The 2009 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo

It's time to get ready for the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), where you can interact with thousands of automotive innovators from nearly every corner of the globe. Held from Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Thursday Nov. 5 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, the show is ideal for people who want to network with other industry professionals, learn more about expanding their aftermarket business, or share success stories. And even better, you can check out more than 7,500 new products.

What it is

Did you know that the automobile aftermarket amounts to more than $400 billion across the globe? All of those professionals - and the auto enthusiasts who need their products and expertise - meet every year at AAPEX. Vendors from every part of the world come to show the latest trends and products that soon will be on store shelves.

Who goes?

In the past, more than 50,000 buyers attended the AAPEX show, looking at products related to these areas of the automotive industry:

• Air conditioning
• Batteries
• Braking systems
• Computers and software
• Cooling systems
• Electrical systems
• Equipment and tools
• Remanufactured or reconditioned parts
• Service and installation products
• Transmission systems

What you can learn

But AAPEX is more than meeting vendors, finding new customers or searching for new products to carry in your store. It's also an opportunity to learn, grow your business and better position yourself in the industry. When you attend AAPEX, you also are eligible to attend one of several learning forums designed for professionals in the aftermarket industry.

The convention will include two-dozen sessions with topics ranging from emerging legislation or laws that could affect the industry to new technology coming to vehicles. If you are interested in finding about the economic health of the industry, or how businesses like yours are securing financing during this touch economic time, then one of the learning forums could offer a great opportunity.

New features this year

While AAPEX is the annual event for professionals in the industry, the show is continually expanding and working to meet the needs of its guests. That's why there are new features and exhibits this year designed with both exhibitors and attendees in mind. Here are some of this year's highlights:

• Matching program for buyers and vendors: With thousands of vendors exhibiting their products, it can be a challenge to find the right ones with efficiency. That's why AAPEX has designed a matching program. This Internet-based matching service take the demographic and historical data of a buyer - the types of products carried and the target market for the buyer - and matches them directly with the vendors that offer products that are ideal for the buyer. This means you'll have leads on some of the best products for your customers and can make valuable professional contacts that can last years. Plus, you'll save time by being put in contact directly with the vendors who are ready to help you achieve your business' goals.
• Kiosks throughout the convention center: No need to rely on paper maps to find the vendors you want to see. Instead, you'll be able to use touch-screen kiosks that will show you which experts are on the floor as well as a schedule of events for the entire convention.