AAPEX Owners Analyze Exhibitor and Buyer Expectations

The survey, conducted by Tecker Consultants, shows that the majority of both exhibitors and buyers are satisfied with Las Vegas as the AAPEX location; that they feel early November is an appropriate time of the year; and that they want AAPEX to continue as an annual event.

Attendees surveyed include manufacturers, warehouse distributors (WDs), jobbers, retailers, repair shop owners, mass merchandisers, fleets and new vehicle dealers.

Results of the online surveys include:

• 83% of buyers say AAPEX should be held every year.
• 56% of domestic exhibitors say AAPEX should be held every year; 14% were neutral.
• 78% of buyers say AAPEX should continue to be held in Las Vegas.
• 65% of exhibitors say AAPEX should continue to be held in Las Vegas.
• 76% of buyers plan on attending AAPEX 2009; 4.5 % do not.
• 85% of exhibitors would like to see more program groups/WDs visiting their booth.
• 55% of exhibitors would like to see more international buyers at their booth.
• 69% of exhibitors rated the quality of their booth traffic good or acceptable.
• 12% of exhibitors rated the quality of their booth traffic excellent.

“As show owners and trade associations, we realize that measuring and articulating trade show ROI can be tricky because it can be subjective,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “This is why the AAPEX show owners and management commissioned a third-party consultant to conduct a survey of AAPEX stakeholders. These quantitative results give us a snapshot of the AAPEX experience for exhibitors and buyers. We then gain deeper insight by building on the quantitative numbers with follow-up personal qualitative interviews and discussions with a cross-section of these stakeholders.”

“This survey is an important first step to gaining invaluable feedback for all the AAPEX partners as we work together to plan the 2009 trade show,” said Steve Handschuh. “That planning is already well underway with many exciting enhancements to ensure AAPEX is a ‘total industry event’ for both buyers and exhibitors – such as training and show floor demonstrations which will increase interaction among participants.”

AAPEX 2009 will be held Nov. 3-5 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. (Tire Review/Akron)

Discount Tire & Service Centers has a new sponsorship deal with the Los Angeles Angels for the 2024 season. Discount Tire said this partnership will not only benefit its customers with season-long promotions and giveaways but will also support local non-profits.

"We're thrilled to launch this strategic partnership with the Los Angeles Angels," said Sergio Andonian, president, Discount Tire & Service Centers. "As neighbors, from Anaheim, we are dedicated to serving our local communities and providing quality tire & automotive service at the most competitive prices. Together, we look forward to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities. Add baseball to the mix, and with this winning combination, the possibilities are endless."