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The upcoming Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas provides great opportunities for global networking. AAPEX, held concurrently with the SEMA Show during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 30, through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center.

AAPEX is a global gathering of aftermarket professionals, a world marketplace for the aftermarket. Consider these statistics from recent events:

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.

AAPEX international attendees will include buyers from the world’s “hot spots” for automotive products. As 50 percent owner of the event, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and its Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) work to assist North American aftermarket suppliers in connecting with international buyers at AAPEX – and many other events throughout the year.

During AAPEX, the OAC’s Member Lounge in Sands Room 302 is the gathering spot for international buyers. It is open to any AAPEX attendee interested in learning more about exporting North American products, importing products from AASA full-service manufacturer members and OAC membership.

The OAC Member Lounge also is the place to buy one of the hottest tickets during AAIW – 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 at SearchAutoParts.com/AftermarketBusiness/AAPEXOAC.

International attendees at AAPEX also can participate in another prime networking and educational 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.

The AASA Executive Breakfast during AAPEX always provides thought leadership on the compelling issues in the aftermarket, and the 2012 event is no exception with its theme of “New Thinking for the Aftermarket.” Advance Auto Parts has brought new thinking to the automotive aftermarket since its change of leadership in 2008. At the AASA Breakfast 2012, Freeland will discuss Advance’s industry outlook and participate with AASA President and COO Steve Handschuh in an audience question and answer session.

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 going to SearchAutoParts.com/AftermarketBusiness/tickets. Ernst & Young is the exclusive AASA Executive Breakfast sponsor. Attendees can grab a cup of coffee to go after the event courtesy of OTC, Robinair and Actron, sponsors of the coffee station.

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

About the Author

Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and its Overseas Automotive Council (OAC)

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products. It is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA’s Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) promotes the sale in foreign markets of automotive and heavy duty products manufactured in North America.

“AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”