AAPEX 2022 has kicked off in Las Vegas, Nev., in what many aftermarket professionals expect will be a return to more normal show activity.

While an in person show was held in 2021, pandemic related travel restrictions had a significant impact on the event. With most of those now lifted, international participation–marked significantly by the return of Canada Night–bodes well for the event running at the Venetian Expo facility Nov 1 to 3, 2022.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

This year’s Keynote Address, featuring Democratic campaign manager and political consultant James Carville and Republican senior advisor and deputy chief of staff to George W. Bush Karl Rove, promises to be an exciting session for U.S. political junkies, coming just a week before the U.S. midterm elections.

Joe’s Garage

Sponsored by Shop Owner, and at the centre of Repair Shop HQ, experience a simulated real-world shop environment with eight service bays, lifts, and demos on live vehicles, allowing you to talk capabilities, benefits, and utilization in real-time. Level 1.

VISIT JOBBER NATION AND INDIE GARAGE AT BOOTH R8243 IN THE REPAIR SHOP HQ SECTION

Pick up a Remembrance Day Poppy at our booth!

Alternative Fuel/Electric Vehicle

Get insights on the innovations and specialized skills needed to service the growing and changing market of electric, hybrid, and other alternative fuel vehicles. Level 2.

Technology of Tomorrow

See products in the prototype phase and set to hit the market in the next three to five years. Get fully charged for the future by learning about technologies that are highlighting advancements in ADAS, emerging vehicle technologies, predictive maintenance, diagnostics, and more directly from exhibitors bringing their technologies in development. Level 2.

SEMA Show 2022

Tuesday, November 1 – Friday, November 4, 2022

Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

The Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association show is the place to see thousands of product innovations from new and iconic exhibitors, experience the latest product and custom vehicle trends, get access to 70+ free professional skill-enhancing education sessions and make career-changing connections with peers, leaders, and celebrities at the industrys most anticipated in-person networking event. Register at semashow.org.

SIX SUPER SESSIONS

Some of the most popular features of AAPEX every year are the wealth of informative and enlightening seminars and training sessions with industry experts. Here are a few that may be particularly worthwhile. (Some may require advance registration and extra cost. Go to aapexshow.com for more information.)

Tuesday

1. Becoming a Talent Magnet

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Like Apple and Google, you need the best talent banging down your door every day. This class, led by 180BIz president Rick White, teaches you how to become your own Talent Magnet and get exactly that. 

2. 5 Automotive Trends Impacting the North American Aftermarket

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Todd Campau of S&P Global Mobility (formerly IHS Markit) will share his annual overview of key industry trends and new insight affecting the global aftermarket. From the ever-changing new vehicle market to the aging of the fleet.

3. Presidents’ Update: Joint EV and Ecommerce Forecasts

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Held on the AAPEX stage in the lobby of the Venetian Expo, an expert AAPEX Stage panel discusses EV and Commerce forecasts for the upcoming years and beyond.

4. ADAS: The Coming Wave of Aftermarket Opportunity

3:00 PM – 3:20 PM

ADAS represents the best growth market for the aftermarket. Jim Fish, partner at Innovatrium, and Chris Gardner, SVP at AASA, offers insights on the potential market for calibration services and replacement components, as well as issues that need to be addressed. In addition, consumer acceptance, last opportunity and shop needs will be covered.

Wednesday

5. What’s A 20 Group? And Why Should I Care?

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Attending this workshop will allow you to experience the impact and power of peer support, knowledge, and guidance of a coach! This will be a fast-paced, fun, and information-packed session, facilitated by two leading industry coaches, Vic Tarasik, Shop Owner/Coach and Murray Voth, Owner, RPM Training.

6. Inclusive Hiring, Onboarding & Employee Retention Practices

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Today, it is harder than ever to find qualified talent, hire, onboard and retain them over time. There is a lot of conversation about diversity and inclusion but few practical suggestions on how to accomplish it. Led by RepairPal’s Kathleen Long, this course will cover how diversity and inclusive hiring practices actually help solve the technician shortage and improve the results of your business.