Cornerstone Hardparts Show Reduced to Three Days

While the 2005 edition of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas in November was its most successful ever, the show is being reduced to three days from four for 2006.
Show sponsors responded to exhibitors and attendees by eliminating Friday, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association and Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association announced.
As a result of discussions with a number of long-time exhibitors and careful review of feedback from post-AAPEX 2005 surveys, AAIA and MEMA determined the overwhelming support for a three-day trade show justified the significant change.
The compressed show times would greatly enhance the quality of AAPEX and save exhibitors considerable time and expenses.
AAIA and MEMA state that the decision is exclusive only to AAPEX; the SEMA Show remains unchanged. The change will not eliminate or alter any AAPEX educational offerings, events or networking functions.
“A compressed three-day AAPEX is the latest in a series of enhancements to North America’s largest aftermarket trade-only event,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president & CEO. “Recent upgrades to attendee registration criteria, attendee-friendlier show floor signage and colour scheme, expanded new product showcase, website improvements are all results of listening to our AAPEX stakeholders. The three-day show compression is the latest enhancement that will greatly benefit the companies who support AAPEX.”
“Exhibitors provided valuable input into our decision and many told us that the amount of business they complete with existing and potential customers the first three days of AAPEX is the most productive three days of the year,” said MEMA president and CEO Bob McKenna.
“By compressing AAPEX into three days, we have a chance to save AAPEX exhibitors considerable expenses while not impacting the significant amount of business performed during the week. This enhancement to the show week has been received extremely favourably by exhibitors and buyers alike and demonstrates that we are continuously looking for ways to make AAPEX more valuable and cost-effective.”