Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX)
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About AAPEX 2026
Where the Industry Unites
For three days this fall, Las Vegas is where aftermarket challenges meet solutions. AAPEX 2026 is back in town, bringing the automotive industry together at the Venetian Expo and AAPEX Forum. Reconnect with a global community of auto parts & technology suppliers, distributors, and retailers.
Advance your expertise through hands-on training. And take in live demos and product exhibits to stay up to date with the constantly changing technology in today’s vehicles.
AAPEX isn’t some flashy Las Vegas car show. It’s where the aftermarket industry rolls up its sleeves to take on challenges, build relationships, and keep businesses running at full speed.
AAPEX 2025 recap: training, products, and connections
What’s new this year
New in 2026!
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Enhancements at the New AAPEX Forum
Experience the redesign of the New AAPEX Forum, a beautiful facility with generous natural light and outdoor space. Inside, it’s a high-energy hub for buyers with new headline education, networking, incentives, and can’t-miss activations - including the new location for the Auto Care Association Booth!
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Reorganized Show Floor
Following 2025's redesign on the show floor into dedicated product sections, 2026 will see continued enhancements as sections are reorganized for an even more streamlined experience.
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International Fast Lube Expo (iFlex)
A new partnership with the Preventive Automotive Maintenance Association (PAMA) will bring a new quick lube presence to AAPEX which will include a section on the show floor, tailored education and an enhanced attendee demographic.
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Even More Education on The Show Floor
Multiple education stages and activations will be distributed throughout the show floor, including our in-demand General Sessions, Trends Impacting the North American Aftermarket and Aftermarket Outlook 2027, which will be taking place at the New AAPEX Forum.
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Buyer's Rest Stop and Food Truck Pit Stop
Dedicated spaces offering amenities directly on the show floor. The Buyer's Rest Stop will provide refreshments, coffee and a quick recharge experience, while the Food Truck Pit Stop will create easy access to food and refreshments, all without leaving the exhibit hall.
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Free Buyer's Lunch and Water Refill Stations
Who said you can't get something for nothing? Attendees with a red badge are eligible for free boxed lunch at the New AAPEX Forum from 11am-1pm each day of the show. Additionally, both attendees and exhibitors can easily refuel at our Water Refill Stations, located throughout the AAPEX Forum and Level 2 of the Venetian Expo.
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Expanded Student Engine Competition
Watch some of the automotive aftermarket industry’s brightest young minds disassemble and reassemble Holden V6 engines using hand tools — and try to beat the clock! Last year's inaugural event delivered non-stop thrills and 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger, with even more excitement, and a new location on the Level 2 show floor.
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Media Hub
See all your favorite industry podcasts being broadcast directly from the show floor! Watch content as it's made, or create your own, in this centrally located space right in the middle of all the action.
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Want to know more?
Have a question about AAPEX 2026? Our trade show team is here to help.
Contact the team
Why attend
Why do attendees come back year after year?
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Access Hands-On Training
ADAS, diagnostics, power steering systems—technology is rapidly changing, and the experts are here to shine a light on what’s new in the expanded Joe’s Garage, featuring live demos on running vehicles in 10 service bays, a setup you won’t find anywhere else!
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Engage One-on-One
Making the best decisions requires talking through your goals and getting questions answered—and this is the place to meet face-to-face with exhibitors to talk products and make deals
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Get a Powerful Preview
To find the perfect product mix for your business, it’s critical to shop and compare—and it’s easy to do that in specialized areas within a marketplace that covers every major category
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Get Real Lessons in Leadership
Employee recruitment and retention, service advisor communication, industry trends, preparation for the unknown—they are among the topics you need to know about to keep things running smoothly for your customers and your business
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Meet Your Match
Maximize your time away from work by meeting the who’s who of the aftermarket, connect with contacts with similar interests and reunite with current partners—build your profile to get connected
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Put New Trends in Rotation
Technology takes different forms in the industry, from the innovation powering vehicles to a heavier focus on e-commerce—get a close-up look at what’s now and what’s next in product showcases and trend-focused areas
Auto Care Association at the show
Auto Care At AAPEX
Visit the Auto Care Association
Auto Care Association Booth
Booth F16626
Offering the chance to connect with staff as well as comfortable seating and complimentary meeting rooms for members. Find us in our new location in the New AAPEX Forum.
