AAPEX 2016 officially opened Tuesday, Nov. 1, to the beat of the award-winning drumline from the Basic Academy of International Studies in Henderson, Nev., and trumpet solos by Joshua Bassett.

AAPEX 2016 ran through Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. This year’s event had an increased focus on technology to keep buyers ahead of the curve and included-new Let’s Tech presentations; a new Automotive Technology section on the show floor, and AAPEXedu sessions on Connected Car Opportunities.

More than 2,200 exhibitors participated in AAPEX 2016, while the event drew approximately 45,000 targeted buyers and 160,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from more than 140 countries.