Industry Week is upon us, and The AAPEX Show is set to kick off on Oct. 3. In order to take advance of all the show has to offer, The Auto Care Association, co-organizer of the show with MEMA, released a full list of events and places at the show in which you can learn more about industry trends and interact with Auto Care Association members and staff. See the list below and be sure to mark your calendars!
Editor’s Note: Pre-registration or tickets are required for some events.
AWDA Sunday General Session and Reception
Sunday, Oct. 29. | 6 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Session: The Venetian Hotel, Veronese Ballroom | Reception: The Venetian Hotel, Titian Ballroom
(AWDA members and conference participants only)
Celebrating its 76th year, the AWDA Conference invites all participants to the AWDA Sunday General Session, which will highlight the year’s accomplishments and provide a look to the future. An awards ceremony will recognize the contributions of key industry executives, followed immediately by the opportunity to network with some of the industry’s most influential members during the reception.
AAPEX Reception
Monday, Oct. 30. | 6-7:30 p.m.
The Venetian Expo, Level Two Lobby
Celebrate the official kickoff of AAPEX at the AAPEX Reception, a standing-room-only who’s-who of the industry, with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
International Matchmaking Program
Tuesday, Oct. 31 – Wednesday Nov. 1
Casanova 503, The Venetian Expo
The Auto Care Association, in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service and MDCP award, offers U.S. exhibitors and international buyers a unique opportunity to connect during AAPEX 2023 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. For more information, visit autocare.org/matchmaking or contact Carolina Arregoces at [email protected].
Keynote Breakfast: The Magic of Winning
Tuesday, Oct. 31. | 6:30-8:45 a.m.
The Venetian Hotel, Palazzo Ballroom
Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s winning streak is unstoppable. From his 12-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers — where he clinched five NBA championship rings — to earning an Olympic gold medal as a member of the original Dream Team, plus partnerships with Starbucks, Sony Theaters, and TGI Friday’s, Magic is no stranger to success. Today, as one of the most respected businessmen and philanthropists in the world, Magic makes it his mission to bring economic growth to diverse communities and a message of empowerment to all in the process.
The Keynote Session will also feature an opening “State of the Industry” presentation from Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, president, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers.
The AAPEX 2023 keynote is a ticketed event with limited seating. To purchase a seat or reserve a table, contact Chris Kalousek at [email protected].
Import Product and Marketing Awards Presentation
Tuesday, Oct. 31. | 1-2 p.m.
The Venetian Expo Level 2, Booth A42001
The Import Vehicle Community hosts the Import Product and Marketing Awards Presentation to recognize innovative products and marketing programs in the import aftermarket. The awards presentation is open to all and free to attend. The awards showcases are sponsored by our valued member, TotalEnergies (Booth A4676).
Joint EV Trends and Outlook Forecast – Annual Update
Tuesday, Oct. 31. | 1:30-2:30 p.m.
The Venetian Expo, Level 1, EV Experience Stage/Booth J7409
Join the Auto Care Association’s Mike Chung and a panel of industry thought leaders on the new EV Stage at the EV Experience for a discussion on the increasing momentum in EV share of vehicles on the road and how companies across the aftermarket are adapting and planning for increased EV adoption.
Import Vehicle Community Fabulous Networking Reception
Tuesday, Oct. 31. | 5-6:30 p.m.
(Ticketed event)
The Venetian Hotel, Titian Ballroom 2201
The Import Vehicle Community Fabulous Networking Reception brings together key players in the import segment of the industry, helping members increase brand awareness and visibility. All Import Vehicle Community members receive tickets to attend and create valuable networking connections.
YANG Networking Reception (in partnership with The Group)
Tuesday, Oct. 31. | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
(YANG members and mentors only)
The Venetian Hotel, Palazzo Pool Deck
The YANG Reception at AAPEX continues to provide young professionals with opportunities to learn and network with their peers. This reception is free to attend for all AAPEX attendees under 40 and YANG mentors, but pre-registration is required. Register for this event at autocare.org/yang.
Women in Auto Care Networking Breakfast
Wednesday, Nov. 1. | 7-8:45 a.m.
(Ticketed event)
The Venetian Hotel, Titian Ballroom
Women in Auto Care’s annual networking breakfast gives AAPEX attendees a chance to connect with the community over a cup of coffee, outside of the busy show hours. Tickets are $60 each and are required to attend. This year’s breakfast will include a Q&A, moderated by Kathleen Long, with the four 2023 Women of Excellence Award winners.
To purchase tickets for this event, please click here.
Import Vehicle Community Luncheon and Awards Program
Wednesday, Nov 1. | noon to 1 p.m.
The Venetian, Veronese Ballroom 2401
The Import Vehicle Community Luncheon and Awards Program, sponsored by Worldpac, stands as a prestigious event within the import automotive aftermarket. The event includes an industry update and awards presentation honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.
Auto Care Association Data Standards: ACES and PIES in Latin America (presented in Spanish)
Wednesday, Nov. 1. | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The Venetian Expo, Casanova Room 503
This Spanish session will cover the ACES (Auto Parts Catalog Interchange Standard) and PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) data standards, their benefits and applicability to communicate effectively and efficiently with business partners in Latin America.
Auto Care Association International Mixer – Coffee and Espresso Bar
Wednesday, Nov. 1. | 3-4 p.m.
The Venetian Expo, Casanova Room 503
The Auto Care Association, in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service and MDCP award, is hosting an international mixer for U.S. exhibitors and international buyers, providing an opportunity to network over coffee and espresso. Attendees can connect with key players from around the globe, expanding their network and exploring potential opportunities in international markets.
Women in Auto Care Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, Nov. 1. | 4 -5 p.m.
The Venetian Expo, Level 2 Lobby, AAPEX Stage
Celebrating success throughout the industry, the Women in Auto Care awards ceremony will honor the winners of both the Women of the Year Awards and the Automotive Communications Awards. The awards ceremony is open to all and free to attend.
Women in Auto Care and Their Allies Reception at AAPEX
Wednesday, Nov. 1. | 5-6 p.m.
The Venetian Hotel, Titian Ballroom
Join Women in Auto Care at its annual AAPEX reception for a chance to connect with the community outside of the busy show hours. The Women in Auto Care reception is open to all AAPEX attendees (regardless of gender) and is free to attend. No registration required.
Service and Repair Reception
Wednesday, Nov. 1. | 5-6:30 p.m.
The Venetian Expo, Level 1/Joe’s Garage
Join the Auto Care Association in Joe’s Garage (Level 1, Venetian Expo) to recognize the service and repair community and its 2023 AAPEX Service and Repair Awards honorees. You don’t want to miss this celebration of dedicated service advisors, technicians and shop owners who embody the automotive aftermarket.
Sustainabili-TEA (and Coffee) Networking Breakfast
Thursday, Nov. 2. | 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
The Venetian Expo, Casanova Rooms 603-604
Join the Auto Care Association for coffee and tea during this networking event created for those specifically interested in sustainability within the auto aftermarket. Hosted by the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, the event is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, visit https://www.aapexshow.com/sustainabilitea/.
For the most up-to-date locations and the full AAPEX schedule visit the AAPEX website.