By Michael V. Freeze, Managing Editor, aftermarketNews.com
This edition of ATI asks the simple question: Are you going to the AAPEX Trade Show in Las Vegas in November? If so, what is the primary benefit? If not, what keeps you from coming?
Jon Bush, R&J Warehouse – North Little Rock, AR
We always try to have a representative attend the event every year. The primary benefit is letting people know that you’re still out there. Also, we can see what others in the industry are doing.
We look at the various vendors. We try to observe things that are new, look at the new releases. In general, seeing everyone trying to be ‘first-to-market’. It’s a benefit to attend because things change so quickly in this market.
Dawn Martin, Marketing Representative – All Products Automotive – Chicago, IL
“At this point, I’m not really sure whether I’m going or not. I am coordinating an earn-back trip for some of our customers, and I am not sure if that will conflict yet. We’re taking 30 jobbers to Costa Rica.
In general, I go (to the show) because of all the new products that I can see. I also make it a point to see vendors to try to get them to donate prizes or other earn backs for our customer appreciation events. I seem to get a better response when I am able to get face to face with them.
Larry Bergsrud, Metric Auto Parts – St. Paul, MN
Yes, the primary benefit will be to find new suppliers and improve the supply we already have.
Carl Carnova, Carl’s Car Clinic – Birmingham AL
“Yes, I will be attend the APPEX show as well as the ASA CARS show for the technical and management sessions.
Summary by Michael V. Freeze, Managing Editor aftermarketNews:
For the most part concerning AAPEX, different people go for different motives: to see the new product releases, to interface with vendors or to attend the management sessions. Obviously, improving one’s business is the reason to attend AAPEX, as many indicated. But getting time away from that business can also be a challenge, causing some to decide their time is better spent in the shop, rather than the show floor.
Those that are going know what sessions they are attending or which vendor to meet with. Those who weren’t did not deny the benefit of going to the trade show, but decided not to go because of shop or store concerns, or family commitments.
Regardless of whether those questioned go or not, they all seemed very focused on their businesses, as well as the aftermarket industry. And in November, many will sharpen that focus in Las Vegas to take advantage of the wealth of industry knowledge available there.
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