Political turmoil and uncertainties certainly did not prevent Canadian automotive aftermarket professionals and organizations from joining their U.S. colleagues and attending AIA Canada Night on November 4, during Industry Week (AAPEX/SEMA and Global Tire Expo) in Las Vegas.

Some 400 attendees gathered in the warm atmosphere of HaSalon, an exclusive restaurant located within the sprawling Palazzo hotel and casino, and a venue reserved exclusively for the occasion. Representatives from the auto parts manufacturing, digital solutions, tools, materials, marketing and trade media publications joined with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, for this highly anticipated and iconic event.

AIA Canada Night has been a staple of Industry Week for more than three decades, and over the last 10 years, has been marked by the presidency of Jean-François Champagne. Recently, Champagne announced he will be departing his position as president—succeeded by Emily Chung, who will assume the reins early in 2026.

“I realize this is my last Canada Night,” explained Champagne with a touch of sadness, granting Autosphere a few moments during this busy evening. “Our federal government is doing everything it can to dispel the uncertainties, and we can always count on our free trade agreement with the U.S., which will need to be reviewed soon. What’s clear when I look at the composition of this crowd tonight is that the automotive aftermarket sectors between our two countries are closely linked; we are truly integrated.” Champagne noted that while some Canadians have chosen to cancel their tourist trips to the United States, AIA members crossed the border in large numbers to participate at

AAPEX and the SEMA Show in 2025, and come together for what has, and continues to be an industry tradition—AIA Canada Night.

“We have many American friends,” Champagne added. “Our sector has always shown resilience. I know we have, and will continue find solutions to service and repair vehicles in both Canada and the U.S. That will never change.”