Vegas Convention Calendar

Automotive parts & service

AAPEX 2026 Las Vegas

Nov 3-5, 2026 · Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum

Dates verified date source · Official site · Attendance history

DatesTue, Nov 3, 2026
to Thu, Nov 5, 2026
VenueVenetian Expo + Caesars Forum
Venue guide: Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum
Expected attendance~45,000 source (2025 figure)
City fullness (est.)Sold-out ~198K in town

How full will Vegas be during AAPEX 2026?

Sold-out: citywide compression. Top restaurants, suites, and headline talent go first; book 6+ months out.

AAPEX 2026 falls mostly in the week of Nov 2, 2026, which we rate Sold-out on trade-show attendance: about 198,000 trade-show attendees in town (pro-rated), counting AAPEX 2026 and 1 other tracked show that overlap its dates.

Overlapping shows

Each Monday-Sunday week gets one score: the pro-rated attendance of every tracked trade show in town that week. The score sets the week’s trade label. A trade show carries the trade label of the week that holds most of its days (ties go to the busier week), on every tile and page. A week’s headline label can be lifted by the leisure floor (“Busy (leisure)” or “Peak (leisure)”); trade-show tiles never inherit it. Method.

When to book entertainment for AAPEX 2026

Book entertainment: Book now

Based on typical lead times for headline and booth entertainment (status as of Oct 18). In Packed or Sold-out weeks, book at the early end; private rooms and hotel blocks go fast too.

What is AAPEX?

AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) is the parts, tools and service show co-owned by the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. It runs at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum during SEMA week.

Who attends: Repair-shop owners, technicians, parts retailers, distributors and manufacturers. In 2024, 11,097 of its 45,151 registered attendees came from outside the U.S. (128 countries).

Attendance trend: Flat at about 45,000. Attendance history.

When it usually happens

SEMA week in early November, Tuesday to Thursday (Nov 3-5, 2026; Nov 2-4, 2027).

Where to stay

This show uses more than one venue. For hotels connected to or near the venue, plus Loop and Monorail options, see our Venetian Expo and The Venetian Convention Center guide and Caesars Forum guide.

Entertainment ideas for AAPEX

At the booth
  • A tool-skills or speed challenge with a leaderboard
  • A close-up magician to draw shop owners in
  • An acoustic duo for a booth happy hour
Client parties and dinners
  • A sports-bar or bowling-venue buyout
  • A classic-rock cover band for a distributor reception
  • A comedian for a customer dinner

Ideas, not endorsements. Match the act to the crowd and check the show's exhibitor rules on sound levels and booth activations.

AAPEX FAQ

When is AAPEX 2026?

AAPEX 2026 runs Nov 3-5, 2026 in Las Vegas.

Where is AAPEX 2026 held?

At Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum, Las Vegas.

How many people attend AAPEX?

About 45,000 (2025 figure, per the source linked on this page).

How busy will Las Vegas be during AAPEX 2026?

We rate the week of Nov 2, 2026 as Sold-out: about 198,000 trade-show attendees in town (estimate).

When should I book entertainment for AAPEX 2026?

Our booking meter currently reads “Book now” for headline and booth entertainment, based on typical lead times.

Advertise here Venues, DMCs and transport partners can sponsor the AAPEX page (party venues, transport and DMC slots). See placements →

Later editions

  • AAPEX 2027 Nov 2-4, 2027 · Venetian Expo (+ Caesars Forum TBC) · ~45,000

Attendance history and past editions

YearWhereAttendanceWhat it counts / source
2025Las Vegas45,000participants ("approximately") source TSNN lists 119,088, which likely counts SEMA-week crossover.
2024Las Vegas45,151registered attendees source

Organizer or audit figures as published; counting methods differ between sources and years.

Sources and notes

Organizer homepage: 45,000 attendees (2025: ~45,000 from 128 countries per MOTOR). TSNN lists 119,088 for 2025, which likely counts SEMA-week crossover. Runs alongside SEMA.

Spotted a change? Dates and venues are set by the organizer and can move. Always confirm on the official site.