Automotive Parts Associates (APA) successfully hosted SunSplash 2026, welcoming 600 attendees, including shareholders, members, customers, supplier sponsors, and APA/TruStar staff, to the Dominican Republic for the organization’s biennial incentive trip.

SunSplash is a long-standing APA/TruStar tradition designed to reward customers of shareholders and members for their performance and engagement. Participating companies determine how many trips they would like and then extend those invitations to valued customers, including shop owners and service technicians, as they see fit.

This year’s event took place at the Dreams Onyx and Breathless Punta Cana resorts from January 23–27, providing attendees with a shared experience that balanced relaxation, networking, and celebration.

Originally scheduled to be held in Jamaica, SunSplash 2026 required a last-minute change in destination due to Hurricane Melissa. Thanks to the swift efforts and leadership of Jan Larson, APA/TruStar’s Director of Marketing, the event was successfully relocated to the Dominican Republic in a short timeframe, ensuring minimal disruption for attendees.

The trip concluded with SunSplash’s signature final-night group dinner and cash giveaway celebration. During the event, 20 randomly selected winners each received $500, a highlight that has become a staple of the SunSplash experience.

“SunSplash is about more than travel, it’s about recognizing the relationships that drive our industry forward and creating meaningful opportunities for our shareholders, members, and their customers to connect outside of the day-to-day business environment,” said Steve Tucker, President of APA.

APA/TruStar will host the next SunSplash incentive trip in 2028, with plans currently set for Cancun, Mexico.

About Automotive Parts Associates, Inc.

Automotive Parts Associates, Inc. is a shareholder-owned cooperative made up of over 475 independent auto parts distributor locations throughout North America. For more information about APA/TruStar or about membership opportunities, visit www.APA.parts.