Alliance Convention Hits the Jackpot in Las Vegas
Registration
After years in planning, the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance’s 2018 Aftermarket Jackpot Convention made history during this year’s AAPEX & SEMA Shows. Thousands of Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper automotive professionals from across the globe converged on Las Vegas to attend several days of events at the fabulous Mirage Hotel and Casino.
The Aftermarket Jackpot Convention began on Wednesday October 31 and ran through Friday November 2. Jackpot Attendees were treated to an action-packed, fun-filled week including top name entertainment, business seminars, product and technical training classes, a special day at the AAPEX Show, wonderful receptions, meals and chances throughout the week to hit the jackpot for incredible prizes and big money!
“We couldn’t have been more excited to have the largest gathering of automotive repair professionals from one group in Vegas for our Aftermarket Jackpot Convention and the AAPEX Show”
- John R. Washbish, President and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.
“It was a great time for our shareholders and supplier channel partners to connect with our customers and take advantage of the educational offerings, relationship building and fellowship opportunities a special forum such as this provided”.
Opening Night
Costume Contest
Greeted by Alliance hosts on Wednesday, attendees immediately felt the excitement of jackpot fever, receiving special convention apparel, backpacks and other merchandise upon registration check-in at the grand ballroom of the Mirage. In addition, set up in the grand ballroom was an Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Jackpot auto parts store. Attendees were able to talk to Alliance Parts Warehouse product specialists, learn about new product assortments and merchandising programs.
The opening night kicked off with a magnificent reception, live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres followed by a lavish dinner and show. The evening started with 20 attendees each winning $500 in the first ten minutes of the show. The highlight of the evening was a special Jackpot Convention Halloween Costume contest. It was not an easy decision for the judges as many guests came prepared in their Halloween spirit. By the time the evening was over, 40 people had won more than $44,000 in cash and prizes.
Full Day at AAPEX
Crossing Las Vegas Blvd.
Before the march across Las Vegas Boulevard, Bill Hanvey, President & CEO of the Auto Care Association and Bill Long, President & COO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association addressed the group on the historic impact that so many professional technicians would have on the show. They acknowledged that the Alliance remains the only group to bring so many repair professionals to AAPEX. They highlighted the major AAPEX Show happenings and new attractions that awaited every Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper customer at the Sands Exposition Center.
“That was a special day in our industry to have that level of participation by so many repair shops and store personnel from one group taking advantage of the learning and interaction opportunities with our aftermarket manufacturer exhibitors,” said Mr. Hanvey. “We can’t thank the Alliance, their shareholders and channel partners enough for their incredible support of our industry and our future.”
The Alliance Aftermarket Jackpot Convention made history on Thursday morning as a record number of Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper attendees, accompanied by bagpipers and drummers, Elvis impersonators on stilts and showgirls crossed over Las Vegas Boulevard to attend the AAPEX Show. The Las Vegas Police Department assisted with the crossing for thousands of attendees by shutting down the Boulevard. The group visited with supplier channel partners booths throughout the day, took part in product training sessions and were served a specially prepared lunch at the Venetian. Jackpot attendees also earned entries into the big Jackpot giveaways with each booth visit.
Adam Ferrara
After a full day at AAPEX on Thursday, attendees were treated to another extravagant evening reception, dinner and entertainment. Actor and comedian Adam Ferrara, the international touring headliner and host of Top Gear US, displayed his love for cars along with his hilarious comedy act that has earned him two nominations for best male comedian by the American Comedy Awards. Thursday evening closed out with another showstopper Big Money & Prize Giveaway where $100,000 in cash and prizes were given away to 50 Jackpot attendees. The prizes included a brand new Harley Davidson Motorcycle and exclusive family vacations to Orlando, Florida
Final Day
Training Sessions
The last full day of the Jackpot Convention on Friday began with a thrilling morning keynote from Dan Thurmon and Philip Solomon with their famous “Rhythm of Success” interactive presentation. Their unique messaging approach focused on the value of relationship building and how to achieve success with others. They blew the audience away with their enthusiasm and skills that included live percussion combined with music and stunts to illustrate the vital characteristics of successful teams.
Friday’s focus was education. The Alliance offered over 100 business seminars and technical training sessions for their attendees. These education offerings included business experts on sales leadership best practices, shop management and operational excellence, how to deliver best-in-class customer service, digital activation, brand building, tech retention and more. Technical training was hosted by the Alliance supplier channel partners covering a wide range of categories on new technology, product advancements and tech solutions led by some of the industry’s best known expert trainers.
“We expect this training to pay big dividends for all who were involved”
- JC Washbish, Vice President of Marketing for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance
Dueling Pianos
“These business seminars and training sessions provided both our attendees and channel partners with great opportunities to exchange ideas, grow their knowledge bases, share best practices and go home with real world solutions for ways to improve their business and serve their customers better.”
The final Jackpot Convention night was a spectacular affair! It featured a special performance from The Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos. The show was an unforgettable experience for the group as Dave & Ted combined their expertise as musicians with hysterical bits leaving our audience laughing and singing all night long.
The Convention concluded with the grand finale Big Money Giveaway. In true Jackpot fashion over $180,000 was awarded to over 35 attendees as pyrotechnics lit up the stage and confetti fell on the winners.