Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FNR at AAPEX?
What is AAPEX, and why is it the most important annual aftermarket trade show?
We have several new employees at our store. Does AIA provide any educational materials for counterperson training?
Where can I find the latest information pertaining to government legislation directly impacting the automotive aftermarket?
How can I become a sponsor of AIA Events at AAPEX and what benefits do I receive?
How can I become a member of AIA?
What are the member benefits of joining AIA?
My company is located in the Ukraine. Can I join AIA?
I would like to become more active in AIA. How do I go about it?
How do I get listed on the AIA Web site?
I am a manufacturer in Indonesia looking for a rep organization to help my marketing efforts in North America. Can AIA help?
How is the AIA "person of the year" selected?
How do I enter my products in the AIA Import Product Awards Program?
I've found the AIA morning seminars at AAPEX very informative. What are the topics for this year's seminars?
Who are the AIA board members?
Are there any translation services available at AAPEX?
Where is the AIA booth at AAPEX and how can I arrange meeting space there?
Why should I join the AIA segment of AAIA?
1. What is the FNR at AAPEX?
The FNR is AIA’s “Fabulous Networking Reception” where more than 500 of the import industry’s global leaders gather for food, libations, and NETWORKING! As one attendee has stated, “If there is an event during AAPEX that is a ‘must-attend’ it is the FNR.” To learn this year’s schedule and to sign up to attend go to Events. 
2. What is AAPEX, and why is it the most important annual aftermarket trade show?
AAPEX is the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $395 billion global motor vehicle aftermarket, and is part of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). More than 106,000 professionals from around the globe participate in Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas, Nev. During AAPEX, AIA provides you with the ability to promote your business through the AIA events including the FNR and luncheon, as well as sponsorship opportunities. Through AIA you also can schedule meetings at the AIA booth, #9027, on the AAPEX show floor. AAPEX provides opportunities to learn more about the issues that drive the industry by attending AIA’s Seminar Series. Meeting new suppliers and customers is another key benefit of AAIW. Joining AIA enhances the value of AAPEX by allowing you to network with global movers and shakers in the international automobile parts manufacturing sector. Visit www.aapexshow.com.
3. We have several new employees at our store. Does AIA provide any educational materials for counterperson training?
AIA's Import Specialist certification programs may be just what you are looking for! There are two levels, one for the novice and the "Master's" level for the experienced Import Specialist counterperson. Currently, more than 3,000 aftermarket professionals have earned the Import Parts Specialist certificate, and some 750 professionals have earned the Master's Level certificate. Click here for more information.
4. Where can I find the latest information pertaining to government legislation directly impacting the automotive aftermarket?
AIA's Government Affairs page provides the latest information on legislative and regulatory issues of particular interest to the import aftermarket, and links members to the news about AAIA’s government affairs initiatives on behalf of the overall automotive aftermarket at the AAIA Legislative Action Center..
5. How can I become a sponsor of AIA Events at AAPEX and what benefits do I receive?
Sponsorship for AIA Events at AAPEX is available in three levels, Gold, Silver and Bronze, and sponsors at all level enjoy great exposure. Click here for more information.
6. How can I become a member of AIA?
It's easy to join AIA. Apply here.
If you prefer the personal touch, please call or write to Rosemary Perry at 301-654-6664 or rosemary.perry@aftermarket.org.
7. What are the member benefits of joining AIA?
Member benefits abound for each of the various constituencies who are members of the AIA segment. Whether you are an importer, manufacturer, parts seller, parts installer or service organization there are numerous benefits for joining AIA. Click here for more information.
8. My company is located in the Ukraine. Can I join AIA?
Absolutely! AIA is a global organization that offers a multitude of benefits whether your company is located in Paris, Tennessee or Paris, France. It's easy to join AIA. Apply here.
9. I would like to become more active in AIA. How do I go about it?
AIA is always looking for volunteers to serve on committees and become heavily involved in our segment. If you are interested in volunteering your time and talents to AIA please call or write to Rosemary Perry at 301-654-6664 or rosemary.perry@aftermarket.org.
10. How do I get listed on the AIA Web site?
Just join AIA and once you've provided all of your information, your name and company will appear in our password-protected member directory.
11. I am a manufacturer in Indonesia looking for a rep organization to help my marketing efforts in North America. Can AIA help?
AIA has a number of internationally recognized manufacturer representative organizations as members. Please call or write to Rosemary Perry at 301-654-6664 or rosemary.perry@aftermarket.org for assistance.
12. How is the AIA "person of the year" selected?
Criteria for selection of the "Barry Breslow AIA Person of the Year" along with "Hall of Fame," "Lifetime Achievement" and "Young Executive of the Year" are published annually and sent out to AIA membership for suggestions. The "Barry Breslow AIA Person of the Year" is given to the individual who has made the largest contribution to the AIA segment and the Import industry during the past year. Awards are presented at the AIA Luncheon and Awards Program during AAPEX. Learn more.
13. How do I enter my products in the AIA Import Product Awards Program?
You may enter your products, catalog or website, merchandising aids, advertisement and packaging into the AIA Import Product Awards Program, by downloading the entry form and faxing the completed form to the attention of Rosemary Perry or email rosemary.perry@aftermarket.org
14. I've found the AIA morning seminars at AAPEX very informative. What are the topics for this year's seminars?
Click here for information on the most current AIA seminars at AAPEX.
15. Who are the AIA board members?
View the current members of the AIA Board of Directors online. For more information, contact Please contact Rosemary Perry at rosemary.perry@aftermarket.org.
16. Are there any translation services available at AAPEX?
Yes! At the AIA FNR there will be translators for Korean and Chinese-speaking members so that networking opportunities will be enhanced. Other translation services can be arranged through the AIA booth, #9027, in the Sands Expo Center.
17. Where is the AIA booth at AAPEX and how can I arrange meeting space there?
The AIA booth is located on the lobby level of the Sands Convention Center at Booth# 9027 Exhibiting members can arrange meeting space in 30 minute or 1 hour increments by contacting Rosemary Perry at rosemary.perry@aftermarket.org. There are four separate meeting rooms available and a small lounge area. Coffee is provided at the booth as well. You can also join AIA by meeting our AIA membership representative here.
18. Why should I join the AIA segment of AAIA?
Joining AAIA provides a huge benefit as you are a member of the world's LARGEST automotive aftermarket trade association as well as all the member benefits an association this size can provide in protecting and promoting the welfare of the industry in general. Joining the AIA segment provides the additional benefits of capitalizing on your international and/or import focused initiatives providing you with the networking opportunities and the latest, most relevant information concerning this segment of the industry. Learn more.