The number of exhibitors contracted for the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) 2010 to date is up 64 percent compared with the same time last year, indicating greater confidence in the economic recovery and foretelling a strong aftermarket industry footprint in November, according to show owners. Equally as encouraging is a significant increase in booth sales – up 55 percent from March 2009.
AAPEX 2010 is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2, through Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
“Increased exhibitor contracts this early in the process is not only a clear sign of an emboldened aftermarket industry – it’s a testament by manufacturers who see the value of meeting face-to-face with domestic and international buyers annually and leveraging the networking opportunities,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO.
“Many new, innovative features were introduced at AAPEX 2009 – such as the ‘You Are Here’ interactive kiosks and the ‘SearchAutoParts.com AAPEX Theater,’ as a result of direct feedback solicited from past participants,” said Steve Handschuh, president and COO, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). “These attractions and enhancements clearly have breathed new life into AAPEX, as evidenced by the increases in exhibitor contracts and booth sales for 2010. As AAPEX co-owners, we are committed to continuous improvements to the event to increase its value and ROI to all participants.”
AAPEX is the annual business-to-business trade show representing the global automotive aftermarket and features more than 2,000 exhibitors. AAPEX is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket affiliate of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
More information:
• AAPEX attendee online registration opens April 1 at www.aapexshow.com
