory levels — which are now higher than maybe they want them to be — to purchasing habits to electrification trends.
The other was by Circana’s Nathan Shipley. He looked at aftermarket trends for the next year. One highlight he noted was that as companies change their work-from-home rules for their employees, vehicle miles travelled could be impacted. It may also impact leisure travel and how vehicles are used in general.
There were several events that highlighted the week. Canada Night, hosted by AIA Canada saw a new venue — the Palazzo Pool Deck played host on Nov. 5. Being outdoors, the weather co-operated for the most part and hundreds of Canadians attending AAPEX and SEMA for the week were able to connect and network.
The other highlight was the Young Automotive Networking Group meet up on Nov. 6, which sported an 80s theme. Young pros were able to spend the night celebrating the week.
The Women in Auto Care group hosted its annual breakfast on Nov. 6 and later hosted its awards ceremony that same day. Julie Holmes, CEO of Virginia Tire and Auto, won the Women Shop of the Year. RepairPal’s Sheila Sarkozi won the Outstanding Leadership Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Tina Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride.
Thursday, the final day of AAPEX saw the Sustainabili-TEA (and Coffee) Networking Event before show doors open. More presentations were held at the Sustainability Stage, EV Stage, live product demos and more.
The show also featured an expansion, which included adding Caesar’s Forum to the show with more booths and the ATRA Powertrain show near Joe’s Garage.
The AAPEX 2024 New Product Showcase winners were:
- Accessories & General Merchandise: SBI Smart Brands International (America) Ltd., Pet Travel Kit, Booth A2034
- Appearance Chemicals & Car Care: Kafko Int’l Ltd., Graffiti & Paint Scuff Remover, Booth A3245
- Chemicals, Lubricants & Filters: Berryman Products, Inc., Berryman Total Fuel System Cleanup, Booth A4209
- Hard Parts: Tuff Support/Suspensia, Mercedes Metris 2016-2023, Booth A3045
- Safety & ADAS: Autel.US Inc., AUTEL MAXISYS IA700: ADVANCED MODULAR ADAS, Booth A1432 & J8215 and Joe’s Garage Bay 8
- Technology & Electrification: AMPURE, Ampure Go (Gen 2 – NACS), Booth J7509
- Tools & Equipment: Autel.US Inc., Autel MaxiSys MS906MAX Diagnostic Tablet, Booth A1432 & J8215 and Joe’s Garage Bay 8
Check out the photo gallery below for highlights!
