United States. The event announced an ambitious educational program for its 2025 edition, which will be held in a renewed and expanded format. This year there will be four training scenarios, two more than in previous editions, in response to the growing demand from buyers, exhibitors and attendees.
"The pace and complexity of innovation in the automotive aftermarket requires visual presentations," said Mark Bogdansky, vice president of Trade Shows and Community Engagement for the Auto Care Association. "Each stage offers a full schedule of learning opportunities, live demonstrations and expert-led talks, all free to attendees."
TheSpecial Stages will be dedicated to key topics such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and electric vehicles (EVs), located at the Venetian near Joe's Garage.
The AAPEX Education Stages will offer sessions focused on market analysis, logistics and trade policy, distributed between the Venetian (level 2) and the Caesars Forum.
Prominent topics in educational settings
- The ADAS Special Stage (Venetian, Level 1, Booth J8632) will address market opportunities, calibration and technical solutions, with presentations by Jim Fish (University of Michigan), Ryan Kooiman (Standard Motor Products) and Brian Bay (ZF Aftermarket).
- The EV Special Stage (Venetian, Level 1, Booth J7214) will include trend analysis and forecasts of the electric vehicle and e-commerce market, with experts from PwC Strategy, Jefferies Financial Group and Delphi/Phinia.
- AAPEX Education Stage 1 (Venetian, Level 2, booth A4075) will offer sessions on technical training needs, U.S. policy changes and their impact on workshops, and a roundtable discussion on the REPAIR Act in Congress.
- Jim Fish, Robert Pietrowsky, Lisa Foshee and Jon Gentile will participate, moderated by Ryan Kooiman.
- Meanwhile, AAPEX Education Stage 2 (Caesars Forum, booth CA3023) will present topics on logistics cost reduction, opportunities in the Chinese market and strategies to take advantage of participation in fairs, with experts from Mollymawk International Logistics, Chongqing Hongyu Friction Products and Atlas Expo.
Premium training: more than 75 in-depth sessions
In addition to the free mini-sessions, AAPEX 2025 will offer more than 75 premium sessions, developed in conjunction with the WORLDPAC Technical Training Institute and NAPA Autotech. While many are focused on technical training for automotive professionals, this year modules on leadership, talent management and personal well-being are added.
Among the topics are:
- Working with your spouse or partner, Rick White, president of 180BIZ
- Resolving Conflicts Like a Pro: Mastering Customer Frustration with Elegance, Mark Seawell, The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence
- Talent Development: How to Build Your Team and Measure Return on Investment in Training, Matt Wagg, Auto Ignite Management
- What Is Not Talked About: Mental Health, Substance Use and Behavioral Addictions, Margaret Light, Equilibrium Therapy Services P.L.L.C.
- Premium sessions will cost $150 each or $400 for a five-pack.
The full program — which includes both the mini and premium sessions — will be available on AAPEX's official website, with detailed updates and schedules.
"AAPEX brings together a comprehensive offering of hands-on training and real-world knowledge to help the aftermarket meet today's biggest technical and business challenges," said Liz Goad, Vice President of Events for MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. "Whether you're a business leader looking to understand where the market is going or a technician who wants to hone your skills, AAPEX 2025 offers a great learning opportunity."
Registration and logistical details
Registration for AAPEX 2025 is available now, with an overall cost of $100. Qualified technical students, reporters and journalists will be able to access free passes.
The organization recommends booking accommodation as soon as possible through onPeak, its official accommodation partner.
