Register Now for the SEMA Show and AAPEX

Attendee registration for the 2010 SEMA Show and AAPEX can be completed at www.SEMAshow.com and www.aapexshow.com. The two shows, both of which are held the first week of November in Las Vegas, are open to auto-related buyers, technicians, retailers, dealers, manufacturer’s reps and other specified categories.

Registration allows attendees to enter both the SEMA Show (Tuesday-Friday, Nov. 2-5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center) and AAPEX (Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 2-4, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center). To begin the registration process, visit the SEMA or AAPEX websites and click the registration link. Enter an email address in the attendee or media section to get started.

“We’re encouraged by the strong support that exhibitors are demonstrating for the 2010 SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of events and communications. “We’re seeing lots of first-time exhibitors sign up and returning exhibitors are already committing to larger booth space. They’re already planning to be at the upcoming show and their primary reason will be to connect with buyers.”

AAPEX organizers are equally excited about the 2010 event. “Strong and early exhibitor support for AAPEX 2010 sets the stage for a high-quality trade show for domestic and international buyers,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), one of the organizations that jointly sponsors AAPEX. “Combined with the SEMA Show’s encouraging numbers, we are all anticipating one of the best Industry Weeks in Las Vegas.”

Steve Handschuh, president and COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), co-owner of AAPEX, notes that, “The new features introduced at AAPEX 2009 – such as the ‘You Are Here’ interactive kiosks and the ‘SearchAutoParts.com AAPEX Theater’ – enhanced an already successful event, as evidenced by the increases in exhibitor contracts and booth sales for AAPEX 2010. These attractions and services have increased the value and ROI of AAPEX to all participants.”

For more information about the 2010 SEMA Show and AAPEX or to register, visit the SEMA Show website, AAPEX website, or contact customer service at [email protected].

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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