Auto Care Association Announces Events at AAPEX 2026
The Auto Care Association highlighted its locations, programs, sessions and can’t-miss events for this year’s AAPEX.
BETHESDA, Md. – Oct. 23, 2026 – The Auto Care Association today announced the locations, events, programs and education sessions it will offer members and attendees at the 2026 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), taking place Nov. 3–5 at the Venetian Expo and AAPEX Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. Attendees are encouraged to add these opportunities to their schedules and to connect with the association throughout the show.
AAPEX attendees can visit the Auto Care Association at these locations:
Auto Care Association Booth
Meet association staff, learn about the latest advocacy and industry initiatives, reserve complimentary meeting space in the AAPEX Forum and enjoy special treats during the daily booth crawl.
| Where: | AAPEX Forum, Booth F16626 |
Auto Care Association Member Center
Members can step away from the show floor for light snacks and refreshments, networking, email and complimentary meeting space.
| When: | Monday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 3 – Thursday, Nov. 5, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Where: | The Venetian Meeting Rooms 201–203 |
Members needing to book a meeting room can use the following link:
Auto Care ON AIR Podcast Booth
Watch live podcast recordings and connect with hosts and guests on the show floor.
| Where: | The Venetian Expo, Booth V2858 |
AAPEX attendees can engage with association members and staff at these events, programs and activities:
AWDA Annual Business Conference
The conference includes one-on-one meetings, the AWDA Sunday General Session and Awards, the AWDA Sunday Reception and Monday Recognition Lunch.
| When: | Sunday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. – 8:15 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. – 5:40 p.m. | |
| Where: | Venetian Suites; Titian and Veronese Ballrooms | |
Note: General Session and Awards and Reception is for all AWDA members and AWDA Business Conference registrants.
2026 AAPEX Opening Reception
Kick off AAPEX with music, drinks and networking while getting an early look at the newly reimagined AAPEX Forum.
| When: | Monday, Nov. 2, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | |
| Where: | AAPEX Forum | |
International Matchmaking Program
U.S. exhibitors and international buyers will connect through one-on-one meetings aligned with their business objectives.
| When: | Tuesday, Nov. 3 – Wednesday, Nov. 4 |
| Where: | Exhibitor booths |
Pre-registration required.
AAPEX 2026 Keynote Breakfast Featuring Coach K
The opening program will feature the State of the Industry presentation and a special appearance by legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, better known as "Coach K."
| When: | Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30 – 8:45 a.m. |
| Where: | Venetian Hotel, 5th Floor, Palazzo Ballroom |
Ticketed event. Contact chris.kalousek@autocare.org for more information.
Import Product and Marketing Awards Presentation
The Import Vehicle Community will recognize innovative products and marketing programs in the import aftermarket.
| When: | Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1 – 1:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Auto Care Association Booth, AAPEX Forum, F16626 |
Sweet Connections with Auto Care Association
During the Daily Booth Crawl, stop by the Auto Care Association booth to learn how the association supports businesses across the entire channel of distribution and enjoy a snack while you’re there.
| When: | Tuesday, Nov. 3 – Thursday, Nov. 5, 3 – 5 p.m. | |
| Where: | Auto Care Association Booth, AAPEX Forum, F16626 | |
Import Vehicle Community Fabulous Networking Reception
Connect with leaders and peers across the import vehicle community.
| When: | Tuesday, Nov. 3, 5 – 6:30 p.m. | |
| Where: | Titian Ballroom 2201 | |
Ticketed event.
Beers and Gears Reception
Celebrate service and professional peers with drinks, demonstrations and interactive activities in Joe’s Garage.
| When: | Tuesday, Nov. 3, 4 – 6 p.m. |
| Where: | Joe’s Garage, Venetian Ballroom |
Women in Auto Care Breakfast and Awards
Connect with the community over breakfast and celebrate women and allies in the automotive aftermarket.
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7 – 8:45 a.m. |
| Where: | Veronese Ballroom 2401 |
Ticketed event. To purchase your ticket, click here.
Import Vehicle Community Luncheon and Awards Program
Honor outstanding contributions to the import segment of the automotive aftermarket.
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 12 – 1 p.m. |
| Where: | Veronese Ballroom 2401 |
Ticketed event.
Special Event: Election Update 2026 - What Do the Midterms Mean for the Aftermarket?
Hear from Auto Care's Director of Government Affairs Jennifer Keaton for a post-election analysis and discussion of what this year's midterm results will mean for the aftermarket.
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 3 – 3:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Auto Care Association Booth, AAPEX Forum, F16626 |
Remanufacturing Reception
For the first time, the annual Remanufacturing Reception will be open to all attendees.
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 3 – 5 p.m. |
| Where: | Remanufacturing Section on the show floor, Venetian Ballroom |
Women in Auto Care and Their Allies Reception
Network with Women in Auto Care members, allies and industry peers.
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5 – 6 p.m. | |
| Where: | Titian Ballroom 2201 | |
ACPN Meet-up at AAPEX
Network and connect with ACPN industry peers and partners in a relaxed setting.
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7 – 9 p.m. |
| Where: | Sala 118, Venetian Resort |
YANG Networking Reception
Young professionals and mentors can connect at the 1923 Prohibition Bar.
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 8 – 10 p.m. |
| Where: | 1923 Prohibition Bar, Venetian Resort |
Pre-registration required.
ACC Networking Reception
Network and connect with communications professionals to close out the last day of AAPEX.
| When: | Thursday, Nov. 5, 8 – 10 p.m. |
| Where: | O’Shea’s Pub, The LINQ Promenade |
Auto Care Association Education Sessions:
Joint Powertrain Trends and Outlook Forecast: 2026 Update
| When: | Tuesday, Nov. 3, 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. | |
| Where: | AAPEX Forum Stage | |
El Progreso de ACES & PIES en México y Latinoamérica
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 10:15 – 11 a.m. |
| Where: | AAPEX Stage 1 |
Rewiring the Aftermarket with Agentic AI
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. |
| Where: | AAPEX Forum Stage |
O Progresso do ACES & PIES no Brasil e na América Latina
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
| Where: | AAPEX Stage 1 |
SustainabiliTALK
| When: | Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. |
| Where: | AAPEX Stage 2 |
U.S. Automotive Aftermarket Overview and Data Standards: ACES and PIES (Mandarin)
| When: | Thursday, Nov. 5, 8 – 9 a.m. |
| Where: | Casanova Room 605 |
For the most up-to-date AAPEX schedule, registration information and event details, visit the official AAPEX website.