AAPEX
November 4, 2025 – November 6, 2025 | November 3, 2026 – November 5, 2026
Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum — 201 Sands Ave / 3911 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89169
50,000+ estimated attendees
The premier global automotive aftermarket event, held alongside SEMA Week. Showcases the latest products, services, and technologies for the automotive aftermarket industry.
Dates
November 4, 2025 – November 6, 2025 | November 3, 2026 – November 5, 2026
Venue
Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum
Address
201 Sands Ave / 3911 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Est. Attendance
50,000+
Type
trade show
Guest List
Free Nightclub Entry
Your AAPEX Resources
Guides & Info for AAPEX Attendees
Everything you need for AAPEX in Las Vegas — from badge pickup to after-hours nightlife.
Attendee Guide
Badge pickup, show hours, tips & logistics
🎶Nightlife & After Parties
Best clubs and bars during the show
🏨Wynn & Encore
Nightlife at Wynn for attendees
🏨The Cosmopolitan
Nightlife at Cosmo for attendees
🏨Caesars Palace
Nightlife at Caesars for attendees
🏨MGM Grand
Nightlife at MGM Grand for attendees
🏨Bellagio
Nightlife at Bellagio for attendees
🗺️All Hotels
Browse every Las Vegas hotel with nightlife access
From the Attendee Guide
Badge Pickup & Show Hours
Badge Pickup
Badge pickup and registration is located on Level 1 of the Venetian Expo. Pre-registered attendees can use express kiosks with their confirmation QR code. Registration opens the Monday before the show. If you are also attending SEMA, note that SEMA badges are picked up separately at the LVCC.
Show Floor Hours
Quick Tips for First-Timers
- If you are attending both AAPEX and SEMA, plan separate days for each. Trying to do both in one day is exhausting and you will not see either show properly.
- AAPEX focuses on the business side of the aftermarket — parts, tools, technology, and shop management. SEMA focuses on the enthusiast and performance side.
- Free shuttles run between the Venetian Expo (AAPEX) and the LVCC (SEMA) throughout the day. The ride takes about 10 minutes depending on traffic.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Between walking the AAPEX show floor and potentially visiting SEMA, you will cover serious ground.
Getting There
How to Get to AAPEX
Parking
Use The Venetian parking garage for Venetian Expo or park at Harrah's / The LINQ for Caesars Forum. Self-parking is typically $15–20 during conventions.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Rideshare pickup and dropoff is available at both The Venetian and LINQ entrances on Las Vegas Blvd.
Public Transit / Monorail
Both venues are near the Harrah's / The LINQ monorail station. The Venetian Expo connects to The Venetian hotel and Caesars Forum connects to the Harrah's / LINQ / Flamingo complex.
Walking from the Strip
Both venues are right on the Strip. The walk between the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum takes about 12–15 minutes along the Strip or through connected hotel walkways.
Vegas After Hours
Nightlife During AAPEX
When 50,000 trade show attendees descend on Las Vegas for AAPEX, the nightlife scene shifts into a higher gear. The Strip's biggest clubs extend their lineups, book marquee DJs, and host industry-specific after-parties to capture the surge. Expect longer peak hours, busier dance floors, and an electric atmosphere that feeds off the energy of the trade show crowd. Whether your group is celebrating a successful day of meetings or just looking to unwind, you will find every style of nightlife within minutes of your hotel.
Convention weeks create a unique dynamic in Vegas. The typical weekend tourist crowd blends with professionals who are in town on expense accounts and looking to make the most of their evenings. Bottle service tables sell out faster than usual, especially at venues like XS, OMNIA, and Marquee. If VIP seating is on your radar, booking early is strongly recommended. For everyone else, the guest list is the smartest move — it guarantees free entry and lets you skip the general-admission line that grows significantly during major trade show weeks.
The best part of going out during AAPEX is the social element. You will run into colleagues, competitors, and new contacts on the dance floor. Some of the most productive conversations at any convention happen after midnight over cocktails, not on the show floor. Strip clubs like Sapphire and Crazy Horse III are also extremely popular with convention groups — free guest list from your hotel and no cover through our guest list make it an easy choice for groups of any size.
After the Show
AAPEX After Dark — Nightlife Picks
AAPEX and SEMA week is legendary in Las Vegas. The automotive aftermarket crowd is one of the most enthusiastic groups that visits Vegas, and the Strip's nightlife scene rises to the occasion. After a day of product discovery and networking, treat your group to a world-class night out.
TAO Nightclub
Nightclub / Lounge
Inside The Venetian — walk from the AAPEX show floor to one of Vegas's most iconic nightclubs. Packed with auto industry professionals during SEMA/AAPEX week.
