United States. The event announced a revamped layout of its exhibition halls and a number of enhancements that will be available during the November 2026 edition. The main change is the creation of the new AAPEX Forum, a space designed to optimize exhibitor segmentation and facilitate interaction between buyers and suppliers.
Traditionally, AAPEX exhibitors were organized into a dozen major product and service categories. However, some sections required supplemental areas to house surplus exhibitors. With the new 2026 layout and the addition of the AAPEX Forum, all exhibitors in the same category will be able to remain clustered in one place, eliminating the need for overflow spaces.
The segmentation was implemented in response to requests from buyers who regularly attend the event and were looking to meet with all potential suppliers in a specific category without having to repeatedly tour the more than 46,000 square meters of exhibition area. This organization has also proved beneficial for exhibitors, who can coordinate meetings more efficiently with a larger number of potential buyers.
"The new distribution was very well received by the attendees; AAPEX earned the highest net recommendation rating (NPS), a standard measure of customer satisfaction, in its history after last year's edition," said Liz Goad, Vice President of Events, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. "AAPEX is looking for continuous improvement and we have worked with both exhibitors and buyers to create a plan that is easy to navigate and fosters a dynamic, high-energy business environment."
The AAPEX Forum will be located in a building adjacent to the Venetian Convention Center and connected by a temporary pedestrian bridge during the show. This new space will offer easier access for attendees thanks to its proximity to a Las Vegas Monorail station and a bus stop. In addition, all hotel shuttles and transfers shared with the SEMA event will have pick-up and drop-off points at this location.
Product categories that will be hosted at the AAPEX Forum include:
- Fixtures and lighting.
- Undercar.
Changes at The Venetian Expo
Another new feature for 2026 is the move of Joe's Garage to Level 2 of The Venetian Expo. One of AAPEX's most recognizable spaces, this space features six fully operational service bays used for hands-on automotive technician training and new product demonstrations.
Adjacent to Joe's Garage will once again be Podcast Row, an area equipped with recording studios for media and content creators.
Likewise, the Food Truck Pit Stop gastronomic area will return, which will also be expanded and relocated to Level 2. This space will offer various food options for attendees without having to leave the fair.
Level 2 will also have a new Media Hub, where the event's media partners will be concentrated, and an area specially dedicated to exhibitors' press conferences. Press conferences will be available by reservation and will be allocated in 30-minute slots on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meanwhile, the international pavilions and the international sourcing section will once again be located on Level 1 of The Venetian Expo, where they have traditionally been located.
"AAPEX is continually looking for ways to attract more buyers and exhibitors to the show and improve the experience for all attendees," said Mark Bogdansky, vice president of Trade Shows and Community Engagement for the Auto Care Association. "The automotive aftermarket is an industry built on human relations, and AAPEX offers an annual gathering where the global automotive aftermarket can meet face-to-face."
With these modifications, AAPEX seeks to strengthen its role as one of the main meeting points of the global automotive aftermarket industry, facilitating the generation of business, the exchange of knowledge and the connection between manufacturers, distributors and buyers from all over the world.
