Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas last week was full of networking, learning, meetings, announcements, awards, recognition, cool things to see and more.
While foot traffic was seemingly down, official numbers haven’t been released. But conversations with some pointed to a reduced number of international participants. Let’s dive into a recap of the happenings that took place at AAPEX and the SEMA Show.
AAPEX kicked off with a welcome reception during the evening of Nov. 3. The second floor lobby of the Venetian Expo was packed with attendees looking to connect early on with colleagues and customers.
The next morning, AAPEX’s keynote and breakfast featured MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers president Paul McCarthy and Auto Care Association president Bill Hnavey — both organizations co-own AAPEX — make their annual presentation in a ‘state of the industry’ style address. Both highlighted the growth of the aftermarket and the importance of the industry to the motoring public around the world.
They also continued to push the right to repair message, highlighting the Auto Care Association’s recent meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. However, they warned that opposition groups are continuing to invest in fighting the aftermarket’s message, including driving trucks around D.C. with messages claiming right to repair would endanger consumers.
Then hockey legend Wayne Gretzky took to the stage for a fireside-style chat with Northwood University President and fellow Canadian Kent MacDonald. Much of the talk focused on Gretzky’s career as a youngster and how he idolized Gordie Howe.
But he also gave plenty of insights on leadership and working with teams and treating everyone equally and with respect.
“Each and every person you have around you becomes imperative to the success [of your business],” he told the audience of working with people. “You check your ego at the door.”
Drawing on his experiences of being a professional hockey player while being so young, he advised young pros in the aftermarket to learn as much as they can from those who’ve been honing their craft for so long.
“Respect elders; respect people who have done it before,” he advised.
But mentorship is a two-way street. Those who have knowledge to share should do so with up-and-comers, Gretzky said, ensuring that experience is passed “on to the next generation.”
He also advised pros to put in the effort and time for their job out of respect for the people they work with.
“If you’re there early, it goes a long way; it doesn’t go unnoticed,” he said. “You show people respect that you’re ready and willing to put in the work.”
His advice to young pros was to love what you do. He related it to sports in the sense that the difference between a successful athlete and one who isn’t is love for the game. So if a young aftermarket pro loves their job, it can lead to success professionally.
Then it was expo time as the floors of both AAPEX and SEMA opened, with attendees flooding the Venetian Expo and Las Vegas Convention Center. At AAPEX, a new layout was featured as exhibitors were grouped by product category. So, for example, underhood companies were in the same area, while chemicals and additive companies shared the same space, and so on. It led to some confusion as attendees had to learn where specific companies — which had occupied the same space on the show floor for years — were now in different locations.
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers hosted media members for its annual breakfast. McCarthy, who will move up to take over as president at parent organization MEMA, spoke on right to repair, tariffs, technology and challenges suppliers have been facing.
”It’s been a hell of a year,” he said bluntly, noting members have faced challenges throughout the year yet continue to deliver for the motoring public.
”That is an incredible achievement,” McCarthy said of the year suppliers have had despite challenges.
Ana Meuwissen, senior vice president of Government Affairs for MEMA, touched on the USMCA. Letters were submitted last week to government officials in the U.S. and they will hold public hearings on the agreement starting next week.
She explained that the agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico has been an “overwhelming success” and that “it’s working the way it was intended.”
AAPEX featured two general sessions. The first was hosted by data company Experian and its product marketing director Kirsten VonBusch and senior data product manager Mike Dixon. The pair dove into vehicle sales trends, key factors impacting purchasing, marketing and more.
The second was held on Wednesday with Nathan Shipley from Circana. As usual, he looked at purchasing behaviour among consumers, comparing the aftermarket to other industries. Overall, he observed that the underlying health of the aftermarket is strong. While consumers are pulling back on other areas in terms of where they spend their money, vehicle maintenance and repair isn’t one of them.
An Industry Week highlight is Canada Night, hosted by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. A new venue played host, HaSalon restaurant at the Palazzo. The place was packed as attendees took advantage of the opportunity to network, make new connections and reconnect with colleagues.
The Young Auto Care Networking Group hosted a 1902s-themed meetup, filling the 1923 Prohibition Bar to capacity. It was a chance for young professionals across the aftermarket to relax and unwind, while also meeting new colleagues.
In Joe’s Garage, the brand new Student Engine Rebuild Competition saw teams of vocational students, who are training to be auto technicians, race to disassemble and reassemble a Chevy 350 engine. Taem Aljallad, Adrian Madinger and their ASE-certified master auto tech instructor Jack Stow from North Kansas City Schools in Kansas City, Missouri, won the event.
Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers released the 2025 Joint Powertrain Trends & Outlook Forecast. The report looks at the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle and hybrid aftermarket, capturing key shifts in consumer behaviour, market share and technological development.
“This year’s report captures an important inflection point for the automotive aftermarket,” said Philip Atkins, director of strategic research and planning at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “As hybrid adoption grows alongside a more measured EV trajectory, suppliers need clear data and insight to make informed strategic decisions.”
Many awards were handed out.
At Women in Auto Care, its 2025 awards went to:
- Lifetime Achievement: Courtney Pedler, CEO, Autology Data Management
- Outstanding Achievement: Olivia Droney-Newton, senior vice president, category management and customer insights, NA Williams
- Female Shop Owner of the Year: Shari Pheasant, co-CEO, A Master Mechanic
- Women of Excellence: Heather Antrim, commercial category manager, AutoZone
- Women of Excellence: Lauren Briggs, director, sales and marketing, NAPA Auto Care
- Women of Excellence: Tracy Capriotto, director of content, producer, Remarkable Results Radio
- Women of Excellence: Cass Tomac, senior manager, strategic sourcing, Highline Warren
- Company Ally of the Year: Highline Warren
- Women in Auto Care Champion of the Year: Amy Steele, vice president, Nexa Motion Group (NMG)
The group welcomed nearly 430 guests to its annual breakfast, marking the biggest gathering Women in Auto Care has ever seen. A reception was also held for the group and its allies.
The 2025 Import Vehicle Community People Award winners were handed out. The winners were:
- Hall of Fame Award: Stephen (Steve) Bearden, President, H.B. International Marketing Services, Inc.
- Industry Impact Award: Kevin Evoy, Consultant, Product/Category Management, Parts Authority
- Person of the Year Award: Mike Mohler, Executive Vice President and Chief Purchasing Officer, The Automotive Parts Services Group, LLC
- Young Executive of the Year: Mallory Long, Director of Vendor Relations & Marketing, SSF Imported Auto Parts LLC
AAPEX Service & Repair Award winners, which recognize exemplary performance among independent repair shop owners, service advisors and repair technicians, were:
- Shop Owner of the Year: Tom Palermo of Preferred Automotive Specialists
- Service Advisor of the Year: Katlyn French of Hillside Auto Repair
- Technician of the Year: Tony Martinez of Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers
Bosch presented its Module Shop of the Year award to Pennsylvania-based Schearer’s Sales & Services at AAPEX. Owner Tom Schearer was awarded for his shop’s outstanding contributions to the future of automotive, environmental responsibility, community engagement and building a legacy in the auto repair industry.
Budget Brake and Muffler Abbotsford in B.C. was a finalist for the award, with the nomination noting its innovation through investing in advanced diagnostic tools and training technicians to expertly service hybrid and electric vehicles.
AAPEX & SEMA 2025 Photo Gallery
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