AAPEX 2026 will add sports and entertainment appearances, photo opportunities, and autograph sessions to its November tradeshow program in Las Vegas.
Celebrity appearances join AAPEX program
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) announced that several sports figures will appear during the 2026 show. The lineup includes soccer standout Mia Hamm, basketball player and executive Grant Hill, NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson, and football Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders.
In addition, AAPEX says actor and entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg will appear.
AAPEX says at least one celebrity appearance will take place each full day of the show. Also, the show may feature as many as four appearances Thursday, the final day.
AAPEX plans to publish a full appearance schedule later this fall.
The appearances are part of broader show-experience updates for AAPEX 2026. In addition, the show will feature daily prizes, a Ford F-150 giveaway, museum-style vehicle displays, and updated show signage.
Keynote connects to sports theme
The celebrity announcement follows AAPEX’s earlier announcement that Mike Krzyzewski, the winningest coach in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men’s basketball history, will headline the AAPEX 2026 Keynote Breakfast.
Krzyzewski led Duke University to five national championships. He also coached the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team to three gold medals.
Grant Hill, one of the scheduled celebrity guests, played at Duke before his 19-year National Basketball Association (NBA) career.
Registration open for trade audience
Meanwhile, automotive aftermarket professionals can register now. The registration fee is $75 through Sept. 25 and $100 after that date.
Vocational students and members of the media may qualify for complimentary registration.
AAPEX is a trade-only event and is closed to the general public. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association co-own the show.
The event historically draws about 2,500 exhibiting companies and serves the global automotive aftermarket industry.
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo is a trade-only event for the global automotive aftermarket industry. AAPEX is co-owned by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the Auto Care Association. For more info, visit www.aapexshow.com.
Press release submitted by AAPEX. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
