The annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) is right around the corner – Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 2, in Las Vegas, Nev. The event’s educational programs and global networking make it one of must attend dates in the automotive aftermarket industry calendar.

The global networking and promotional opportunities at AAPEX and the concurrent SEMA Show that make up Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) in Las Vegas are myriad and suitable for any size business and budget.

The AAPEX ROI is unparalleled for businesses wishing to reach international buyers without the expense of global travel. Consider these statistics regarding international buyers:

In 2011:

• 59,751 qualified buyers attended AAIW/ AAPEX.
• 15,056 were international and 44,695 domestic.

In 2010:

• 51,126 qualified buyers attended AAIW/ AAPEX.
• 12,106 were international and 39,020 domestic.
• 90 percent made buying decisions/recommendations.
• 24,000 were top management.
• 64 percent of international buyers make direct U.S. purchases.

It’s clear that AAPEX is the connection to automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Attendees include automotive parts wholesale distributors, retailers, service chains, jobbers and service professionals representing billions of dollars in buying power.

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) is 50 percent owner of AAPEX. AASA and its Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) work to assist North American aftermarket suppliers in connecting with international buyers at AAPEX.

Every year, the OAC’s Member Lounge in the lower level of the Sands Expo Center is the gathering spot for international buyers. It is open to any AAPEX attendee interested in learning more about exporting, importing of products from AASA full service supplier members and OAC membership.

The OAC Member Lounge also is the place to buy one of the hottest tickets during Show Week – the AAPEX AASA OAC International Reception, slated this year for Tuesday, Oct. 30, in the Montego Ballroom, The Mirage. Held each year at the conclusion of AAPEX’s opening day, this reception is one of the premier global network events of the week.

The AAPEX/OAC International Reception facilitates networking with top-level international and domestic business people active in the export market. Reception attendance continues to increase each year, demonstrating that domestic buyers are coming to understand the value of global marketing and the international networking this event offers. Details about purchasing tickets and promotional opportunities are available here. 

International attendees at AAPEX also can participate in another prime networking and educational annual event at AAPEX: the AASA Executive Breakfast. The 2012 event is scheduled for 7 – 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, Ballrooms B-D at The Venetian, and features Kevin Freeland, chief operating officer of Advance Auto Parts Inc., as the keynote speaker.

Past attendees know the AASA Executive Breakfast during AAPEX always includes thought-provoking discussions with the top aftermarket channel partners – and guarantees that attendees will have plenty of time to make it to the trade show floor by the opening bell.

Freeland will discuss Advance’s service commitment and its forecast for the aftermarket industry. He also will participate in a question and answer session with the breakfast audience and AASA President and COO Steve Handschuh.

More than 600 attendees are expected at this year’s event. Tables of 10 can be reserved for $850; individual tickets are $95. Tables and tickets can be purchased online by clicking here. Ernst & Young is the exclusive AASA Executive Breakfast sponsor. OTC, Robinair and Actron are the sponsors of the coffee break.

For more information about OAC services and activities during AAPEX or details about membership, visit www.oac-intl.org or www.aftermarketsuppliers.org.