Social #@$%* Media: Why Take the Time?

Getting the Most Out of AAPEX

If you find social media confusing, you’re not alone. However, the mind-boggling statistics about social media can’t be ignored … millions of people use it millions of times a day. This outstanding communications tool really can be useful for your business and certainly worth your attention.

Here are three compelling reasons why you should give social media a chance and join one of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) online communities, especially if you’re attending the 2012 event, Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.

First, you’ll add value to your overall AAPEX experience when you engage in conversations taking place on the AAPEX Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AAPEXShow, Twitter page, www.twitter.com/@AAPEXShow, and within the AAPEX Show Group on LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com. The three days of AAPEX continue to offer the best opportunity for in person communication and networking within the global automotive aftermarket. But, social media provides the opportunity for the communication and networking to continue throughout the year, 24/7.    

For example, the AAPEX Facebook page already has more than 14,000 “Likes” or fans from all over the world; buyers and exhibitors who are ready to engage in discussions, build relationships and make new contacts long before AAPEX even starts.

Second, social media is a great way to stay connected with everything AAPEX. This year marks the 20^th anniversary as AAPEX, and we’ll be posting exciting information to mark the occasion. You also will find the latest news about AAPEX, time sensitive information, such as the deadlines for saving money on early registration or housing, and plenty of photos and videos related to the event. As AAPEX gets closer, you’ll see posts about celebrity appearances, special meetings and receptions, guest speakers, and Las Vegas discounts available exclusively to buyers and exhibitors.


Social media also is a great way to help spread the word about AAPEX. When you “Like” the AAPEX page on Facebook, or “Like” or “Retweet” its content or someone else’s content, you’ll be telling your friends and colleagues about AAPEX and all the opportunities it offers. A ”Like” also is a good way to provide AAPEX event managers with valuable feedback and more engagement with you, which is a win-win for everyone involved in AAPEX.

Last, but not least, the AAPEX social media pages can be a great place to learn more about the global automotive aftermarket industry. Whether it’s research results, surveys or thought-leaders sharing their perceptions, there are endless opportunities to gain valuable information about this vibrant industry. 

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) drives new business throughout the global automotive aftermarket and is the premier event for new products, business solutions, the latest innovation, extensive education and exceptional networking. AAPEX features more than 2,200 exhibitors and approximately 4,900 booths, as well as 30-plus education sessions targeted to aftermarket retailers, distributors, suppliers and service professionals. In 2011, buyers traveled from approximately 136 countries to participate in AAPEX.

AAPEX will be co-located with the SEMA Show, which will be held the same week at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information, visit the AAPEX Web site, www.aapexshow.com, or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com.

AAPEX Exhibitor News for May16th

AAPEX Space Drawing Underway

The space selection process for AAPEX 2012 is well underway, and the special sections – Tool & Equipment, Paint and Body and AWDA – are completed. The space drawing for the General Section is next, with an anticipated completion of early June.

Once the space drawing is done, exhibitors will receive confirmations, login information and instructions on how to complete their eBooth profile and register for badges. If you’re waiting to be assigned space, please review the Space Drawing Tips below to ensure a smooth process.

New for 2012: Buyers Can Search by Brands

For the first time, AAPEX buyers will be able to search for exhibitors by brand name. If you’d like buyers to find you by brand, please make sure to specify your company’s brand names in your online eBooth profile. To access your eBooth profile, watch your email for exhibitor login information in early June.

Attend AAPEX Exhibitor Summit to Maximize ROI

Register now to attend the second-annual AAPEX Exhibitor Summit, June 19-20, on location at the Venetian and Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. This education-packed event will help you get the best ROI out of your AAPEX experience with sessions on reaching buyers, booth design, budgeting, material handling, using the AAPEX website and brand promotion.

Click here to register today!

Click here for an agenda 

“Let's be realistic. Trade shows are expensive. They cost you a lot of both time and money, and you deserve the biggest return you can get! As a former exhibitor myself, I wish there had been a program like the AAPEX Exhibitor Summit when I was exhibiting. It's FREE and it's going to help you make money, save money and generate new customers. Be there!”

- Steve Miller

Kelly's Dad, Marketing Gunslinger

The Adventure LLC

Space Drawing Tips

Below are a few tips to ensure a smooth process during the AAPEX space draw.

• Remember, the time you’ve been assigned is Central Standard Time. 

• Meet with your team early the day of your call to review the floor plan. Changes may have been made to the original floor plan that may affect booth numbers. 

• Assemble your team and have them available 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time. If the drawing is running ahead of schedule, you might be called a few minutes early. 

• Be sure to be on the AAPEX Floor Plan. It takes a few minutes to load and remember to refresh your browser.

• You only have 5 minutes to select your space so be prepared with alternatives if your choices are not available when you select.

• Space is assigned in real time. Once you have made your selection, and after refreshing your browser, your company name appears in your booth on the Floor Plan.

AAPEX: Event Contact List                        Full Contact List

Event Management

AAPEX Marketing 

Freeman Decorating

Sands Expo Center

AAPEX Registration: Compusystems

AAPEX Housing: Travel Planners

AAPEX Newsletter Becomes Exclusive Information Source

The official AAPEX exhibitor newsletter is back and, this year, it will be your only source for important AAPEX news and information. We’re consolidating all the information you typically receive from AAPEX and its official vendors into this bi-monthly newsletter to help minimize the volume of email in your inbox. Please read this newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything AAPEX.

Directory Lists Official AAPEX Vendors

The Directory of Services contains important contact information for all official AAPEX vendors. Companies listed in the directory have approved AAPEX backing. To access the directory, click here. On occasion, unqualified vendors representing themselves as official AAPEX vendors may contact you. If this happens, please let us know and we’ll issue an alert to all exhibitors.   

Important Deadlines for AAPEX 2012

Proper planning for AAPEX saves you money, allows you to participate in everything AAPEX and helps keep your stress level in check. For a complete list of AAPEX 2012 deadlines, click here.

Register Now for AAPEX Exhibitor Summit

To get the best ROI out of your AAPEX experience, register now to attend the second-annual AAPEX Exhibitor Summit, June 19-20, on location at the Venetian and Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. This education-packed event will include sessions on reaching buyers, booth design, budgeting, material handling, and using the AAPEX website and brand promotion. One-on-one meetings with AAPEX service contractors and tours of the Sands Expo Center, the Venetian and other sponsorship opportunity locations also are on the agenda.

Click here to register today!

Click here for an agenda

Click here to hear what exhibitors who attended last year’s summit have to say!

“At the 2011 Exhibitor Summit we learned how to use the AAPEX website and the tools on it in order to reach buyers before they come to the show and get on their target hit list … It was very helpful, with lots of information and great speakers.”

    -Laura Yerkey, Marketing Manager, US Chemical