Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use the AIA website to sell my products?
As a member you can use the “Promote It!” feature of the AIA website to let other AIA members know what products and/or services you offer. While our website is not an e-commerce site for direct sales, you can use “Promote It” to promote your business to a global community of members. Learn more
2. What is the FNR at Industry Week (AAPEX)?
The FNR is AIA’s “Fabulous Networking Reception” where over 500 of the import industry’s global leaders gather for food, libations, and NETWORKING! As one attendee stated last year, “If there is an event during AAPEX that is a “must attend” it is the FNR. To learn this year’s schedule and to sign up to attend go to Events.
3. What is AAIW, and why is it the most important show of the year in North America?
AAIW stands for “Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week.” It refers to the combined AAPEX and SEMA shows. AAIW is your once a year opportunity to really make things happen for your business. During AAIW, AIA provides you with the ability to promote your business through the AIA events including the FNR and luncheon, as well as sponsorship opportunities. Through AIA you can also schedule meetings at the AIA booth, #9020, on the AAPEX show floor. AAIW provides opportunities to learn more about the issues that drive the industry by attending AIA’s Tuesday and Thursday morning seminar series. Meeting new suppliers and customers is another key benefit of AAIW. Joining AIA enhances you’re the value of AAIW by allowing you to network with global movers and shakers in the international automobile parts manufacturing sector. Learn more.
4. I am searching for a company that manufactures brake discs and drums. Can I find it on the AIA website?
AIA’s new website provides members with the opportunity to seek out specific products, suppliers, locations of manufacture, types of businesses serving your specific manufacturing or distribution channel. AIA’s “Find It” helps members find members. Learn more.
5. We have several new employees at our store. Does AIA provide any educational materials for counterperson training?
Glad you asked! AIA's Import Specialist certification programs may be just what you are looking for! There are two levels, one for the novice and the "Master's" level for the experienced Import Specialist counterperson. Currently, more than 3,000 aftermarket professionals have earned the Import Parts Specialist certificate, and some 750 professionals have earned the Master's Level certificate. There is also an online, general education program for new hires sponsored by AIA through Northwood University. Introductory courses include introduction to the aftermarket, selling basics and techniques as well as how to deal with customers. Learn more.
6. Is the AIA luncheon being held in Las Vegas this year? Last year I think I walked all the way to Paris to find it! Where is it being held?
Unbelievably the AIA luncheon has always been held at the Venetian even though it seems like you have to walk to another country to get there. This year the luncheon will be held in the Veronese Ballroom, Room 2401, located in the Venetian Hotel adjacent to the Sands Expo Center. Learn more.
7. Where can I find the latest information pertaining to government legislation directly impacting the automotive aftermarket?
AIA's Government Affairs pages provide all the latest news from AAIA Legislative Action Center. Learn more.
8. I am attending the AAPEX show for the first time and I'm wondering what to wear. Does AIA have any fashion consultants on their Board of Directors?
As a matter of fact the AIA board is fortunate enough to have 3 fashion consultants on its board. Ms. Pat Law of Macon, Georgia and Ms. Mary Della Valle of Akron Ohio can advise you on the proper footwear (there is a great deal of walking during AAPEX). Mr. Jeff Berman of Whippany, New Jersey is the senior fashion consultant because he is the oldest of the three. He may be consulted on appropriate golf attire for early arrivals at AAIW. Learn more.
9. Will there be enough sushi at the Fabulous Networking Reception?
Since the first year of the FNR keeping enough sushi on hand for "certain" gourmands of fine cuisine has always been a challenge. Each year we put out more and it continues to disappear. The best way to insure that you get your fill of sushi is to arrive early (5:00 PM) and stay until the lights dim (7:00 PM). Learn more.
10. How can I become a sponsor of AIA's AAPEX events and what benefits do I receive?
Sponsorship for AIA’s Import Action Week events is available in three levels, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, and sponsors at all level enjoy great exposure.
- Gold members: receive 16 FNR tickets and two tables of eight at the Luncheon, as well as exclusive mention in the full page pre-AAPEX ad in ImportCar, and are listed as the primary event sponsors in conjunction with AIA.
- Silver members: benefits include 10 FNR tickets and a table for ten at the Luncheon, and exposure in the well-read AAIA Events at AAPEX brochure that is distributed to 10,000 aftermarket executives.
- Bronze sponsors: receive six FNR tickets and a table for six at the Luncheon, as well company information listing in the beautiful AIA Luncheon/Awards Program brochure.
11. How can I become a member of AIA?
It's easy to join AIA. You can apply.
If you like the personal touch, please call or write to Mr. Lee Kadrich, AIA Segment Liaison. Lee can be reached at 301 654-6664 or lee.kadrich@aftermarket.org.
