For the second consecutive year, organizers of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) reported attendance increases in several target buyer categories, with independent garages showing the largest growth at nearly 43%.
Significant increases also were reported in the target buyer categories of auto parts retailers, warehouse distributors, including auto parts, import parts specialists and program groups.
The 2015 show, which featured an all-new look and focused on providing the tools to keep attendees ahead of the curve in today’s high tech and every changing industry, saw a total of 2,239 exhibitors from 32 countries. More than 45,100 targeted buyers visited AAPEX and the SEMA Show, with buyers and exhibitors at both events representing 147 countries.
This year’s show offered an AAPEXedu program with 55 free sessions designed for WDs, retailers, service professionals, parts stores, national service chains, industry professionals under 40, and manufacturers. An all-new ExpressEdu program focused on disruptive and emerging technologies.
The 2016 event is slated for Nov. 1-3 at the Sands Expo, with AAPEXedu sessions starting Oct. 31.
