AAPEX 2026 reshapes exhibit floor with new Forum and buyer amenities

AAPEX says its 2026 show in Las Vegas will feature a redesigned exhibit floor, a new AAPEX Forum and added buyer amenities to make it easier for attendees to meet more exhibitors. The changes are meant to improve navigation, boost capacity and support the trade-only auto aftermarket event when it returns in November.

Why it matters: - AAPEX says the new layout is designed to reduce time spent crossing the show floor and make it easier for buyers to see more suppliers in one place. - The changes also aim to improve the experience for exhibitors by making meetings with prospective buyers more efficient. - AAPEX is one of the biggest gatherings for the global automotive aftermarket, which it says serves a more than $2.3 trillion industry.

What happened: - AAPEX announced an updated exhibit hall floor plan and new show enhancements for its November 2026 event in Las Vegas. - The centerpiece is the new AAPEX Forum, a building next to The Venetian Convention Center connected by a provisional footbridge during the show. - AAPEX says the Forum increases exhibitor segmentation capacity and eliminates the need for overflow exhibit areas. - The show’s registration page lists a $50 fee through June 26, 2026, rising to $75 through Sept. 25 and then $100 afterward. - Qualified vocational students and members of the media can register for free.

The details: - The 2026 floor plan keeps exhibitors in the same product section together instead of spreading overflow booths into separate areas. - AAPEX says buyers requested the change because they wanted to meet all possible suppliers without moving back and forth across 500,000 square feet of show-floor space. - Liz Goad, vice president of events at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, said last year’s layout helped the show earn its highest net promoter score ever. - The AAPEX Forum will host the opening reception, general sessions and booths for the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. - The Forum also has a nearby Las Vegas Monorail station and bus stop. - Local hotel shuttles and inter-venue shuttles coordinated with SEMA will pick up and drop off attendees at the Forum. - AAPEX is bringing back the daily free buyer lunch and adding a Buyer’s Rest Stop with massages, coffee and other beverages. - Forum product categories will include accessories and lighting, and undercar. - Joe’s Garage is moving to Level 2 of The Venetian Expo. - Joe’s Garage includes six operating vehicle service bays used for hands-on technician training and new product demonstrations. - Podcast Row will be located next to Joe’s Garage. - The Food Truck Pit Stop is returning, expanding and moving to Level 2. - Level 2 will also include a Media Hub with media partner booths and a press conference area for exhibitors. - Exhibitor press conference slots will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis in 30-minute windows, with requests sent to media.relations@aapexshow.com. - International pavilions and the international sourcing section will return to Level 1 of The Venetian Expo. - Level 2 product categories will include business services, AI, e-commerce, technology, diagnostics, telematics and shop management systems, EVs and alternative fuels, mobile heat transfer, HVAC and diesel emissions, oil and lube products, paint and body, remanufacturing, tire servicing, tools and equipment, and underhood. - Level 1 product categories will be international sourcing and international pavilions.

Between the lines: - The floor redesign signals a broader push to make the trade-only event more efficient for buyers and more attractive for exhibitors as competition for attendee attention increases. - Mark Bogdansky, vice president of trade shows and community engagement at the Auto Care Association, said AAPEX is focused on bringing more buyers and exhibitors together while preserving the event’s face-to-face business model. - Moving major traffic drivers such as Joe’s Garage, the Food Truck Pit Stop and the Media Hub to Level 2 appears aimed at concentrating activity and improving circulation. - The return of international sourcing to Level 1 suggests AAPEX is restoring a familiar layout while still changing the main exhibit flow.

What's next: - AAPEX 2026 is set for November in Las Vegas. - Exhibitors can request press conference time slots by emailing media.relations@aapexshow.com. - AAPEX says more show information is available through its announcement and social channels, including the company’s announcement.