Millions of people in the US drive cars daily and car ownership is on the rise. But cars naturally break down over time.
To save a few bucks, many drivers look for aftermarket parts to keep their trucks, motorcycles, and vehicles in tip-top shape.
An aftermarket part is any automobile part designed for use in a vehicle after purchase. Aftermarket parts range from performance-enhancing equipment to fun aesthetic upgrades.
Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar retailer or primarily eCommerce, it’s important to stay updated on the latest trends in aftermarket parts.
Attending automotive trade shows is one of the best ways to stay informed, network with other sellers, and get your business out there.
This guide covers the top five automotive aftermarket trade shows for boosting your knowledge and experience as an aftermarket parts seller.
The 5 Best Automotive Aftermarket Trade Shows for Resellers
There’s a lot of opportunity in the aftermarket industry, whether you operate online or through a brick-and-mortar shop. The trick is knowing how to scale your business.
One of the best ways to boost your visibility, learn about the industry, and contact other sellers is to attend automotive trade shows.
The five best trade shows to boost your aftermarket auto parts business are:
- SEMA
- PRI
- AAPEX
- Texas Auto Body Trade Show
- Detroit Auto Show
Let’s take a look at each in detail.
1. SEMA
Dates: November 3–6, 2026
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Price: Ticket prices not released yet. 2025 tickets cost $50–$399.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has been around since 1963. In 1965, SEMA held what would become its annual trade-only event.
Today, the SEMA trade show takes up over 2.2 million square feet of space at the convention center and surrounding areas of Las Vegas, showcasing well over 3,000 products and 1,500 vehicles.
Over 160,000 people converge on the city for this four-day event, making it one of the largest aftermarket parts conferences in the world.
The SEMA show is specifically for professionals in the automotive aftermarket industry, so if you want to learn from the best of the best, this is the best place to learn about your trade.
The show floor itself is becoming more dynamic, with exhibitors relying heavily on interactive technology, large LED screens, and multi-sensory experiences to launch products and engage attendees.
The event features:
- Hands-on workshops
- Aftermarket part trends
- Electric vehicle (EV) and sustainable product solutions
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and vehicle technology integration
- Manufacturing support services
- Upcoming legislation
- Show-only discounts
- Networking
At SEMA, you’ll connect with aftermarket part manufacturers, chat with exhibitors, and meet other attendees. Don’t miss out on SEMA Cruise, a parade of over 1,000 vehicles designed to inspire your next product launch.
It doesn't hurt that the conference culminates in the annual SEMA Fest, which brings together music, motorsports, and car culture.
The 2025 event featured headlining sets from rock and pop acts like Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Crowes, and Neon Trees, setting a high bar for the 2026 lineup to follow.
2. PRI
Dates: December 11–13, 2025
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Price: Only PRI members can attend the tradeshow. Membership costs $40 per person. Non-exhibiting companies wishing to attend must pay $500.
The Performance Racing Industry Trade Show is an aftermarket parts trade show for folks who specialize in racing and motorsports.
It’s the best place to learn about performance-focused products and emerging trends for the aftermarket parts industry.
If you sell parts for sports vehicles, karts, or stock cars, PRI is one of the best trade shows in the world to learn about upcoming trends.
PRI's trade show features over 1,000 exhibits. It spans over 750,000 gross square feet of exhibit space across the Indiana Convention Center and the Lucas Oil Stadium, uniting every segment of the motorsports industry in one event.
The event draws attendees from all 50 states and 70 countries, so you’re sure to meet new people at PRI.
PRI is a great place to network with global manufacturers and other retailers, and its workshops and presentations are valuable as well. Some of this year’s presentations will touch on topics like:
- Sponsorship 101 and effective partnership strategies
- Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for marketing and data collection
- Influencer marketing and connecting with the right audience
- Advanced engine technology, covering subjects like bearings, oil, and balancing techniques
Beyond the exhibits, the show also features destinations and events, including Machinery Row for live machining demonstrations, the Sim Racing Arena, and the Grand Opening Breakfast.
If you’re rolling out a new product, apply for the Featured Products Showcase for this year’s event. If selected, your product will be in front of thousands of buyers, media reps, and social media influencers.
3. AAPEX
Dates: November 3–5, 2026
Location: Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada
Price: Yet to be announced. The previous year’s tickets cost between $50 and $150.
The Automotive Aftermarket Expo (AAPEX) coincides with this year’s SEMA conference in Las Vegas at the beginning of November.
A global community of suppliers, distributors, and retailers gather at AAPEX to talk shop and receive hands-on training on all aspects of the aftermarket parts industry.
The show floor has expanded to include both the Venetian Expo and the adjacent Caesars Forum.
