The global automotive aftermarket is all about relationships – and one of the best opportunities to foster existing relationships and forge new ones is at the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), slated for Tuesday, Nov. 5, through Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.

AAPEX represents the $395 billion global motor vehicle aftermarket and is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the parent association of the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC), and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

AAPEX is the No. 1 place to meet the right people in the industry. It’s the place buyers and manufacturers come to talk in person with current vendors or customers, and to connect with new business associates.

The No.1 reason buyers attend AAPEX is to see, touch and compare what’s new in the global automotive aftermarket industry. For international buyers, AAPEX is the ideal venue to source U.S. products.

At AAPEX 2012, 804 U.S.-based companies participated. On display at the 2012 event were 5,174 parts and components, 1,048 chemicals and car care products, 1,309 tools and equipment, 245 business products and services, and 1,190 accessories and custom products.

Another compelling reason buyers attend AAPEX is to get answers to their important business questions. AAPEX is the ideal venue to see thousands of products, meet with exhibitors and suppliers, and learn from other buyers throughout the event. Last year, buyers at AAPEX included 8,737 retailers of which 733 were fleet buyers, 7,028 service and repair businesses, and 11,130 warehouse distributors (WDs).

The AAPEX website, www.aapexshow.com, includes many great tools for buyers. For example, the “Find Products & Exhibitors section” allows buyers to search by product, exhibitor or brand. The AAPEX Mobile Compass App allows buyers to take AAPEX with them on the go – it can be downloaded at: tiny.cc/aapex_apps. International buyers needing more information about Visa applications can contact AAPEX Event Management, [email protected] or call 708-226-1300.

The AASA Overseas Automotive Council provides many services and amenities for its international members at AAPEX. The OAC Member Center in Sands 302 is a global hub during AAPEX – a popular meeting spot for international buyers and OAC’s full service suppliers.

Council news and information is available, as well as details about joining the Council. Through a special service provided by OAC, international members can skip the long registration lines and pick up show credentials at the Council’s Member Center. Tickets for the OAC Global Reception, one of the premier international networking events during AAPEX, can be purchased at the member center.

The OAC Global Reception has gained the reputation as one of the best international networking events during AAPEX. The 2013 event from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, will be no exception. The Council is taking the reception to a whole new place – under the stars at The Mirage Dolphin Pool Bar.

Details about purchasing tickets for the 2013 OAC Global Reception – as well as ways to promote your products and services at the event – are available at the OAC website, www.oac-intl.org.

Dan Pike is the vice president of membership and member services at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and group executive of AASA’s international aftermarket council, the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC).

OAC promotes the sale in foreign markets of automotive and heavy-duty products manufactured in North America. Those products include components, accessories, chemicals, hand and power tools, service maintenance and repair equipment, and paint and body supplies for both cars and trucks. OAC has more than 350 members in more than 40 countries. More information is available through its Web site, www.oac-intl.org.

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. 

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