Four Stages, 75+ Premium Sessions, and a Focus on ADAS, EVs, Trade Policy, Live Demos and Workforce Development.

Canadian jobbers heading to AAPEX 2025 can expect an expanded and more dynamic training experience this year, with the show unveiling a robust schedule of complimentary “mini sessions” and over 75 premium training opportunities.

Designed to address the evolving needs of the global aftermarket, the program blends technical know-how with business-critical soft skills.

In response to attendee demand, AAPEX has increased its stage count from three to four, offering more opportunities for hands-on learning, live demos, and expert-led discussions. All mini sessions are free to attend and will be hosted across two Special Stages and two AAPEX Education Stages.

For Canadian attendees navigating the rapid evolution of vehicle technology, trade policy, and workforce expectations, AAPEX 2025 is shaping up to be a must-attend event.

“The pace of innovation in the aftermarket demands more than static displays,” said Mark Bogdansky, VP of Trade Shows and Community Engagement at the Auto Care Association. “These stages bring the learning to life – and they’re open to all attendees.”

Special Stages: ADAS and EVs in Focus

Located near Joe’s Garage in the Venetian, the Special Stages will spotlight two of the industry’s most disruptive technologies:

• ADAS Special Stage (Booth J8632)
  • Market opportunities with Prof. Jim Fish (University of Michigan)
  • Calibration challenges with Ryan Kooiman (Standard Motor Products)
  • TRW systems and chassis insights with Brian Bay (ZF Aftermarket)
• EV Special Stage (Booth J7214)
  • Diagnostic tools for EV and non-EV platforms with Dave Hobbs (Delphi/Phinia)
  • 2025 EV trends forecast with PwC Strategy
  • E-commerce outlook with Alec Lynch (Jefferies Financial Group)

AAPEX Education Stages: Market Intelligence and Policy Insights

• Stage 1 – Venetian, Level 2 (Booth A4075)
  • Training needs in a complex vehicle landscape (Prof. Jim Fish)
  • U.S. policy shifts and their impact on shop behaviour (Robert Pietrowsky, IMR)
  • The REPAIR Act panel with Auto Care and MEMA leadership
• Stage 2 – Caesars Forum (Booth CA3023)
  • Cutting logistics costs and boosting clearance rates (David Tong, Mollymawk Logistics)
  • Brake manufacturing trends in China (Denny Yang, Chongqing Hongyu)
  • Maximizing tradeshow ROI (Bing Han, Atlas Expo)

Premium Training: Technical Depth Meets Human Skills

Beyond the mini sessions, AAPEX 2025 offers a suite of premium full-length training sessions – many developed by WORLDPAC Technical Institute and NAPA Autotech. While technical training remains a core focus, this year’s program also emphasizes leadership, communication, and mental wellness:

• Working with your spouse or partner (Rick White, 180BIZ)
• Conflict resolution and customer service mastery (Mark Seawell, The Institute)
• Building your talent pipeline and training ROI (Matt Wagg, Auto Ignite Management)
• Addressing mental health and addiction in the workplace (Margaret Light, Equilibrium Therapy)

Premium sessions are priced at $150 each, or $400 for a five-session bundle. Attendees are encouraged to review the full schedule for updates and session times.

Premium training sessions cost $150 per session, and a package of five sessions is available for $400. The full show schedule lists all of the training sessions being offered at the show – both premium and mini-sessions. AAPEX recommends attendees review the schedule for starting times, updates and changes.

“AAPEX brings together a full range of hands-on training and real-world insights to help the aftermarket tackle today’s biggest technical and business challenges,” said MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vice President of Events Liz Goad. “Whether you’re a business leader looking to understand where the market is headed or a technician sharpening your repair skills, AAPEX 2025 delivers a wealth of opportunity.”

Registration for AAPEX 2025

Registration for AAPEX 2025 is open – passes cost $100. Complimentary passes are available for qualified vocational students, reporters and journalists. AAPEX strongly recommends that attendees secure hotel reservations as soon as possible using onPeak, the official AAPEX housing partner.

About AAPEX

AAPEX unites the nearly $2.3 trillion global automotive aftermarket industry and historically draws more than 2,600 exhibiting companies from around the globe that display innovative products, services and technologies that keep the world’s 1.6 billion vehicles on the road. AAPEX provides advanced technical and business management training for professionals to maintain excellence and take their businesses to the next level. Industry buyers include automotive service and repair professionals, auto parts retailers, independent warehouse distributors, program groups, service chains, automotive dealers, fleet buyers and engine builders.  

AAPEX recently received the prestigious Trade Show Executive (TSE) award for “Fastest-Growing Gold 100 Transportation Show in 2023 by Blended Percentage of Growth.” It was also recognized by TSE as one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows that took place in the United States in 2023, marking the second consecutive year for the event to earn its place on TSE’s Fastest 50 Class.  

AAPEX is a trade-only event and is closed to the general public.