APD successfully relaunches fall trade show

Automotive Parts Distributors (APD) held its first trade show since 2013 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on the weekend.

The APD Fall Trade Show was deemed a great success, drawing attendees from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan… and some from Quebec too.

APD’s last show was a Tool & Equipment Expo, held in 2013. This year’s event expanded the exhibition to a wide array of products.

“The idea was to expand to all aftermarket lines,” said Zara Wishloff, vice president of sales and marketing.

He said he was pleased to bring the show back to Saskatchewan where the Tool & Equipment show had built good momentum.

“With some experienced new staff joining APD, it gave us the resources needed to relaunch the event,” he said.

It was held a day after a successful business management course run by APD’s training division, featuring management consultant Bob Greenwood.

“We had a few surprises,” said Wishloff. “ We had more clients come from Alberta than expected. And we also were caught off guard when CTV news showed up to put together a piece that aired on their 6 o’clock news.”

A schedule of “blue light specials” ran throughout the show. People stood in line for hours to get their hands on a ‘Smoke Monster’ smoke machines for $99 (regular $1150).

Wakefield Canada, makers of Castrol oils, sponsored some show cars that were a big hit on the display floor.

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