The move, which eliminates Friday of AAPEX as a show day, was made, said the groups, in response to exhibitor feedback and would save exhibitors “considerable time and expenses.”
AAIA and MEMA stressed that the change has no bearing on the SEMA Show, and alter any AAPEX educational offerings, events or networking functions.
"Exhibitors provided valuable input into our decision and many told us that the amount of business they complete with existing and potential customers the first three days of AAPEX is the most productive three days of the year," said MEMA President and CEO Bob McKenna.
"By compressing AAPEX into three days, we have a chance to save AAPEX exhibitors considerable expenses while not impacting the significant amount of business performed during the week. This enhancement to the show week has been received extremely favorably by exhibitors and buyers alike and demonstrates that we are continuously looking for ways to make AAPEX more valuable and cost-effective,” he said.