Thanks to Mary DellaValle, editor, ImportCar, Babcox Publications, AAIA is able to extend the deadline to Sept. 29, 2008 for special pre-show publicity in the October issues of Counterman and ImportCar magazines for those companies that submit AIA Industry Awards entries by that date. The deadline for the special $140 entry fee also has been extended to Sept. 29. After that date, the fee will be $190 per entry. 

Read what industry leaders have to say about the AIA Industry Awards:

“It was a great honor for a smaller company such as ours to win the Best New Product for Import Car or Truck Award. This really shows that the AIA Industry Awards Program offers equal opportunities to participating companies of all sizes.”      Fred Kubo, Nitoma, Inc.

“Two years ago, Bosal Exhaust was honored at the AIA Awards Program. We have always believed our products to be superior, but winning this award from AIA meant that an independent panel of industry experts agreed with us. This type of validation is only possible from other aftermarket professionals, and the AIA Awards Program can provide you with this opportunity.”      Pat Suiter, Bosal Exhaust

“Effective communications is more important than ever in today’s complex automotive aftermarket. The AIA Industry Awards Program honors those companies whose work in marketing and communications exemplifies the very best in creativity, planning and execution. This AIA Award is dedicated to recognizing excellence and is truly one of a kind.”      Pam Krebs, Robert Bosch LLC

All AAPEX exhibitors with products and marketing programs for import cars or trucks are invited to participate in the prestigious AIA Industry Awards Program at AAPEX. Registration is open for this unique program, which is now in its 20th year, and is a separate program from the AAPEX New Product and Packaging showcases. Awards are provided in seven categories, ranging from best overall import aftermarket product and best new product for import cars or trucks to best new packaging and Web site presentation of products for import vehicles. For the program details and entry form or to register online for the Industry Awards, visit www.aiaglobal.com/MemberTools/Forms.aspx.

The AIA Product Awards Program offers entrants the chance for exposure before, during and after AAPEX. All entries will have AAPEX-long exposure in the AIA Industry Awards display area’s high-traffic location near the entrance to the Sands Expo Center Upper Lobby from the Venetian. The awards will be presented at a Nov. 4 press briefing and award recipients are honored at the Nov. 5 AIA Luncheon and Awards Program. A special post-AAPEX full-page trade press advertisement will salute award winners. Winning entrants will be able to maximize their awards in year-round advertising and marketing campaigns. Photos of all award entries will be posted from the close of AAPEX 2008 until AAPEX 2009 on the AIA Web site at www.aiaglobal.org.

Plus, of course, the free pre-show publicity advantages of registering by Sept. 29, 2008. For questions about the program or additional information, contact Lee Kadrich at 301-654-6664 or e-mail lee.kadrich@aftermarket.org.