12. What are the member benefits of joining AIA?
Member benefits abound for each of the various constituencies who are members of the AIA segment. Whether you are an importer, manufacturer, parts seller, parts installer or service organization there are numerous benefits for joining AIA. Learn more.
13. My company is located in the Ukraine. Can I join AIA?
Absolutely! AIA is a global organization that offers a multitude of benefits whether your company is located in Paris, Tennessee or Paris, France. It's easy to join AIA.
You can apply.
14. I would like to become more active in AIA. How do I go about it?
AIA is always looking for volunteers to serve on committees and become heavily involved in our segment. If you are interested in volunteering your time and talents to AIA please contact Lee Kadrich, AIA Segment Liaison at 301 654-6664 or Lee.Kadrich@aftermarket.org.
15. How do I get listed on the AIA website?
Just join AIA and once you've provided all of your information your name and company will appear in our member directory.
16. I am a manufacturer in Indonesia looking for a rep organization to help my marketing efforts in North America. Can AIA help?
AIA has over 20 internationally recognized manufacturer representative organizations as members. Use AIA's "Find it!" button to find out more about each of our member organizations and then contact the representative organization of your choice. Learn more.
17. How is the AIA "person of the year" selected?
Criteria for selection of "AIA Person of the Year" along with "Hall of Fame", "Lifetime Achievement" and "Young Executive of the Year" are published annually and sent out to AIA membership for suggestions. The "AIA Person of the Year" is given to the individual who has made the largest contribution to the AIA segment and the Import industry during the past year. Awards are presented at the AIA Awards Luncheon during Industry Week. Learn more.
18. How do I enter my products in the AIA Industry Awards?
You can enter your products, catalog or website, merchandising aids, advertisement and packaging into the AIA industry awards program through our Website. Enter online.
19. I've found the AIA morning seminars at AAPEX very informative. What are the topics for this year's seminars?
This year’s topics for the morning seminars include “Selling Parts for Imports: Did You Ever Consider Listening to Your Customer? The Installer’s View” on Tuesday morning, November 4th in Sands Expo Center and “Selling to the U.S. Aftermarket: Getting it Right” on Thursday morning, November 6th in Sands Expo Center Room 303. The free seminars start promptly at 7:45 AM and continental breakfast is provided. Registration is required. To register, visit www.aapexshow.com and under ATTENDEE, click on Seminar & Events Schedule. Click on View Agenda, and then click on the seminar title to download the registration form. Learn more.
20. Who are the AIA board members?
View the current members of the AIA Board of Directors online. For more information, contact Lee Kadrich at lee.kadrich@aftermarket.org.
21. Are there any translation services available at AAPEX?
Yes! At the AIA FNR there will be translators for Korean, Chinese and Spanish-speaking members so that networking opportunities will be enhanced. Other translation services can be arranged through the AIA booth, #9020, in the Sands Expo Center.
22. Where is the AIA booth at AAPEX and how can I arrange meeting space there?
The AIA booth is located on the lobby level of the Sands Convention Center at Booth# 9020 Exhibiting members can arrange meeting space in 30 minute or 1 hour increments by contacting Lee Kadrich at lee.kadrich@aftermarket.org. There are four separate meeting rooms available and a small lounge area. Coffee is provided at the booth as well. You can also join AIA by meeting our AIA membership representative here.
23. Why should I join the AIA segment of AAIA?
Joining AAIA provides a huge benefit as you are a member of the world's LARGEST automotive aftermarket trade association as well as all of the member benefits an association this size can provide in protecting and promoting the welfare of the industry in general. Joining the AIA segment provides the additional benefits of capitalizing on your international and/or import focused initiatives providing you with the networking opportunities and the latest, most relevant information concerning this segment of the industry. Learn more.
24. Will the AIA Chairman's speech at the AIA Luncheon be as long as it takes me to eat my Fabulous AIA lunch?
It depends! The food is the best available in Las Vegas so you may want to go back for seconds and thirds. Arrive early (before Noon) and we'll have you out of there by 1PM. Learn more.
25. Where is the dessert table at the AIA luncheon?
The dessert table is well hidden and there are actually two stations at the back of the room in the luncheon. Only those who know the secret passwords ("Join AIA") or who read this column will be lucky enough to sample the luscious treats! Learn more.
26. Will AIA be giving away a new Bentley at the AIA booth in Las Vegas this year?
A Bentley will be given away as a door prize seems quite unlikely. AIA will, however, be sponsoring lots of networking opportunities to help you and your business. Learn more.
27. Is it really true that MOST of the AIA board cannot play golf?
Sad but true. Out of the 11 seats on the board there are only 3 "professional" golfers.