AAPEX Adds Extra Day for Learning Forum Education

AAPEX Adds Extra Day for Learning Forum Education

For the first time, Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Learning Forum education sessions will start on Monday, Oct. 29, instead of Tuesday, and continue throughout the event. AAPEX will be held Tuesday, Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev. 

The new four-day Learning Forum will include 30-plus sessions that are all free-of-charge and open to everyone. Specific sessions are recommended for general aftermarket audiences, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, retailers, auto repair shops and parts stores. Sessions are designed to provide attendees with industry trend information, new techniques and technology to help them improve their businesses. 

The following Learning Forum sessions will be offered on Oct. 29:

• “Outlook for Fuel and Raw Material Costs: How it Impacts Everyone in the Aftermarket,” speaker Jason Schenker, Prestige Economics, LLC

• “The Partnership Path to Brand Differentiation & Success!” with speaker Jackie DeLise, Vermillion Consulting

 • “Intellectual Property: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You,” speaker Sarah Bruno, Arent Fox (sponsored by MEMA Brand Protection Committee)

• “Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch: Why and How to Define and Nurture Your Company Culture,” speaker Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond

• “Sprechen Zie Brand?” with speaker Shawn Parr, Bulldog Drummond

• “The New Aftermarket: We Have an App for That,” speaker Derek Kaufman, C3 Network, Inc.

Learning Forum sessions will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706. All sessions are accredited by the University of the Aftermarket toward the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations.

With the Learning Forum starting before the official opening of AAPEX, attendees are reminded to adjust their travel plans and schedules accordingly. To register for AAPEX, visit the event’s website, www.aapexshow.com. For a complete list of sessions, visit the Learning Forum on the AAPEX website. 

AAPEX represents the $395 billion global motor vehicle aftermarket and is jointly sponsored by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). For more information, please visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com.

NHTSA Compliance Required for AAPEX Exhibitors

NHTSA Compliance Required for AAPEX Exhibitors

NHTSA rules prohibit the importation of a non-compliant product without a permit. Specifically, Section 30112(a) of the Vehicle Safety Act prohibits the importation of non-compliant vehicles and equipment, which would include the HID conversion kits (See 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a)).
Importers that are not certifying vehicle manufacturers must seek written authorization from NHTSA in order to import noncompliant vehicle parts and equipment.

Under 49 U.S.C. § 30114, an importer can apply for special exemption and authorization to import a non-compliant product for research, investigations, demonstrations, training, competitive racing events, show, or display. See 49 U.S.C. § 30114. The importer can obtain NHTSA authorization by submitting a “Box 7” form. See NAT’L HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN., DEP’T OF TRANSP., TEMPORARY IMPORTATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDER BOX 7 OF THE HS-7 FORM, available at www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/racing/box7form.pdf [hereinafter “Box 7” form].

If you are an exhibitor who would fall under this category, you will need to supply the Box 7 form in order to import and display your noncompliant part.

AVI Brings High-End Technical Training to AAPEX 2012

AVI Brings High-End Technical Training to AAPEX 2012 

The AVI Training Conference will take place alongside the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) to give attendees the opportunity to participate in two industry events at one time and one place. AVI’s Training Conference is slated for Monday, Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Oct. 30 during AAPEX 2012, set for Oct. 30 through Thursday, Nov. 1. Both events will take place at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.  

AVI’s conference will feature more than 20 high-end technical classes, all geared toward the needs of the installers, technicians and shop owners to help them be more efficient with diagnostics. Topics include: advanced diagnostics using pressure transducers; using the Bartec TPMS tool; PCM coding, reflashing and reprogramming; advanced security, TPMS and chassis systems; and vehicle stability control. Classes also will cover Bosch training on gasoline direct injection, passenger car diesel, powertrain networking and Ford Powerstroke, as well online marketing strategies and creating profit win numbers. 

The instructor lineup for the AVI Training Conference includes: 

• Jim Bates and Michael Moskowitz, Advance Auto Parts;

• Dave Hobbs, Delphi; 

• Wally Mouradian, Automotive Training Group; 

• Mike Rose, Bartec USA; 

• Luis Ruiz, DiPaco DTech Products; 

• Danny Sanchez, Autoshop Solutions; 

• Dave Scaler, Mechanics Education Association; 

• Bernie Thompson, Automotive Test Solutions; 

• Jim Wilson, Auto Dynamics Ltd.; 

• Matt Winslow, Automotive Training Institute; and 

• Becky Witt, approved Automotive Management Institute (AMI) instructor.

Attendees must be registered for AAPEX before registering for the AVI Conference. To learn more and to register, visit the Learning Forum on the AAPEX website, www.aapexshow.com, or the AVI Training Conference, www.aviconference.com. 

Federated Car Care Announces 'Let it Ride' Sweepstakes

STAUNTON, Va. – Federated Car Care has just announced the launch of the “Let it Ride” Sweepstakes, in which one lucky Federated Car Care Center member will not only win a trip to Las Vegas, but also a Chevy SSR to take home. 

 

The lucky winner of the Federated Car Care “Let it Ride” sweepstakes will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas for the 2012 AAPEX show and will also leave Las Vegas with a Chevy SSR as the grand prize winner of this exclusive contest. In addition, hundreds of other prizes will be awarded to Federated Car Care Center members throughout the country.

 

“In past Federated Car Care sweepstakes, the grand prize winners have been awarded a trip or have won a vehicle,” said Phil Moore, senior vice president of Federated Auto Parts. “This year, our ‘Let it Ride’ sweepstakes takes it to a new level. We are going to send our grand prize winner on a trip to Las Vegas, where he or she will be awarded with a second grand prize, a cool Chevy SSR. This just goes to show that you can’t lose with Federated Car Care, one of the nation’s most comprehensive support programs for professional service technicians.”

 

The Federated “Let it Ride” Sweepstakes is open to any fully enrolled Federated Car Care Center member. Current members are automatically eligible. New members must be enrolled by Aug. 31 to be eligible.

To learn more about the Federated Car Care Center program and the “Let it Ride” sweepstakes, visitwww.FederatedAutoParts.com.

---Repost from: http://www.aftermarketnews.com/Item/102415/federated_car_care_announces_let_it_ride_sweepstakes.aspx

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