Automotive Parts Associates Successfully Hosts SunSplash 2026 in Dominican Republic
Key Highlights
- SunSplash 2026 hosted 600 attendees, including shareholders, members, customers, and sponsors, at Dominican Republic resorts.
- Highlights included a final-night dinner, cash giveaways with 20 winners receiving $500 each, and opportunities for networking and relaxation.
- APA/TruStar emphasizes that SunSplash is about strengthening industry relationships and rewarding performance beyond daily business activities.
- The next SunSplash event is scheduled for 2028 in Cancun, Mexico, continuing the tradition of industry recognition and camaraderie.
Automotive Parts Associates successfully hosted SunSplash 2026, welcoming 600 attendees, including shareholders, members, customers, supplier sponsors, and APA/TruStar staff, to the Dominican Republic from Jan. 23-27.
SunSplash is a biennial APA/TruStar tradition designed to reward customers of shareholders and members for their performance and engagement. Participating companies determine how many trips they extend to valued customers, including shop owners and service technicians. This year's event took place at the Dreams Onyx and Breathless Punta Cana resorts, providing attendees with a shared experience that balanced relaxation, networking, and celebration.
Originally scheduled to be held in Jamaica, SunSplash 2026 required a last-minute change in destination due to Hurricane Melissa. Jan Larson, APA/TruStar's director of marketing, led the swift effort to relocate the event to the Dominican Republic in a short timeframe, ensuring minimal disruption for attendees.
The trip concluded with SunSplash's signature final-night group dinner and cash giveaway celebration. During the event, 20 randomly selected winners each received $500, a highlight that has become a staple of the SunSplash experience.
"SunSplash is about more than travel; it's about recognizing the relationships that drive our industry forward and creating meaningful opportunities for our shareholders, members, and their customers to connect outside of the day-to-day business environment," said Steve Tucker, president of APA.
APA/TruStar will host the next SunSplash incentive trip in 2028, with plans set for Cancun, Mexico.