AAPEX 2025: Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo for Industry Professionals

AAPEX 2025 (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) stands as North America’s leading event dedicated to the global automotive aftermarket. Spanning from November 4–6, 2025, at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, the event will convene manufacturers, distributors, service professionals, and industry experts. Designed for professionals working in or serving the automotive aftermarket, AAPEX 2025 integrates technical training, hands-on demonstrations, and dedicated business networking across three days.

AAPEX 2025 Media Coverage Opportunity

The Weekly Driver provides comprehensive editorial coverage of AAPEX 2025 to over 350,000 monthly cross-platform impressions, reaching automotive industry professionals, service technicians, and aftermarket decision-makers.

Publisher and automotive journalist Michael Kahn offers on-site reporting including product features, executive interviews for The Weekly Driver, booth walkthroughs, photography, and social media coverage.

Schedule your editorial appointment now to secure coverage. Editorial slots fill quickly during major industry events.

Email: [email protected] | LinkedIn | Facebook / IG

Conference Schedule and Venue details

Dates:
November 4–6, 2025

Venue:
Venetian Expo (201 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109)
Caesars Forum (3911 S Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109)
Both locations offer complimentary parking at the Venetian and Palazzo garages. Public transit connections are available, and both venues are within convenient walking distance of major Strip hotels.

Show Floor Hours:

• November 4: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• November 5: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• November 6: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Registration Hours:

• November 3: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
• November 4: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
• November 5: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
• November 6: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm

Special Events:

• AAPEX Reception: November 3, 6–8 pm, Venetian Expo Level 2 Lobby (open to all, no RSVP required)
• International Reception: November 4, 6:30–8:00 pm, Flight Club Las Vegas at Venetian Hotel

Registration and Passes

• Standard Registration: $75 (until September 26), $100 (after September 27)
• Extras: Training sessions are $150 each or $400 for a package of five
• Inclusions: Badge grants access to both the AAPEX and SEMA show floors for all three days.
• Vocational student and media passes are complimentary (with eligibility).
• Register promptly to secure discounted rates and guaranteed hotel room selection via AAPEX’s official partner, onPeak.

Conference Format and Highlights

AAPEX 2025’s expanded show floor features over 1,400 product categories and more than 2,600 exhibiting manufacturers and suppliers from 46+ countries. The segmentation by product and service category enables more straightforward navigation, with dedicated areas for key topics:

• Joe’s Garage: Ten operational service bays for in-vehicle hands-on training and demos on diagnostics, ADAS, hybrid/EV maintenance, and more. https://www.aapexshow.com/welcome-to-joes-garage/
• Innovation Stages: Focus on the latest in ADAS calibration, EV repair, and sustainability.
• International Sourcing: Access to global suppliers and international matchmaking services for buyers.
• “Engine Rebuild Race” and other competitive technical showcases spotlight rising talent in the aftermarket. https://www.aapexshow.com/competition/

Education Tracks

• Over 75 training sessions across eight focused learning tracks:
• 14 expert-led diagnostics sessions by WORLDPAC Technical Training Institute
• 18 sessions by NAPA Autotech
• Topics Covered: EV/ADAS, emerging technology, business management, diagnostics, repair, leadership, and trends shaping aftermarket evolution.
• General Sessions and Keynotes: Address core challenges and innovations for aftermarket professionals, including in-depth industry reports, regulatory updates, and business expansion strategies.

Events, Networking Receptions, and After-Parties

Official AAPEX Events

AAPEX Reception
Monday, November 3, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Venetian Expo, Level 2 Lobby
Free to attend, open to all AAPEX attendees, no RSVP required

AAPEX Keynote Breakfast with Wayne Gretzky
Tuesday, November 4, 6:30 AM – 8:45 AM
The Venetian Hotel, 5th Floor, Palazzo Ballroom
Ticketed event, table reservations available
https://www.aapexshow.com/2025-keynote-session/

Free Buyers Lunch
Daily: Tuesday, November 4 – Thursday, November 6, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
International Sourcing Hall, Caesars Forum
Open exclusively to buyers, no RSVP required

Beers and Gears Networking Reception (formerly Service and Repair Reception)
Tuesday, November 4, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Venetian Expo, Level 1, Joe’s Garage
Free to attend, open to all, no RSVP required

OAC Global Reception (Overseas Automotive Council)
Tuesday, November 4, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Flight Club Las Vegas, The Venetian Hotel
Ticketed event with 500+ international buyers, distributors, and suppliers from 40+ countries
https://mema.my.site.com/members/s/community-event?id=a1fRb00000A1sTd

