AAPEX returns to Las Vegas this November 3-5 with changes to its show floor, expanded training opportunities, the addition of iFLEX, and new activities for automotive aftermarket professionals.

Following the introduction of product-focused sections last year, AAPEX is continuing to reorganize its show floor in 2026, moving several sections between the Venetian Expo and the AAPEX Forum while bringing more education and activities directly to the show floor.

“AAPEX is the industry homecoming,” says Mark Bogdansky, vice president of trade shows and community engagement for the Auto Care Association. “Everything that we do and all of the decisions we make are based around how it is going to help facilitate the best conversations, the best business meetings, the best training that we can possibly have at the show.”

A new layout for 2026

AAPEX began grouping exhibitors into broad product categories last year to make it easier for attendees to find companies within the same areas of the aftermarket. Organizers are continuing that approach while shifting several sections to accommodate their growth.

Joe’s Garage, diagnostics, tires, and other sections previously located on Level 1 of the Venetian Expo are moving upstairs to the Venetian Ballroom on Level 2. International sourcing companies and international pavilions will move to Level 1, while the connected AAPEX Forum will house the undercar, accessories, and lighting sections.

The changes also create more room for education and activities on the show floor.

“We now have the opportunity to do all different types of education, all different types of activations all over the floor that we have not done in the past,” Bogdansky says.

More training for technicians and shop owners

Education remains a major part of AAPEX, with programming for technicians, service advisors, and shop owners.

Most formal training will take place in the morning, generally from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with select sessions extending to 1:30 p.m. Moving training to the morning gives attendees more time for meetings and other business conversations later in the day.

Training will include business management sessions for shop owners, service advisor education, and technical classes for technicians. WORLDPAC will also return as an education partner.

Joe’s Garage will once again feature hands-on technical training, including electrical and Tesla-focused classes. AAPEX is also offering shorter, free sessions on the show floor. These 30- to 45-minute programs will cover topics ranging from shop operations to how artificial intelligence is affecting repair businesses.

Attendees can also sit in on a series of six debates centered on topics shop owners regularly consider, including flat-rate versus hourly pay and whether shops should offer free diagnostics.

iFLEX joins AAPEX

The 2026 show will also mark the addition of iFLEX, bringing a larger presence from the quick-lube and preventive maintenance segments of the aftermarket.

The Preventive Automotive Maintenance Association’s event previously took place alongside The Car Wash Show. Bogdansky says bringing iFLEX to AAPEX gives preventive maintenance and quick-lube businesses an opportunity to connect with more of the automotive aftermarket while expanding AAPEX’s presence in a segment that has not historically been as well represented among its buyers.

“For us, this is another area within the industry that we’re very excited about having in there,” Bogdansky says.

The dedicated iFLEX area will feature dozens of companies as well as its own stage, where additional educational programming is planned.

AI takes a larger role

ADAS has been represented at AAPEX for several years, but Bogdansky points to artificial intelligence as an area where the show is seeing growth.

AI-focused companies are being incorporated into the business services and e-commerce section, giving attendees an opportunity to learn more about how the technology can be applied within aftermarket businesses.

“It’s absolutely an area that we’re leaning into as we see the aftermarket lean into more and more,” Bogdansky says.

AI will also be part of the educational programming for shop owners, including shorter sessions focused on how the technology is beginning to affect repair businesses.

Hands-on activities return to the show floor

Beyond exhibits and training, attendees will find several new and returning activities throughout the AAPEX campus.

An automotive-themed escape room will challenge participants to diagnose and fix a vehicle within a set amount of time. The U.S. Secret Service will return after recruiting technicians at last year’s show, and food trucks will once again be available on the Venetian show floor. Automotive artists will also be on-site, with opportunities for attendees to participate in creating artwork using automotive parts.

AAPEX is also bringing back its student engine-building competition. Eight high school and college teams are expected to compete, disassembling and reassembling engines through semifinal and final rounds on Wednesday.

The AAPEX Forum will host additional education, buyer amenities, giveaways, and special appearances throughout the week. Coach Mike Krzyzewski will deliver the keynote at the Venetian with a presentation focused on leadership.

Plan before arriving

With events and exhibitors spread across the AAPEX campus, Bogdansky recommends attendees begin planning before they arrive in Las Vegas.

He suggests identifying must-see exhibitors and scheduling those meetings in advance while leaving enough open time to walk the floor, discover other companies, and attend sessions.

“If you are waiting till you get on the plane to start to plan for what you’re going to do there, you’re already behind,” Bogdansky says.

The reorganized floor is intended to make that planning easier. Bogdansky says exhibitors reported last year that attendees were able to spend more time in meetings and return to booths because companies within the same product categories were located closer together.

“Everything that we’re doing is really to enhance the overall experience up and down the floor, up and down the supply chain,” Bogdansky says.

Together, the changes give attendees more ways to make use of their time at AAPEX, whether they come for training, new products, business meetings, or a broader look at what’s happening across the automotive aftermarket.