When the sun sets on the first day of AAPEX, the stars of the show come out in spades. There are no shortage of receptions to attend. Here’s a quick look at what went down across the automotive aftermarket once the show floor closes.

Babcox Media Night of Excellence

In Joe’s Garage, Babcox Media hosted its Night of Excellence where it announced its winners of the 2022 School of the Year, 2022 Counter Professional of the Year and 2022 Top Shop awards.

Amanda Balk, Auto Value, Automotive Parts Headquarters, based in Thorp, WI, took home the Counterman Magazine 2022 Counter Professional of the Year award presented by WIX Filters.

Students from Bonneville High School, in Ogden, UT, hoisted the Tomorrow’s Technician 2022 School of the Year award, presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts and WIX Filters.

Telle Tire and Auto Centers took home the Tire Review 2022 Top Shop award presented by Coats.

YANG Reception

The high wind advisory in Vegas couldn’t kill the YANG Reception buzz. The Young Auto Care Networking Group (YANG) Reception at AAPEX continues to provide young professionals with opportunities to learn and network with their peers. 

The reception was open to those young and young at heart.

Aftermarket Jackpot Convention

Tuesday, Nov. 1, also marked the start of Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper kicking off their 2022 Aftermarket Jackpot Convention at The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada. That evening room was electric after the Polynesian dance group took the stage after dinner to perform. After their conclusion, two couples in the audience won all-expenses-paid trips to Hawaii as part an ongoing Hawaii Getaway promotion.

JC Washbish, vice president of sales and marketing, and Jim Holik, director of marketing will emcee all week and didn’t wait long to get the party started.

OAC Global Reception

The AASA Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) held another successful Global Reception on Nov. 1 at Madame Tussauds at The Venetian. The reception has gained a well-deserved reputation as the best global networking event during AAPEX. This year’s reception reached record-setting attendance levels and served as a fun way for the industry to come together. Automotive industry professionals representing more than 35 countries attended the event to discuss the latest industry trends and celebrate the growing industry.

Import Vehicle Community Fabulous Networking Reception