Import Vehicle Community Fabulous Networking Reception
Tuesday, November 4, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
The Venetian Hotel, Level 2, Titian Ballroom 2201
Ticketed event
https://www.autocare.org/networking-and-development/communities/import-vehicle-community/events

Import Product and Marketing Awards Presentation
Tuesday, November 4, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
The Venetian Expo, Level 2, Booth A41001
Free to attend
https://www.autocare.org/networking-and-development/communities/import-vehicle-community/awards/import-product-and-marketing

YANG Networking Reception (Young Auto Care Network Group)
Tuesday, November 4, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
1923 Prohibition Bar, Grand Canal Shoppes, The Venetian Resort
Open to AAPEX attendees under 40 with active YANG member or mentor status, pre-registration required
https://www.autocare.org/young-auto-care-network-group

Women in Auto Care Awards Ceremony Breakfast
Wednesday, November 5, 7:00 AM – 8:45 AM
The Venetian Expo, Level 2, Veronese Ballroom 2401
Ticketed event
https://www.autocare.org/news/latest-news/details/2025/08/27/women-in-auto-care-wednesday-events-at-aapex-2025-announced

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Member & Media Breakfast Briefing
Wednesday, November 5, 7:15 AM – 8:45 AM
The Venetian Expo, Level 1, Media Center, Casanova 501
For MEMA members and media only
https://www.mema.org/mema-aftermarket-suppliers-aapex

Student Engine Assembly Competition
Wednesday, November 5, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Venetian Expo, Level 1, Joe’s Garage
Free to attend
https://www.aapexshow.com/competition/

Import Vehicle Community Luncheon and Awards Program
Wednesday, November 5, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
The Venetian Expo, Level 2, Titian Ballroom 2201
Ticketed event

Remanufacturing Industry Reception
Wednesday, November 5, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Venetian Expo, Level 2, Remanufacturing Section
Invite only

Women in Auto Care and Their Allies Reception
Wednesday, November 5, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Venetian Hotel, Level 2, Titian Ballroom 2201
Free to attend, open to all AAPEX attendees, no registration required

ACPN Regional Meet-up (Automotive Content Professionals Network)
Wednesday, November 5, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sala 118, The Venetian Hotel (Grand Colonnade)
No registration required
https://www.autocare.org/news/latest-news/details/2025/10/23/auto-care-association-announces-events-at-aapex-2025

Sustainabili-TEA (and Coffee) Networking Meet-up
Thursday, November 6, 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
The Venetian Expo, Level 2 Lobby
Hosted by Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers
https://www.autocare.org/news/latest-news/details/2025/10/23/auto-care-association-announces-events-at-aapex-2025

Daily Booth Crawls
Daily, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
All Halls
Explore exhibitor booths offering happy hours, giveaways, and surprises

Pre-AAPEX Events

AWDA General Session and Reception (Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association)
Sunday, November 2, 6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
The Venetian Expo, Titian and Veronese Ballrooms
AWDA members and conference registrants only
https://www.autocare.org/networking-and-development/communities/aftermarket-warehouse-distributors/awda-annual-business-conference

Boss of the Toss Charity Cornhole Tournament and Tailgate Reception
Saturday, November 1, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Casanova Ballroom (Level 1), The Venetian
Part of AWDA Conference

Third-Party After-Parties

AAPEX 2025 Afterparty (Multiple Dates)
Multiple dates during AAPEX week
MGM Grand, 3799 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Third-party organized event, subject to capacity
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aapex-2025-afterparty-tickets-1738297357189

Canada Night
Date and time TBA
HaSalon at The Venetian Resort
Ticketed event for Canadian attendees
https://www.aiacanada.com/canada-night/

SEMA Show After-Hours Events

SEMA Industry Honors
Thursday, November 6, 6:00 PM reception, 7:00 PM awards ceremony
BleauLive Theater at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Ticketed event, $50 per person
https://www.sema.org/event/2025-sema-industry-honors

T-PAIN at Zouk Nightclub (Official SEMA Week Afterparty)
Thursday, November 6, 10:30 PM – 4:00 AM
Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
Ticketed event, SEMA Show badge holders receive expedited entry
https://zoukgrouplv.com/tpain/

