In a post-show survey, 93 percent of attendees rated AAPEX 2015 as having met or exceeded their expectations, with nearly 43 percent noting that AAPEX “far exceeded” their expectations. AAPEX 2015 was held in November 2015 in Las Vegas and featured new visuals and new programs to keep attendees “ahead of the curve” in today’s high-tech and ever-changing industry.

Based on survey results, the most important reasons to attend AAPEX were  to find new products and innovation, find new suppliers, and network and maintain existing relationships.

Attendees who filled out the survey commented that AAPEX 2015 was the most productive week of the year, a “must” for anyone in the automotive industry, and by far the best place to do face-to-face business and see existing suppliers.

“I was very pleased with the training and networking perspective that AAPEX brought to the table. As a first-time attendee, my expectations were high and now the bar is set very high due to my experience. Thank you for the great experience and training,” said Sean Patterson, sales technician, Diesel Conversion Specialists from Kalispell, Montana. “Lastly, the AAPEX staff was very helpful in scheduling, transportation and knowledge of the events.”

The online survey was open from Nov. 6 through Nov. 23, 2015, and had a 10 percent response rate from AAPEX 2015 attendees.

AAPEX 2015 featured 2,239 exhibitors from 32 countries and an AAPEXedu program with 55 free sessions designed for warehouse distributors (WDs), retailers, service professionals, parts stores, national service chains, manufacturers and industry professionals under 40. More than 45,100 targeted buyers attended AAPEX 2015 and the SEMA Show. Approximately 160,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from 147 countries were in Las Vegas during both events.

AAPEX 2016 will be held Nov. 1-3, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, with AAPEXedu sessions starting on Monday, Oct. 31.