AAPEX Uncovered: Updates, Insights & Winning Moves

Auto Care ON AIR

Get ready for a complete unwrapping of the automotive aftermarket's premier event! In this engaging conversation, Mark Bogdansky, Vice President of Trade Shows & Community Engagement, and Ted Hughes, Senior Director of Community Engagement & Executive Director of AWDA, join host Jacki Lutz to reveal the most significant changes coming to AAPEX since the show moved to Las Vegas over 30 years ago.
The biggest transformation? A complete floor segmentation by product category that will revolutionize how buyers navigate the show. "There is no back of the hall anymore," explains Bogdansky, as competitors will now be grouped together, making product discovery dramatically more efficient. But that's just the beginning - food trucks are coming to the show floor, addressing the perennial challenge of quick meals without abandoning the action. Meanwhile, a new student engine assembly competition will spotlight emerging talent, and The Great One himself, Wayne Gretzky, will deliver insights on becoming a "Hall of Famer" in your industry as the keynote speaker.
The conversation delves deeply into the symbiotic relationship between the AWDA Conference and AAPEX. Hughes shares why face-to-face meetings remain irreplaceable in our digital age: "When you're on virtual calls, you look at your email while on the call. That doesn't happen in person." These high-level, focused interactions between distributors and suppliers kickstart the week with meaningful business conversations that set the stage for a productive show.
Both veterans emphasize preparation as the cornerstone of success, whether you're an exhibitor or attendee. Plan meetings in advance, but leave room for serendipitous encounters. Train booth staff properly and position giveaways strategically to maximize engagement. Perhaps most crucially, develop a robust follow-up system - the panel reveals the shocking statistic that 89% of trade show leads are never contacted afterward, representing massive untapped potential.
Whether this is your first AAPEX or you are a seasoned vet, this insider's guide offers invaluable strategies to maximize your investment in this industry-defining week. Listen now and arrive in Vegas prepared to work hard, play hard, and build the relationships that drive business forward in the automotive aftermarket.

Learn more about the AAPEX Show and register here: https://www.aapexshow.com/

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챕터

1. Introductions and Favorite AAPEX Memories (00:00:00)

2. Major Changes Coming to AAPEX 2025 (00:08:12)

3. Floor Segmentation and Food Trucks (00:12:44)

4. AWDA Conference Overview and Benefits (00:21:24)

5. Preparation Tips for Exhibitors and Attendees (00:27:32)

6. The Importance of Follow-Up After the Show (00:35:03)

7. Community Events and Networking Opportunities (00:43:44)

8. Self-Care Tips and Final Advice for AAPEX Week (00:48:39)