AAPEX 2026 Calls for Speakers and Training Sessions

Annual automotive aftermarket tradeshow is accepting applications to present business management or technical training

LAS VEGAS, NV, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) is calling for sessions at its annual trade show to be held in Las Vegas, Nev., November 3-5, 2026. Sessions should be geared toward business management or technical training for independent auto repair shops and owners. The deadline for submission is March 18, 2026.

Select interactive training sessions will take place in Joe’s Garage, a hallmark of AAPEX. Located on the show floor, Joe’s Garage is a full-service center featuring 10 fully operational vehicle lifts. The space is designed for hands-on training and real-world demonstrations – often showcasing new parts, tools, and service equipment. Additional training sessions will be conveniently located around the show floor, near Joe’s Garage.

“Last year, AAPEX hosted more than 100 training sessions and product demonstrations as part of our dedicated programming for service and repair professionals, including activations in Joe’s Garage,” said Liz Goad, vice president of Events with MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, which co-produces AAPEX. “Access to training and exposure to new product innovations are consistently among the top reasons people say they attend AAPEX in our polling.”

A post-show survey of attendees who participated in a training session at AAPEX in 2025 gave the training good grades. More than 9 in 10 (93%) said the training met (53%) or exceeded (40%) their expectations.

Selection criteria for training

All proposals will be evaluated by a panel of independent repair shop owners and technicians. The selected sessions will be announced to applicants by mid-April.

The selection criteria for session proposals include the following:

● relevance to the independent repair community;
● quality of proposed content;
● achievable learning outcomes;
● trainer or presenter qualifications; and
● applicability to a service shop’s daily work or career.

Importantly, sales pitches and sessions that are promotional in nature will not be considered.

Speaker honorarium and travel stipend

AAPEX recognizes that quality training is an investment. As such, presenters whose sessions are selected will receive:

● Complimentary access to the show;
● $500 honorarium per session; and
● $750 stipend for travel and expenses.

The $500 honorarium is paid per session (not per speaker). The honorarium remains at a flat rate regardless of the number of speakers in any given session.

How to apply to speak

Prospective speakers can submit proposed sessions here. New speakers will be prompted to set up an account, while returning speakers will be invited to log back in.

Each speaker may submit up to six different session proposals by the deadline. Questions related to speaking at Joe’s Garage may be sent to kelly@appexshow.com.

“The pace of innovation in service and repair is accelerating, which makes continuous training essential for independent repair professionals,” said Mark Bogdansky, vice president of Trade Shows and Community Engagement at the Auto Care Association. “Likewise, AAPEX is always striving to improve the show experience and deliver the newest products, the best networking, and of course, world-class training and educational opportunities.”
About AAPEX

AAPEX unites the more than $2.3 trillion global automotive aftermarket industry and historically draws around 2,500 exhibiting companies from around the globe that display innovative products, services and technologies that keep the world’s 1.6 billion vehicles on the road. AAPEX provides advanced technical and business management training for professionals to maintain excellence and take their businesses to the next level. Industry buyers include automotive service and repair professionals, auto parts retailers, independent warehouse distributors, program groups, service chains, automotive dealers, fleet buyers and engine builders.

AAPEX recently received the prestigious Trade Show Executive (TSE) award for “Fastest-Growing Gold 100 Transportation Show in 2023 by Blended Percentage of Growth.” It was also recognized by TSE as one of the 50 fastest-growing trade shows that took place in the United States in 2023, marking the second consecutive year for the event to earn its place on TSE’s Fastest 50 Class.

AAPEX is a trade-only event and is closed to the general public.

AAPEX is co-owned by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association. For more information, visit AAPEX 2025 or e-mail: info@aapexshow.com. On social media, follow AAPEX at #AAPEX26.

Frank Strong
for AAPEX
+1 202-352-5920
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