AAPEX offered more than 130 technical and business management training sessions (combined AAPEX-programmed and exhibitor-supplied). With new technologies already bringing sweeping changes to the industry, AAPEX delivered critical insights, trends and training for attendees on electric vehicles (EVs), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), connected cars, AI and autonomous vehicles.
“If you’re in the automotive field, you need to be here,” said attendee John Brandon, Birch’s Automotive Inc. “You need to see what’s here now and what’s coming out … we’re already looking forward to next year because there’s no way we are going to get to see it all this week.”
Several industry-specific reports were released for the first time at the event including the 2024 Joint EV Trends and Outlook Forecast and the 2024 Joint E-Commerce Trends and Outlook Forecast, both provided by the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers; Trends Impacting the North American Aftermarket by S&P Global Mobility; and Aftermarket Outlook 2025 by Circana.
Two new presentation stages spotlighted ADAS opportunities and Sustainability initiatives, while an expanded EV Experience highlighted products on the show floor and essential training. The event also offered service and repair training on a Tesla vehicle and the Mach-E.
This year’s event also saw more collaboration and partnerships. The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) PowerTrain Expo — the largest gathering of transmission repair specialists in the world — took place on the AAPEX show floor, while The Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) hosted its 2024 conference alongside AAPEX, establishing it as the premier gathering place for industry program distribution groups.
Joe's Garage, an entire floor of The Venetian Expo dedicated to automotive service and repair, brought technology to life in its 10-bay shop with real lifts, real cars and real products for hands-on learning. Experts demonstrated the latest automotive technologies in front of attendees who actively participated, asked questions and saw parts and equipment in action.
AAPEX 2024 drew 45,151 registered targeted buyers, including service and repair professionals, auto parts retailers and warehouse distributors with the shared goal of keeping the world’s 1.6 billion vehicles on the road. Buyers represented 128 countries and more than 135,000 industry professionals were in Las Vegas during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week.
“It’s huge for us to have everything in one place and not have to go one-by-one and call people and watch YouTube videos to learn what's going to come ahead … it's all about learning what's going to come out and what's going to keep us going in the
industry because everything is changing,” said attendee Shahzad Pervez, Drive-In Auto Repair.
The event also included many networking opportunities among all segments of the supply chain and a Keynote Session with Erin Andrews, one of the most prominent voices of FOX NFL and an award-winning sports broadcaster, host, entrepreneur and television personality.
A panel discussion during the Keynote Session featured industry leaders: Ashlee Arnold, Vice President, Arnold Oil Company; Brad Beckham, CEO, O’Reilly Auto Parts; Randy Breaux, Group President, GPC North America; Philip Daniele, President and CEO, AutoZone; and Shane O’Kelly, President and CEO, Advance Auto Parts. Leaders covered a range of topics including building teamwork, mentoring the next generation and the importance of having the right people in the right place.
To approach the significant changes facing the automotive aftermarket industry, including the complexity of vehicles, ADAS and the EV transition, leaders encouraged the audience to evolve with it and embrace it. While all agreed it’s an amazing time to be in the industry, they also encouraged everyone in the room to get involved in the fight for Right to Repair to ensure consumer choice and market competition, reminding audience members that we are all in this together.
Bill Hanvey, President and CEO, Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, President, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, also highlighted Right to Repair in their opening Keynote Session presentation, indicating it’s one of the most critical challenges facing the automotive aftermarket. They stressed the need to pass the Repair Act in 2025 and defend the three repair choices: where the repair is made (repair shops), with what part, chemical and tool, and who it is bought from. Without all three, the outcome is a monopoly. For information, visit repairact.com.
AAPEX 2024 took place Nov. 5 - Nov. 7, at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
The 2025 event will be held Tuesday, Nov. 4 - Thursday, Nov. 6, at the same location in Las Vegas. Space applications for exhibiting companies will be available starting Monday, Jan. 20. Housing is already open and attendee registration will open in early May.