At the AAPEX automotive tradeshow, you’ll be able to:
- See hands-on technical training and live demos in Joe's Garage (a dedicated area with operational service bays)
- Build relationships with industry leaders through networking events
- Search for products and exhibitors who are now segmented by category across the two main venues
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a variety of presentations and informational events touching on topics like:
- Electric Vehicle (EV) maintenance and battery recycling
- ADAS calibration and repair
- Sustainability and the Circular Economy
- Advanced diagnostics and shop technology
- Profitability and customer experience
As you can see, AAPEX focuses on the aftermarket parts and the ins and outs of running a modern shop.
This trade show is ideal if you want guidance on industry trends and tips for running a better business while preparing for the future of vehicle technology.
4. Texas Auto Body Trade Show
Dates: September 12, 2026 (TBC)
Location: Irving Convention Center, Irving, TX
Price: General access is free. Seminars cost $49–$299
The Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) holds an annual two-day Texas Auto Body Trade Show (TABTS).
It isn’t as large as car shows like SEMA or AAPEX, but TABTS is a big draw for aftermarket automotive parts sellers in the Southwest.
The event focuses heavily on the automotive repair industry, making it an excellent networking opportunity to talk shop with other automotive professionals.
TABTS events routinely include:
- Celebrity meet-and-greets: The show features meet-and-greets with celebrities, as well as motorsports and collision industry influencers and experts
- A popular car show
- Big Shots Competition for painting, estimating, and body technicians with valuable prizes
- Live demos by exhibitors
General access to the exhibit hall is free for industry professionals; however, you must apply for a badge.
TABTS also hosts a range of paid-for seminars. If you want full access for both days, the cost is $299. Or you can pay $49 per session.
The seminars focus on actionable business and technical topics, including:
- Spanish-language sessions on advanced repair planning
- EV repairs and ADAS calibration
- Attracting and retaining talent
- Upcoming state and federal legislation impacting shops
5. Detroit Auto Show
Dates: January 14–25, 2026
Location: Huntington Place, Detroit, Michigan
Price: $10–$25 (Public Show) or $40+ (Industry Days)
Unlike the other shows on this list, the Detroit Auto Show is open to both auto parts retailers and the public every January.
It isn’t specifically for aftermarket parts, but the show is good for understanding new vehicle technologies and OEM direction.
The first two days (January 14–15) are designated media and industry days, offering valuable access for trade professionals. You’ll discover the latest vehicle technology that could have a big impact on the products you sell, so it’s worth attending to see what tech is in the pipeline.
It’s more niche, but if you sell products related to vehicle mobility, Detroit Auto Show’s Mobility Global Forum is a must-see. This is a two-day symposium that showcases topics like:
- Electric vehicle adoption
- Connected vehicle technologies
- Battery tech advancements
- AI for the automobile industry
- Talent retention
The show also features memorable experiences, including indoor ride-alongs on dedicated tracks (often highlighting EVs) and a special racing day with professional race cars and drivers.
How Does Aftermarket Parts Retailing Work?
Aftermarket parts are any automotive parts made after the manufacturer creates the vehicle.
The upside to selling aftermarket parts is that shoppers get more variety shopping with you over a manufacturer.
It doesn’t hurt that aftermarket parts are usually more affordable, so bargain-hunting car owners will likely seek out your products to save on pricey repairs or upgrades.
Depending on your specialty, shoppers might buy different aftermarket auto parts from your shop.
🚘 Replacement Parts
The original manufacturer doesn't make these components and accessories for cars. Shoppers buy these when something on their vehicle, motorcycle, or truck breaks or wears out.
🚘 Performance Parts
Performance parts are add-ons that enhance vehicle performance. This category includes products like turbochargers, performance exhaust systems, and high-performance brakes.
🚘 Cosmetic Parts
Aesthetic aftermarket parts are more about style than function. This category includes window tint, stereo systems, custom wheels, and seat covers.
🚘 Specialty Parts
If you sell aftermarket parts for a specific type of motorcycle or classic car, they would fall under this category.
Of course, the auto market is constantly changing, so staying up to date on upcoming car trends is essential. Regularly attending automotive trade shows and other industry events will give you much-needed intel about up-and-coming product categories that could affect your business.
The Growth of Aftermarket Parts in the Automotive Industry
Aftermarket parts is a major segment of the automotive industry, and it’s growing rapidly. The aftermarket parts industry was valued at $439 billion in 2022—a 40% increase over 2020.
DIY auto repairs are on the rise, contributing to more demand for aftermarket auto parts. In fact, eCommerce tools like Shopify and BigCommerce support aftermarket parts, so it’s never been easier to sell parts to shoppers online.
Over 535,000 individual businesses serve the over 280 million vehicles registered across the country. That might sound like a lot of competition, but there’s plenty of room for growth in the aftermarket auto parts market.
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The aftermarket auto parts industry is booming, and it’s set to grow even more. Attending these five automotive trade shows will help you stay on the bleeding edge of what’s possible in this industry and streamline your workflows.
But that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Running an aftermarket parts business is a lot for small retailers to handle. Go with Spark Shipping to save time and grow your eCommerce business.
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