AAPEX Las Vegas 2026: Complete Guide for Automotive Aftermarket Attendees

AAPEX — Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo — is one of the largest automotive trade shows in the world, held annually at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. If you’re attending AAPEX 2026, here’s your complete guide to hotels, registration and the show.

AAPEX Las Vegas: Key Facts

• Venue: Venetian Expo, Las Vegas (same week as SEMA Show)
• Dates: First week of November each year
• Attendance: 40,000+ automotive industry professionals from 100+ countries
• Who attends: Retailers, distributors, repair shop owners, manufacturers and buyers
• Co-located with: SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center — many attendees do both

Best Hotels for AAPEX Las Vegas 2026

AAPEX is at the Venetian Expo. If you’re also attending SEMA (at the LVCC), you’ll need a hotel that’s reasonably accessible to both venues — about 1 mile apart on the Strip.

1. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Best for AAPEX only: Directly connected to the Venetian Expo — zero commute. Booking: Booking.com | Hotels.com

2. Westgate Las Vegas Resort

Best for AAPEX + SEMA: Located between the Venetian Expo and LVCC — short drive or rideshare to both venues. Often more affordable than Strip hotels during AAPEX/SEMA week. Booking: Check Expedia

3. Renaissance Las Vegas

Best for SEMA-first / AAPEX-second: Walking distance from the LVCC, 5-10 min rideshare to Venetian Expo. Preferred by many SEMA+AAPEX attendees. Booking: Check rates

AAPEX vs SEMA: Should You Attend Both?

AAPEX and SEMA run simultaneously during the first week of November. They serve different audiences:

• AAPEX — focused on the aftermarket supply chain: parts, tools, equipment, shop supplies. Primarily for distributors, retailers and repair professionals.
• SEMA — focused on specialty automotive products: performance parts, accessories, custom builds. Primarily for manufacturers, retailers and media.

Many professionals attend both. The venues are about 1.5 miles apart — plan for rideshare travel between them. See our complete SEMA Show Las Vegas guide for SEMA-specific tips.

When to Book Your AAPEX Hotel

• 6+ months out: Best rates, full selection near both venues
• 3–4 months out: Venetian area hotels start filling up
• 6 weeks out: Last-minute only — AAPEX + SEMA week is one of the busiest in Las Vegas all year

Plan Your Full Las Vegas Trip

• SEMA Show Las Vegas guide
• Trade show budget guide
• Airport transport options
• Full 2026–2027 trade show calendar

AAPEX 2026: What’s New

AAPEX evolves every year. The 2026 show is expected to continue its focus on EV aftermarket components, connected car technology, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) — areas that are reshaping the automotive aftermarket. If you’re attending for the first time, expect a significant presence from EV-adjacent suppliers alongside traditional parts and tool distributors.

AAPEX Registration

• Who can attend: AAPEX is a trade-only show. You must be a professional in the automotive aftermarket industry — retailer, distributor, repair shop owner, manufacturer, or related service.
• Registration cost: Expo pass is typically free for qualified trade attendees. Conference sessions are priced separately.
• Register early: The official AAPEX website opens registration 6-8 months before the show. Early registration avoids on-site processing delays.
• Badges: Collect your badge at the Venetian Expo registration area. Arrive early the first morning — lines can be long at opening.

Navigating AAPEX + SEMA Week

November is the busiest week in Las Vegas for automotive professionals. Most serious attendees combine AAPEX at the Venetian Expo with SEMA at the Las Vegas Convention Center — about 1.5 miles apart. Logistics tips:

• Day split: Many attendees spend mornings at one show and afternoons at the other. Decide which is your primary show and prioritize accordingly.
• Rideshare between venues: 5-10 minutes by Uber/Lyft, $8-15 each way. Budget for 2-3 trips per day if doing both shows.
• Evening networking events: Both AAPEX and SEMA have extensive evening events — manufacturer dinners, product launches, networking receptions. Your email inbox before the show will tell you which ones you’re invited to.

See our complete SEMA Show Las Vegas guide | Trade show budget guide | Airport transport options

FAQ — AAPEX Las Vegas

Can the public attend AAPEX Las Vegas?

No. AAPEX is strictly trade-only. Attendees must work in the automotive aftermarket industry and provide proof of trade credentials during registration. Consumer-facing auto shows like SEMA’s public day (Friday) are different — AAPEX has no public day.

How do AAPEX and SEMA differ?

AAPEX focuses on the supply chain — parts, tools, lubricants, shop equipment for the repair and distribution trade. SEMA focuses on performance and specialty automotive products — custom builds, accessories, appearance products. Many professionals attend both since they run simultaneously at venues 1.5 miles apart. See our SEMA Show Las Vegas guide for SEMA-specific tips.

Accommodation Options for AAPEX Week

AAPEX week (early November) is one of the busiest periods in Las Vegas alongside SEMA. Standard Strip hotel rates can increase 50-100% over normal pricing. Book 6+ months in advance for the best rates near the Venetian Expo. For attendees doing both AAPEX and SEMA, a hotel between the two venues — around the LVCC area or mid-Strip — minimizes daily commute time. See our hotel guide for LVCC trade shows for proximity rankings.

🏨 Book your hotel for this show: Compare rates on Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia. Car rental: EconomyBookings.

🏨 Off-Strip Alternative: Station Casinos offers great value hotels away from the Strip — ideal for trade show professionals watching their budget.

🎭 Shows & Entertainment: Book Las Vegas shows and attractions via Caesars — from world-class concerts to comedy and magic, perfect for evenings during your trade show trip.

Planning your full AAPEX trip: Las Vegas trade show budget guide | 15 trade show survival tips | How to network at Las Vegas trade shows

🗺️ Viator — tours and experiences in Las Vegas. 🚗 Carla — car rental comparison for Las Vegas trade show attendees.

📍 Related: Looking for the complete picture? Check our complete LVCC hotel guide with all 25+ hotels ranked by walking distance to the LVCC, real trade show prices, and insider booking tips.