OMNIA Nightclub
Nightclub
A short walk south to Caesars Palace. The terrace and multi-room layout handle the massive auto industry crowd.
Marquee Nightclub
Nightclub
At The Cosmopolitan. Great energy and music programming. A solid alternative when other clubs are packed.
Spearmint Rhino
Gentlemen's Club
Free entry on our guest list. Convenient Strip location near the Venetian. A go-to for the automotive industry crowd.
Skip the Cover Charge
How to Get Free Entry During AAPEX
Cover charges at Las Vegas nightclubs typically run $30 to $75 per person during convention weeks, and lines can stretch past an hour. Here is how to skip both.
- 1
Sign Up for the Guest List
Fill out the form at the bottom of this page with your name, phone number, group size, and hotel. It takes less than thirty seconds.
- 2
Get Your Confirmation
You will receive a text message confirming your spot on the guest list along with details about your free guest list entry from your hotel.
- 3
Show Up and Walk In
Your car arrives at the scheduled time. When you reach the venue, give the host your name — you bypass the general-admission line and enter with no cover charge. That is it. No catch, no minimum spend required.
Make the Most of Your Trip
Insider Tips for AAPEX Attendees
Balance Your Schedule
Convention days are long and draining. If you plan to go out at night, map out which sessions and booths are must-sees so you can leave the show floor by late afternoon. A short break at your hotel between the trade show and dinner makes a massive difference in your energy level for the evening ahead.
Pick the Right Nights
The first night of AAPEX is usually the wildest — everyone has just arrived and the excitement is high. The final night tends to be more relaxed as attendees pack and prepare for early flights. For the best club lineups, Friday and Saturday nights always deliver regardless of the convention calendar.
Recovery Game Plan
Hydration is everything in the desert. Keep a water bottle on you during the trade show and match every cocktail with a glass of water at night. Order room service breakfast or grab a quick bite at your hotel before heading to the venue — skipping breakfast after a late night is a recipe for a miserable afternoon on the show floor.
Book as a Group
Heading out with colleagues or clients? Larger groups get better treatment at every venue in Las Vegas. When you sign up for the guest list, include your full group count so we can arrange a ride that fits everyone and ensure your party walks in together. Groups of six or more can often request reserved seating at no extra cost.
Pool Parties During AAPEX
Convention sessions typically wrap by 5 PM. That leaves the perfect window for a pool party before dinner. Las Vegas dayclubs operate March through October with free guest list entry — a popular choice for networking or blowing off steam after a full day of sessions and exhibits.
Gentlemen's Clubs
Strip Clubs During AAPEX
Las Vegas strip clubs are a popular after-hours option during convention week. Most offer free guest list entry and complimentary transportation from your hotel — no cover, no minimums.
Sapphire Las Vegas
Crazy Horse 3
Treasures
Hustler Club
Spearmint Rhino
Peppermint Hippo
Kings of Hustler
Palomino Club
Little Darlings
Deja Vu Showgirls
Las Vegas Nightlife Resources
Convention Attendee Nightlife Guides
AAPEX — FAQ
Where is AAPEX 2026?
AAPEX 2026 is held at the Venetian Expo (formerly Sands Expo), 201 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169. The co-located SEMA Show is at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
What are the AAPEX 2026 dates?
AAPEX 2026 runs Tuesday, November 3 through Friday, November 6, 2026.
Do I need separate badges for AAPEX and SEMA?
Yes. AAPEX and SEMA are separate shows with separate registration. Badge pickup for AAPEX is at the Venetian Expo, and SEMA badges are at the LVCC.
Is there a shuttle between AAPEX and SEMA?
Yes. Free shuttle buses run between the Venetian Expo and the LVCC throughout the show days. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
Is AAPEX free to attend?
Exhibit hall passes are free with pre-registration for qualified automotive aftermarket professionals. AAPEXedu sessions may have separate fees.
What should I wear to AAPEX?
Business casual to casual. The auto aftermarket industry is practical — company polos, jeans, and comfortable shoes are standard.
How do I get to AAPEX from Strip hotels?
The Venetian Expo is right on the Strip. Most central Strip hotels are a 5–15 minute walk.
What is there to do during SEMA/AAPEX week?
SEMA week is one of the biggest party weeks in Vegas. The Strip's nightclubs, restaurants, and entertainment are all at full capacity. Sign up for a free guest list in advance.
Las Vegas Nightlife — All Resources
Nightclubs
Pool Parties
Free Guest List for AAPEX Attendees
Get On The List
Free nightclub entry + free guest list entry at your hotel during AAPEX