With AAPEX just days away, the automotive aftermarket is preparing to gather in Las Vegas. 

The countdown is on. November 3–5, the automotive aftermarket will converge for AAPEX 2026 at the Venetian Expo & AAPEX Forum.

With more than 2,500 exhibitors, 5,500 booths and products spanning more than 1,400 categories, the show offers three days to explore new products, discover emerging technologies, exchange ideas and build relationships across the industry.

But AAPEX is about more than walking the show floor. It’s an opportunity to step away from daily business demands, see what’s changing across the aftermarket and find practical ways to strengthen your business. With opening day fast approaching, now is the time to finalize your plans and decide what you want to accomplish.

AAPEX offers tools to maximize your show experience- whether you’re a retailer, warehouse distributor, service and repair professional- or a first-time attendee. 

Here’s why this year’s show deserves a place on your calendar, and useful tools to build your own itinerary.

1. Retailers: Discover New Products and Opportunities

For retailers, staying competitive means understanding customer needs, finding the right products and building reliable supplier relationships. AAPEX brings manufacturers and suppliers together in one place, making it easier to compare offerings, explore new product categories and identify potential opportunities.

Arrive with a shortlist of suppliers to visit and questions to answer. A focused plan can turn product discovery and face-to-face conversations into valuable business decisions for the year ahead. Through AAPEX’s specialized retailer portal, plan your itinerary and discover why AAPEX is the #1 sourcing event in the North American aftermarket.

2. Warehouse Distributors: Build Relationships and Find Solutions

For warehouse distributors, strong supplier relationships and the ability to respond to changing customer needs are essential. AAPEX provides an opportunity to meet directly with manufacturers, evaluate products, discuss business challenges and explore potential partnerships.

Beyond existing relationships, the show offers a broader view of emerging products and technologies that may influence future demand. Schedule priority meetings in advance, but leave room to discover new companies and solutions along the way. Register as a distributor here, check out specialized sessions for every area of your business.

3. Service and Repair Professionals: Bring New Knowledge Back to the Shop

With vehicle technology evolving rapidly, repair professionals must continually update their skills, tools and processes. AAPEX offers opportunities to explore equipment, learn about emerging technologies and gain practical insights for the shop.

Joe’s Garage features hands-on instruction and demonstrations covering topics such as diagnostics, ADAS and electric vehicle service. Education also addresses shop management and other business challenges. For technicians and shop owners, these opportunities can help inform equipment investments, improve processes and prepare for changing repair demands. From hands-on technical sessions eligible toward ASE certification to business management seminars and general sessions, you’ll walk away with real tools and strategies that keep your skills sharp. View the comprehensive training schedule here.

4. First-Time at AAPEX? Make Connections and Learn

Your first AAPEX can be a big experience, but you don’t have to see everything to make it worthwhile- no matter where you are in your career. Start by identifying your business priorities, then use the exhibitor directory and event schedule to plan your time.

Whether you’re looking for suppliers, exploring new technology or connecting with industry peers, the show offers opportunities to learn from people facing similar challenges. The goal is to leave with useful contacts, fresh ideas and a clearer picture of where the aftermarket is headed. Along with the exhibitor list and training schedule, here’s how to maximize your first visit, get prepared and walk in like a regular! Secure your spot and view the events schedule here.

What’s new for 2026

AAPEX 2026 brings several new features to explore beyond the traditional show floor. AAPEX is making the show easier to navigate, with a redesigned show floor, new features and experiences across its venues. Explore all that’s new and enhance your visit, whether you’re an AAPEX veteran or a first time attendee.

The new AAPEX Forum will host Undercar and Accessories & Lighting, a Product Showcase; as well as headline education, celebrity appearances and the new AAPEX Prize Vault. At the Venetian Expo, iFLEX at AAPEX — a partnership with the Preventive Automotive Maintenance Association (PAMA) — expands the Oil & Lube section with more suppliers, education and networking. Joe’s Garage moves to Level 2, while International Sourcing returns to Level 1.

With the show only days away, a little preparation can make a big difference. Make the most of the week ahead.

Review the exhibitor directory, identify must-see companies, check the education schedule and arrange key meetings. Leave some flexibility, too — while we recommend building a plan, valuable discoveries often happen outside a planned itinerary.

Set a few clear goals, whether that’s finding a supplier, evaluating new equipment, learning a diagnostic technique or connecting with peers. A purposeful approach helps ensure you return home with ideas and relationships that can benefit your business long after the show ends.

For retailers, first-time attendees, parts distributors and service and repair professionals, AAPEX 2026 is an opportunity to connect with the people, products and ideas moving the automotive aftermarket forward. 

The show runs November 3–5 at the Venetian Expo and AAPEX Forum in Las Vegas. With opening day approaching, now is the time to finalize your plans and get ready to make the most of three days with the industry. There’s still time to register here- all pros are welcome to get in on the biggest aftermarket event of the year.

The aftermarket is getting ready to come together. Make sure you’re part of the conversation.