AAPEX Show Nears Sellout

Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), North America’s largest aftermarket trade show, today announced it has signed 186 new exhibitors so far for the 2001 event, pushing total booth sales to the 97% mark with 4,700 booths sold to more than 1,700 exhibitors.
The event will be held Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 2001 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.
“While we still have a few prime locations available, we expect to be sold out by show time for the 10th consecutive year,” says Bill Glasgow, managing director of AAPEX. “Regardless of the current economic conditions, AAPEX continues to be one of the strongest automotive parts and service shows, and buyers and parts manufacturers from around the world know this. One of the keys to the show’s success is that we’ve kept pace with the rapid evolution of technology, marketing and the globalization of the automotive aftermarket.”
In the last decade, new technology and the global expansion of the industry have transformed the $250 billion U.S. North American automotive aftermarket and AAPEX. Each year, more and more new exhibitors, buyers, and product lines are showcased at AAPEX, which features leading brands from the industry’s key aftermarket suppliers around the world.
For instance, 10 years ago mobile electronics meant primarily stereos and speakers. Now, the category includes everything from powerful car stereo systems, to GPS, in-vehicle television and video equipment, computer systems with in-car fax capability, remote emergency services and more. Even the show’s largest traditional section featuring tools and equipment has evolved and grown.
More international visitors are also coming to the show according to organizers.
Ten years ago, there were 4,386 international buyers at the show; this year, more than 8,600 are expected. Similarly, the number of international pavilions — specific areas dedicated to showcasing a particular country’s auto parts manufacturers — has grown. This year, 14 pavilions and 660 booths will be dedicated to companies from overseas.