Are You Ready For AAPEX? AAPEX is it! This show is where all the automotive aftermarket players in the United States — and in fact, pretty much the entire world — gather to do business. Yes, it’s in Las Vegas, but it really, truly is the place that business gets done. Where else are you going to have so many heavy hitters in place, at one time? If you’re an exhibitor, you’re in the right place. If you’re an attendee, there’s no better place to be.
First, if you’ve never attended AAPEX, get ready! With few exceptions, it’s going to be the biggest trade show you’ve ever seen. If you’ve never done trade show before, you’re starting in the Big League straight away. The Sands Expo and Convention Center where AAPEX is held is a big — I mean really big! – place. It’s 1.2 million square feet of overall meeting space. Which brings me to five things you need to know for AAPEX.
No. 1: Shoes. This by far is your key to success in Vegas. Bring uncomfortable shoes, and you will curse those blisters for weeks. Get new shoes no less than a month before AAPEX and start breaking them in now. You NEVER want to show up in Vegas with a pair of show shoes you’ve never worn. Trust me on this one.
No. 2: If you think you have too many business cards packed, you don’t have enough. You will go through business cards like never before and you never want to get caught empty-handed.
No. 3: Water. Drink it at every opportunity. Las Vegas is an extremely arid city located in the greater Mojave Desert. This desert practically sucks water out of your body at every turn. A bottle of water should always be nearby.
No. 4: Time. There are so many people to talk to and things to look at during AAPEX, that it can be overwhelming. I typically take a few minutes every so often to just stop and think and take stock of who I’ve met and what I’ve learned. I’ve found it to be a good way to let the AAPEX experience sink in. And it’ll help you remember any important take-aways you’ve gathered at the show.
No. 5: Scheduling. I don’t what it is. We have so much tech available but for some reason, after I’ve done all my scheduling and set up appointments to meet people, the change in time zones always messes up my calendar. I will always print out my schedule (several copies, in fact) in the Pacific time zone just in case my tech fails me.
Well, that’s it. Five things to make your AAPEX experience a little better. I hope this year’s show is the best ever and if you see me, be sure to say hi. I’ll have a business card for you.