Auto Care Booth Meeting Room Booking (opens in a new tab)Auto Care Association Member Center
Venetian Meeting Rooms 201-203
Offering light snacks, coffee, comfortable seating and complimentary meeting rooms for members. Connect with Membership staff to find out more about your membership or get updates on other association initiatives. Open Monday-Thursday and located in the Venetian Expo Meeting Rooms 201-203.
Auto Care Member Center Booking (opens in a new tab)Podcast Booth
Booth V2858
Receptions, breakfasts and general sessions
AAPEX Reception
Celebrates the official kickoff of AAPEX at the AAPEX Reception, a standing-room-only networking event, with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Keynote Breakfast
You won't want to miss the AAPEX 2026 Keynote Breakfast on Tuesday, November 3. More details on the program coming soon!
Beers and Gears Reception
Celebrate our service and professional peers at the Beers and Gears Reception on Tuesday night in Joe’s Garage where you can grab a drink, see a demo, make a custom hat….even get a tattoo! Free to attend and open to everyone.
AWDA Opening General Session and Manufacturers’ Reception
The AWDA Conference invites all participants to the AWDA Opening General Session, highlighting the year’s accomplishments and provide a look to the future. An awards ceremony recognizes the contributions of key industry executives, followed immediately by the opportunity to network with some of the industry’s most influential members at the Manufacturers Reception.
Learn More about the AWDA Conference
Community events, awards and programs
Women in Auto Care Wednesday
Wednesday, November 4
Bookend your Wednesday at AAPEX with Women in Auto Care events. The Women in Auto Care Breakfast and Awards will kick off the day with conversation, inspiration and recognition of outstanding achievements within the community and the Women in Auto Care and their Allies Reception will close things out by raising a glass to all the incredible women and industry allies making a difference in the aftermarket.
- Women in Auto Care Breakfast and Awards
- Women in Auto Care and their Allies Reception
YANG Reception
Wednesday, November 4, 8:00–10:00 PM PT
1923 Prohibition Bar, Grand Canal Shoppes, The Venetian Resort
The YANG Reception at AAPEX provides young professionals with opportunities to learn and network with their peers. This reception is free to attend for AAPEX attendees under-40 and YANG mentors, but pre-registration is required.
ACPN Meet-up at AAPEX
Wednesday, November 4, 7:00–9:00 PM PT
Sala 118, The Venetian Resort
Take a break from the show floor and join the ACPN community for an evening of conversation, networking, and relationship building. Connect with fellow professionals, share ideas, and enjoy time with peers from across the industry.
Event Details for the ACPN Meet-up at AAPEX
ACC Industry Week Meet-Up
Thursday, November 5, 8:00–10:00 PM PT
O'Shea's Irish Pub, 3535 S Las Vegas Blvd
The Automotive Communications Council (ACC) invites fellow marketing and communication professionals for cocktails and networking during Industry Week at O'Shea's Irish Pub in Las Vegas! All marketing and communication professionals in the automotive industry are encouraged to attend.
Register Now for the ACC Industry Week Meet-Up (opens in a new tab)International Matchmaking Program
AAPEX Show Floor
The Auto Care Association, in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, offers U.S. exhibitors and international buyers a unique opportunity to connect during AAPEX through the International Matchmaking Program. U.S. exhibitors interested in entering or increasing their presence in international markets, or international buyers interested in connecting with U.S. exhibitors, are welcome to participate.
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Import Vehicle Community Events and Awards at AAPEX
Tuesday, November 3
The Import Vehicle Community hosts a variety of events at AAPEX. The Fabulous Networking Reception brings together influential leaders in the import vehicle industry to foster meaningful connections and explore opportunities. The Import Product and Marketing Awards Presentation and Import Vehicle Community Luncheon and Awards Program celebrate excellence in both products and people.
The Import Vehicle Community recognizes excellence in both people and products with two awards programs at AAPEX.
- Import Product and Marketing Awards Presentation at AAPEX
- Import Vehicle Community Fabulous Networking Reception at AAPEX
Follow along
Stay up to date with AAPEX
Video
AAPEX-TV
AAPEX-TV keeps you in the know with the latest show news and highlights from the event. Check out footage from previous events and get ready for the year ahead.
