It’s about that time again, when we all get together to see the newest technology offered at AAPEX/SEMA this November. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) will take place from October 30 through November 1 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centers in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a first time attendee or a veteran on the scene, you’re sure to be delighted.
AAPEX
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) continues to draw crowds year after year with suppliers showing off their newest technology and displaying the most innovative products in the industry.This year, AAPEX will feature over 2,500 automotive aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers with an expected 47,000 targeted buyers. The AAPEX exhibits are open from 9 am to 5 pm October 30 through November 1. New products are the No. 1 reason buyers attend shows, so be sure to stop by the New Products and Packaging Showcase to see which products are making their debut this year. John King, CNN’s chief national correspondent and anchor of “Inside Politics” will take the stage at AAPEX 2018 to discuss the upcoming mid-term elections and the impact the various outcomes could have on Washington, D.C. His grand opening keynote, “Breakfast with John King,” will wrap up with a Q&A session with the audience.
This show will also feature education sessions to keep attendees up-to-date on what’s going on in the automotive industry. AAPEXedu sessions will be held in the Venetian, Marco Polo Rooms. They are free of charge and open to anyone interested in the latest news and challenges taking place in the market. There will be great networking opportunities throughout the week and even more opportunities to boost your business. Attendees have the choice among several educational tracks, such as business management; electric car and alt fuel/energy; heating/cooling; heavy duty; import/export; paint and body; service professionals program; shop equipment and technology; technology; and young professionals program.
Stay connected with the 2018 AAPEX app that will keep you up to date on what’s happening throughout the week.
For more information, visit: www.aapexshow.com
SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is estimated to be the biggest one yet. This year, it will feature more than 2,400 exhibitors, which is sure to keep attendees very busy. This event is the super bowl of the auto industry, with incredible opportunities to see cutting-edge technology on display and in action. The four-day event attracts more than 160,000 individuals.The exhibition floor will be open at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Westgate Exhibit locations October 30-November 1 from 9 am to 5 pm and November 2 from 9 am to 4 pm. The New Products Showcase will be open October 30-November 1 from 8 am to 6 pm and November 2 from 8 am to 3 pm.
The SEMA Show includes 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space and an additional 1.5 million square feet of features and attractions throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center, outside areas and neighboring Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Additionally, attendees can take in more than 3,000 products in the New Products Showcase and see 1,500 feature vehicles in both exhibitors’ booths and throughout the convention center.
As the largest automotive aftermarket trade show in the world, SEMA also attracts industry icons and celebrities. This year, celebrities slated to make special appearances include: Ian Johnson, of “Big Tire Garage”; Tanner Foust; Bo Butner, NHRA Pro Stock world champion; EddieX, YouTube personality; Leah Pritchett, record-setting NHRA Top Fuel drag racer; Horny Mike, Kevin Mack, Ryan Evans and Shannon Aikau from “Count’s Kustoms”; Richard Rawlings of “Gas Monkey Garage” and “Fast N’ Loud”; Brian and Hailie Deegan; Richard Petty; Hacksaw Jim Duggan; Rutledge Wood, host of “Top Gear”; Mario Andretti; Chip Foose; Jamie McMurray, NASCAR driver; Jessi Combs, the “Fastest Woman on 4 Wheels”; Joey Lagano, NASCAR driver; Curt LeDuc, Baja Racing champion; and Chase Darnell, Joe Giamanco, Justin Kramer, Merlin Johnson, Steve Darnell and Travis Deeter of “Vegas Rat Rods.” Keep your camera close by for this event and check the SEMA website for a complete list of celebrity appearances.
For more information on tickets, discounts and travel arrangements visit: www.semashow.com
Global Tire Expo
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) and SEMA have teamed up once again to provide a tire exhibition and conference that serves the unique needs of the tire dealers and the tire business community, targeted to all segments of the tire industry, including light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty, retreading, recycling and more.Product categories you’ll find here are tires for passenger cars, trucks and off-the-road equipment, recyclers, retreaders, suppliers and affiliated organizations.
At educational sessions, attendees will hear experts discuss topics like “Puncture Repair Facts,” “TIA’s 2018 Legislative Review,” “Servicing the Next Generation of Consumers and Vehicles” and much more. If you’re in the tire industry or have considered adding this service to your business, you don’t want to miss this.
For a full list of TIA-sponsored educational sessions and a schedule, visit: www.tireindustry.org/global-tire-expo
