The NAPA EXPO 2022 kicked off in Las Vegas this week attracting NAPA network members from across the globe for an extensive trade show, a dozens of seminars, and special events.

The global event was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event has attracted groups of jobbers and automotive service providers from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. And of course a delegation of Canadian NAPA network members.

As one of the first international aftermarket events to be held since travel restrictions have largely been lifted, the event is providing a long-awaited opportunity for suppliers to show what they have to offer to jobbers and shops.

It has also provided an opportunity for industry members at large to engage in conversations about the challenges they are facing and the opportunities ahead.

Chief among the discussions is the ongoing wrestling match for Right to Repair legislation, but of a more immediate concern for shops and jobbers alike is staffing. Some shops took the decision to close while they attended the event as they didn’t have senior enough staff in place to operated while they attended. Some others sent family members in to keep tabs on the business.

For those struggling with the staffing issue there are a number of seminar on tap including the ambitiously titled “Your Solution to the Technician Shortage,” and “Winning in the “New Normal” talent marketplace.

A number of seminars include addressing comebacks in steering, brakes, and charging system categories.

Seminars such as “Building Customer Relationships” “Combatting Steering Comebacks,” “Mastering Urgency: When Everything is Urgent,” are examples of some offering business process guidance. Other seminars offered information on financial management, digital marketing, motivating staff and customer communication.

Among the most anticipated were seminars looking at the coming technologies with “NAPA’s View on Emerging Technologies” having near capacity registration over several sessions.

The event runs July 18 through to July 21, and includes a number of networking events and general sessions with leading speakers.

The event wraps up with a gala concert with ’80s New Wave tribute band The Spazmatics opening for Grammy Award winning headliners the Goo Goo Dolls and Keith Urban.

NAPA EXPO 2022 PHOTO GALLERY

NAPA EXPO 2022 VIP Red Carpet Event sponsored by Milwaukee Tool

Concert Event featuring the GooGoo Dolls Keith Urban and opening act The Spazmatics

Closing General Session with Blue Angels pilot John “Gucci” Foley and Rugby all-star and former All Blacks Captain Sean Fitzpatrick