AAPEX 2026 is scheduled for November in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will bring a redesigned show floor and new attendee-focused features aimed at improving efficiency for buyers, exhibitors, and service professionals.
The event is co-owned and organized by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association, which continue to position AAPEX as a central meeting place for the global automotive aftermarket industry.
This year’s updates focus on making the show easier to navigate across its more than 500,000 square feet of exhibit space. For attendees such as service truck operators, fleet managers, and shop owners, the goal is simple: spend less time walking the floor and more time connecting with suppliers, evaluating equipment, and making purchasing decisions.
At the core of the 2026 changes is a redesigned exhibit floor layout that keeps product categories together and eliminates overflow sections. In past years, some categories were split across multiple areas, forcing attendees to move back and forth across the venue to see all relevant exhibitors.
The new layout consolidates each category into a single location, allowing attendees to move through the show more efficiently. The change was driven by feedback from buyers who wanted a more direct way to meet suppliers without covering unnecessary ground.
For service professionals, the benefits are immediate. A more organized floor makes it easier to compare tools, equipment, and new technologies side by side, reducing the time needed to evaluate options. Exhibitors also gain from increased visibility within their category, improving the chances of meaningful conversations and qualified leads.
“The new layout was well-received among attendees; AAPEX earned the highest net promoter score (NPS), a standard measure of customer satisfaction, that it’s ever received following last year’s show,” said Liz Goad, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vice President of Events. “AAPEX strives for continuous improvement, and we have worked with exhibitors and buyers alike to create a plan that’s easy to navigate and fosters a high-energy business atmosphere.”
A major addition for 2026 is the AAPEX Forum, a new building adjacent to The Venetian Convention Center that will serve as both exhibit space and a central hub for key events. Connected by a temporary footbridge, the Forum expands the overall footprint of the show while helping improve traffic flow between areas.
The location also makes it easier for attendees to get in and out of the show. With nearby access to the Las Vegas Monorail, bus stops, and shuttle routes, the Forum provides a more convenient entry point—especially for attendees moving between hotels and venues throughout the day.
Inside, the Forum will host several of the show’s primary activities, including the opening reception and general sessions. It will also feature exhibitor booths focused on accessories, lighting, and undercar components—categories that are directly relevant to service truck operators and maintenance teams.
In addition to business-focused features, AAPEX is expanding attendee amenities. A new Buyer’s Rest Stop will offer coffee, beverages, seating, and relaxation options, giving attendees a place to recharge between meetings. The show will also continue its daily free lunch program for buyers.
Updates Inside The Venetian Expo
The Venetian Expo remains a central part of AAPEX and will see several layout changes designed to improve engagement.
Joe’s Garage, one of the show’s most popular areas, is moving to Level 2. The space includes six fully operational service bays used for hands-on technician training and live product demonstrations. For service professionals, this area provides a practical look at how new tools and repair techniques perform in real-world applications.
Podcast Row will be located alongside Joe’s Garage, offering recording space for media partners and content creators. A Media Hub will also be positioned on Level 2, giving exhibitors a dedicated space to host press conferences and share announcements.
The Food Truck Pit Stop is also being expanded and relocated to Level 2. By offering a wider range of dining options within the exhibit space, the show aims to reduce downtime and keep attendees on the floor longer.
The updated layout also makes it easier to locate key product segments. Level 2 of The Venetian Expo will feature categories including tools and equipment, diagnostics and telematics, electric vehicles and alternative fuels, HVAC systems, oil and chemicals, tire servicing, paint and body, business services, and underhood components.
Level 1 will continue to house international sourcing and international pavilions, maintaining consistency for attendees seeking global suppliers.
With these changes, attendees can plan their time more effectively and ensure they cover all relevant areas without retracing their steps.
Built Around Face-To-Face Business
AAPEX continues to draw thousands of exhibitors and industry professionals from across the automotive aftermarket, including service providers, parts distributors, fleet operators, and manufacturers.
Organizers emphasize that despite the growth of digital tools, in-person events remain essential for building relationships and closing business.
“AAPEX continuously looks for ways to bring more buyers and exhibitors to the show and enhance the experience for everyone who attends,” stated Mark Bogdansky, Auto Care Association Vice President of Trade Shows and Community Engagement. “The aftermarket is a people-oriented business and AAPEX provides an annual gathering where the global automotive aftermarket can meet face-to-face.”
For service truck professionals, the 2026 updates are designed to deliver a more productive experience. A clearer layout, improved access between venues, and expanded amenities mean less time navigating logistics and more time evaluating equipment and meeting suppliers.
With better organization and more hands-on opportunities, AAPEX 2026 is positioned to help attendees make faster, more informed decisions that impact their operations on the job. Show information is available at www.aapexshow.com.