If you’re like me, a year without AAPEX in Las Vegas just wouldn’t feel right. Why? Because there’s no other time you’ll see so many of our industry counterparts in the same city, at the same event, with business on the brain. Honestly, it’s almost like a family reunion or holiday get-together, minus the arguing. (OK, maybe a little arguing.)
If you’ve never attended AAPEX, make this year your first. You’ll be in good company. Of the approximately 39,600 buyers in attendance, nearly 7,000 wholesalers and about 5,000 parts retailers will be there. That’s about 30 percent of attendees, which combined, comprise the largest segment of attendees. You need to experience why those 12,000 people travel to Las Vegas every year. In addition to the chance to meet thousands of people and do business face-to-face with the leaders in the industry, there are numerous educational forums designed to help aftermarket professionals earn more business and marketshare. AAPEX runs Nov. 5-7 at the Sands Expo Center. I highly recommend going to www.AAPEXShow.com to find out more.
Go Back To School
The University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University recently celebrated a milestone — the largest-ever Leadership 2.0 class. In August, 40 professionals gathered at the school’s campus in Midland, Mich., for the first week of a two-week residential aftermarket-focused educational program.
The next session takes place in April 2014, at Northwood’s West Palm Beach, Fla., location. But don’t let the sunny skies of Florida be the reason you sign up for this exciting program (though it’s a nice perk.) I was fortunate in 2008 and 2009 to take part in the course. In addition to being a great way to earn credits for Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations, you’ll make friends for life — really. Whenever I hear someone say “make friends for life,” I almost immediately don’t believe it. It sounds corny, right? It’s not. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run into my Leadership 2.0 friends on planes, in other cities or telephoned or emailed them or they’ve done the same. I know their kids’ names, their favorite foods and what they like to read. Learn more about Leadership 2.0 by going to http://www.northwood.edu/aftermarket/.
