AAPEX 2026 is raising the bar, and the aftermarket won’t want to miss what’s in store-bringing the automotive aftermarket together for another year of learning, networking and discovering what’s next for the industry.

With an enhanced show floor, new opportunities to connect and a full lineup of educational sessions. This year’s show brings a refreshed experience from the show floor up, with new destinations, expanded opportunities to learn and connect, and more reasons than ever to explore everything AAPEX has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for fresh business ideas, insights into industry trends or practical takeaways to help your shop or business move forward, AAPEX is a chance to step away from the day-to-day, learn from industry experts and connect with the people shaping the aftermarket.

Get ready to discover what’s new, and see the latest enhancements for an AAPEX that’s better than ever. Check out our top picks below for can’t-miss sessions for jobbers and to add to your itinerary.

Visit AAPEXShow.com to register.

Six Sessions Jobbers/Distributors Should Check Out

From the dozens of business and technical training sessions offered at AAPEX, we suggest these should be among those at the top of your list.

30 Seconds at a Time: How Small Steps Win in High-Pressure Environments

November 3 @ 9:45 am – 10:30 am

In an instant, everything can change. After surviving sudden cardiac arrest, Jeff Luther faced a reality most people never prepare…

Speaker: Jeff Luther

Repair Shops & the Parts Buying Decision

November 3 @ 10:00 am – 10:20 am

Repair shop part purchasing behaviors continue to evolve, and the manufacturers and distributors that best understand the process – and…

Speaker: Robert Pietrowsky

Leadership Under Fire: Building a Team That Stands the Test of Time

November 3 @ 10:45 am – 11:30 am

Regie hired and fired over 27 employees in one year, not because they were bad, but because he had to become a better leader. 

Speaker: Regie Tiu

Why Most Aftermarket B2B Commerce Launches Fail

November 3 @ 12:00 pm – 12:20 pm

B2B buyers in the automotive aftermarket — repair shops, fleet managers, and dealers — have already moved their procurement online, and the distributors and suppliers who built digital commerce infrastructure early are pulling ahead. But most mid-market companies still launch ecommerce the wrong way.

Speaker: Greg Tull

Stock Smarter, Not Harder: AI-Driven Inventory for Aftermarket Distributors

November 4 @ 2:30 pm – 2:50 pm

Aftermarket distributors are stuck between two expensive bets: carry too much safety stock and tie up working capital or carry too little and lose revenue to stockouts. 

Speaker: Jeff Jatcko

Aging Vehicles, 12 Months of Parts Ordering Data, & What’s Ahead in the Next 5 Years

November 5 @ 10:00 am – 10:20 am

The average vehicle age continues to climb. This affects which parts are purchased and when. With a practical, data-driven look at real order volume trends by part category and model year, this session helps identify growth opportunities. 

Speaker: Robert Pietrowsky

Five Shop Training Sessions You Should Consider Attending at AAPEX

AAPEX offers dozens of sessions for shop professionals. Here are five we think should be on your list.

Why Your Technicians Only Produce 3–5 Hours a Day — and How to Turn It Into 10–12

November 3 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Many auto repair shops have technicians working 8–10 hours per day but producing only 3–5 billed hours. Often it is operational bottlenecks that prevent technicians from staying productive.

Speaker: Rick White

Engine Mechanical Diagnosis with Electronic Equipment

November 3 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Real-World Case Studies and Diagnostic Techniques:  Current Probes, Vacuum & Pressure Transducers Quick Diagnoses of Engine Mechanical Issues Without Disassembly, Camshaft Timing Diagnostics, Misfire Diagnostics – Ignition and Mechanical.

Speaker: Eric Ziegler

Developing Better Diagnostic Judgement and Critical Thinking

November 3 @ 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Sharpen your instincts and elevate your accuracy with Developing Better Diagnostic Judgment and Critical Thinking – a powerful, real-world course designed for automotive professionals.

Speaker: Haakan Light

Tesla Vehicle Networking: CAN, Ethernet & Hands-On Testing

November 4 @ 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

This course provides a practical introduction to the communication networks used throughout Tesla vehicles. 

Speaker: Seth Thorson

From Successful Shop to Enduring Enterprise – The Legacy Builder’s Powerful Journey

November 5 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Success is no longer the finish line. Across our industry, a new generation of leaders is emerging – building companies that perform, grow, and leave a lasting impact on teams, customers, and communities. A roadmap for evolving from operator to Legacy Builder.

Speaker: Michael H Smith

Registration information

Registration remains open and welcomes all automotive aftermarket professionals interested in attending. Register at AAPEXShow.com.

The CHAT Integrated Media team will be on the ground for full AAPEX 2026 coverage all week.