Aftermarket Insider - December 2008/January 2009 - (Page 8) AAPEx NEWS greAt in ‘08 AAPEX 2008: A Strong Showing in a Tough Economy despite challenging economic conditions, the aftermarket turned out in a big and supportive way for the 2008 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) at the Sands Expo Center, Nov. 4-6, in Las Vegas, Nev. Overall the show buzz was positive with consistent feedback from exhibitors about the “quality buyers and right people” in attendance. A record 700 industry executives attended the joint AAIA/AASA Chairmen’s Reception on Monday night, Nov. 3. AAIA increased to 12 the number of its educational sessions, many becoming standing-room-only. More than 1,000 people attended what is being called the “best-ever” AAIA Town Hall breakfast on Wednesday morning, Nov. 5. “Our industry votes with its feet and we were pleased to see that they voted in large numbers,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. “The strong showing by exhibitors and buyers demonstrates that our industry really does want to and need to get together once a year to celebrate, learn, network, maintain corporate visibility and stay connected with colleagues and customers.” Two firsts for this year were a delegation from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that toured the show floor, and a group of tier-one repair shop owners representing AAIA’s Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN), who visited exhibitors. Popular attractions including the New Product and Packaging Showcases, and the GreenWay of Earth-friendly products were all expanded. AAPEX 2009 is scheduled for Nov. 3-5, 2009. Visit www.aapexshow.com for more information. Aaron Lowe and kathleen Schmatz, AAiA; James goldstene, California Air Resources Board (CARB); Jennifer Zins and Norm Plotkin, Plotkin Zins & Associates; and Tom Cackette, CARB. As soon as the show doors opened, crowds of aftermarket professionals flooded the 2008 show and enjoyed the offerings of the New Product Showcase. More than 1,000 people attended the ever-popular AAiA Town hall breakfast program, which this year addressed rising energy costs and their impact on the aftermarket. 8 | AFTERMARKET INSIDER | DECEMBER ‘08 • JANUARY ‘09 http://www.aapexshow.com http://www.aapextoday.com/News/Item/37276/aaia_town_hall_aftermarket_boom_is_on_the_horizon.aspx http://www.aapexshow.com http://www.aftermarket.org/Resources/Video/AAIATownHall2008Highlights.aspx
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