AAPEX Announces New Attractions and Activities for 2026 Show
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) announced several new interactive attractions for this year’s show. The activities encourage attendee participation, provide entertainment and add to the overall show experience.
“These activations are part of our efforts to evolve the show and keep it fresh every year,” said Mark Bogdansky, vice president of trade shows and community engagement for the Auto Care Association. “We’ve made a lot of changes to the show to facilitate the business side of the event; these activations add fun to the mix and keep attendees engaged on the show floor.”
The following activities will debut at AAPEX 2026.
AAPEX Daily Prize Giveaways
AAPEX will give away prizes every day of the show.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, one winner each day can choose from several prize options. These include a Rolex luxury watch package or two tickets to one of three sporting events. The events include Super Bowl LXI, the Masters Tournament and a premier European soccer match. The ticket packages include airfare and hotel accommodations.
On Thursday, the show will give away a new Ford F-150.
Organizers will randomly select winners and announce them through the AAPEX mobile app at 6 p.m. local time each day. To enter, attendees must scan their conference badges daily at the Roadside Attractions area in the AAPEX Forum.
Roadside Attractions
The Roadside Attractions area features lounge seating, coffee and massage chairs. Attendees can also line up to meet the show’s previously announced celebrity guests. The guests have scheduled appearances for photos and autographs.
NASCAR Simulator
Attendees can test their driving skills in a NASCAR simulator. The participant with the fastest time each day will win two tickets to a NASCAR event of their choice. The simulator will be located in the AAPEX Forum.
Illustration Intake
AAPEX has commissioned graphic artists to illustrate mini-sessions on two show floor stages as they happen. Organizers will later display the illustrations in the Illustration Intake area near the stages.
The area will allow attendees to review information from the sessions, network and grab coffee.
Famous Cars
Several vehicles featured in major films or television programs will appear throughout the show.
Some of the vehicles include:
- Pontiac Firebird Trans Am named KITT from the television series “Knight Rider”;
- Ford Gran Torino from “Starsky & Hutch”;
- Pink Chevrolet Corvette from the movie “Barbie”;
- DeLorean from “Back to the Future”;
- Mercury Cougar XR-7 from “From Dusk Till Dawn”;
- Dodge Charger R/T from “The Fast and the Furious”; and
- AMC Pacer from “Wayne’s World.”
Automotive-Themed Escape Rooms
Two automotive-themed escape rooms will be located near Joe’s Garage. One escape room features a repair shop theme. Participants must diagnose a vehicle and select the correct replacement part. The second escape room features an auto parts factory. Participants must use their automotive supply chain knowledge to solve puzzles.
Each escape room accommodates teams of up to five people. Each challenge lasts approximately 10 minutes. A Joe’s Garage “employee” named “Sparky” will serve as a facilitator and assist teams that get stuck.
Optimum Shop
The Optimum Shop game challenges attendees to maintain inventory and manage a simulated auto repair shop.
Participants must serve customers, order supplies and monitor their shop’s cash flow. The game also introduces supply chain disruptions to challenge participants.
A public leaderboard will track participants’ performance and encourage competition. The game will be located at the Venetian Expo near AAPEX Stage 3.
Part Art Lounge
Two professional artists will race against the clock to create mixed-media murals using donated auto parts. AAPEX will later auction the artwork, with proceeds benefiting the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. The foundation provides financial support for education and training to aspiring aftermarket professionals.
The Part Art Lounge will be located at the footbridge connecting the AAPEX Forum with The Venetian.
Attendee Art Wall
The Attendee Art Wall will be located near the footbridge alongside the Part Art Lounge. This interactive activity allows attendees to create their own artwork using acrylic markers. A facilitator will assist participants who need help. Organizers will install a new wall each day.
Returning Activities and Networking Opportunities
Several returning activities will accompany the new attractions. These include the daily exhibitor booth crawl, automotive-themed flash tattoos at Beers & Gears and networking opportunities. Themed Food Truck Rest Stops will also return to the expo floor.
Attendees can view automotive artwork in the Scenic Overlook Art Gallery. Five show floor stages will feature industry experts presenting demonstrations, training, market insights, forecasts and trends.
“AAPEX 2026 is going to look and feel different, and I think attendees will notice that the moment they walk through the doors,” said Liz Goad, vice president of events for MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “We’ve put a lot of thought into creating an exciting and engaging environment that offers something for everyone. At its heart, AAPEX is about bringing our industry together to learn, discover new opportunities, build relationships, and do business, while celebrating the people and connections that make the aftermarket such a special community.”
Mobile App Adds Turn-by-Turn Navigation
The AAPEX 2026 mobile app is available for Android and iOS devices. This year, the app will provide turn-by-turn directions to help attendees locate exhibitor booths.
Registration remains open for automotive aftermarket professionals. Tickets cost $100, and attendees can register online. Members of the media can obtain a complimentary pass to AAPEX 2026.