JAMES HYPE at Zouk Nightclub (Official SEMA Week Afterparty)
Friday, November 7, 10:30 PM – 4:00 AM
Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
Ticketed event, SEMA Show badge holders receive expedited entry
https://zoukgrouplv.com/jameshype/

Special Guest at Zouk Nightclub (Official SEMA Week Afterparty)
Saturday, November 8, 10:30 PM – 4:00 AM
Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
Ticketed event, SEMA Show badge holders receive expedited entry

SEMA Fest 2025
Thursday, November 6, 9:00 AM onward
Free public concert featuring Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes, and Neon Trees with various automotive activations
https://www.semafest.com/

Networking Spaces

Expanded Networking Spaces
Daily during show hours
The Venetian Expo, Level 2 Lobby
Seating areas for impromptu conversations and meetups

Auto Care Association Member Center
Monday, November 3: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday, November 4 – Thursday, November 6: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The Venetian Expo, Level One, Rooms 201–203
Offers off-floor space for members to rest, network, and host meetings with complimentary meeting rooms
https://www.autocare.org/trade-shows/automotive-aftermarket-products-expo-(aapex)

Who Attends

Automotive service professionals, parts distributors, manufacturers, buying groups, dealerships, fleet managers, and engineering leadership. Attendees represent 130+ countries and span the entire supply chain, from warehouse distributors to diagnostics technology vendors.

Companies exhibiting and attending include major brands like Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Ford Performance Parts, Goodyear, NAPA Auto Parts, and many international leaders.

Preparing for AAPEX 2025: Practical Guide

Travel & Hotels

• Secure accommodations early. AAPEX’s housing portal offers negotiated rates at nearby hotels.
• Complimentary parking available; public transportation conveniently stops at the venue.
• Search Las Vegas hotels

Planning Your Experience

Food & Facilities

• Free lunch for buyers available all three days.
• Water refill stations placed throughout.

Visitor Support

• Special programs for international visitors, including visa support, delegations, and the International Buyer Center with private meeting rooms and refreshments.
• Programming is accessible in multiple languages.

Why Attend

AAPEX provides professionals a direct line to emerging aftermarket technologies, hands-on diagnostic learning, and unparalleled networking to drive business forward. Attendance is critical for those looking to benchmark against current trends, secure supplier contracts ahead of Q1, and access product innovations before market release.

AAPEX vs SEMA: Attending Both Shows

AAPEX 2025 takes place during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week alongside the SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association), which runs November 4–7, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Both events represent the largest convergence of automotive aftermarket professionals globally, drawing more than 160,000 attendees combined.

While AAPEX and SEMA occur simultaneously in Las Vegas, they serve complementary yet distinct segments of the automotive aftermarket industry.

AAPEX concentrates on original equipment and service-related products necessary to maintain and repair vehicles. The event prioritizes diagnostics, replacement parts, tools, repair equipment, oil and lubricants, air conditioning components, tire servicing, and shop management systems.

Attendees include automotive service professionals, parts distributors, repair shop owners, fleet managers, and warehouse distributors seeking practical solutions for everyday vehicle maintenance.

SEMA Show emphasizes specialty equipment, performance products, vehicle customization, accessories, and aftermarket add-ons. The focus includes high-performance parts, custom vehicle builds, racing components, off-road equipment, and aesthetic modifications.

SEMA attracts builders, customizers, performance enthusiasts, retailers, and those involved in vehicle personalization.

Registration for either AAPEX or SEMA provides full access to both show floors throughout the event dates. This interchangeable badging system enables professionals to explore both events without additional registration fees, creating exceptional value for attendees who serve multiple market segments within the automotive aftermarket.

Both shows operate from the same city during overlapping dates, with convenient shuttle service connecting AAPEX venues (Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum) to the SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Attendees can strategically allocate time between events based on business priorities without sacrificing days away from operations.

AAPEX features over 75 training sessions across eight learning tracks focused on diagnostics, ADAS, EV technology, and business management.

SEMA offers its own education program covering aftermarket updates, business strategies, and emerging market trends.

Professionals who attend both shows can select sessions aligned with their specific business needs across service and specialty segments.

AAPEX 2025 is the definitive annual gathering for the automotive aftermarket sector. Its scale, educational rigor, and breadth of exhibitors deliver unmatched value for those in automotive supply, repair, and engineering. Proper preparation—by booking early, building an event itinerary, and leveraging event tools—ensures a productive experience for every attendee.

For complete schedules, session details, and to register, visit www.aapexshow.com