Tire training, repair training, business-management seminars, new technology, networking events and product introductions spread across thousands of exhibitors and multiple Las Vegas venues for four days at the SEMA Show and three days at AAPEX. 

You can't do it all. Instead, decide what you want to bring home to your tire dealership.

The 2026 SEMA Show runs Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, while AAPEX runs Nov. 3-5 at The Venetian Expo and new AAPEX Forum. One standard attendee badge provides exhibit-floor access to both shows. 

For MTD's SEMA/AAPEX preview, we're organizing the week around the problems tire dealers are trying to solve. Pick the area of your business that needs attention and follow that path through Las Vegas.

• Want to improve tire and TPMS service? Skip ahead to Tire Service.
• Expanding mechanical repair? Check out Repair Service.
• Need more productivity from the shop you already have? Choose Operations.
• Hiring, retention or leadership keeping you up at night? Try Workforce & Management.
• Focused on protecting technicians and limiting risk? Jump to Safety & Compliance.
• Wondering what AI, ADAS and emerging technology mean for your dealership? Go to New Technology & Growth.

And if you don't fit neatly into one category, MTD has built three more itineraries: Best Overall Value, Budget and First-Timer.

Not sure where to start? Take MTD's quiz to match your 2026 challenges and 2027 goals with the SEMA Show and AAPEX path that best fits your dealership.

Choose this path if You're expanding beyond tires, investing in diagnostics or trying to decide which repair capabilities should come in-house next.

SEMA has expanded its collision and repair programming through I-CAR and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). The SEMA Collision Repair Stage in the Upper South Hall will feature free hands-on welding and virtual-reality demonstrations plus daily I-CAR, SCRS and OEM presentations.

One particularly relevant I-CAR class for tire and service dealers is "Introduction to Diagnostics and Scan Tools," offered multiple times Nov. 3 through Nov. 5 for $62. "Requirements and Considerations for ADAS Calibration" runs Nov. 3 from 9-10 a.m. for $46.

Dealers looking at mechanical-service growth also may want to investigate SCRS programming such as "Capturing Mechanical Labor: Being Intentional About the Opportunity" and "Bringing Mechanical Repairs In-House."

Dealers also can visit SEMA's dedicated Tools & Equipment section in the Upper South Hall, where hundreds of exhibitors will showcase hand and power tools, diagnostic equipment, shop systems, lifts, fabrication tools and specialty service equipment. For dealers evaluating new repair capabilities or equipment investments, the section offers another opportunity to compare shop technology before heading to AAPEX.

AAPEX provides the deeper technical-training route. Nov. 3 options include "CAN Bus Busters! Tips & Techniques for Network 'Failures to Communicate'" and "Vehicle Game Plans — Mastering Your Diagnostic Skills," both priced at $150.

Joe's Garage adds hands-on training throughout the week, including Tesla vehicle networking on Nov. 4 and "Analyzing Waveforms Live: Using PicoScope to Make Real-Time Diagnostic Decisions" on Nov. 5. AAPEX technical seminars are $150 each, with a buy-two-get-one-free training bundle available.

Choose this path if the shop is busy, but productivity isn't where you want it, processes break down between the front counter and bays or too many decisions still depend on the owner.

Start Nov. 3 at AAPEX with "Why Your Technicians Only Produce 3-5 Hours a Day — and How to Turn It Into 10-12." The three-hour, $150 workshop focuses on identifying workflow, communication, estimating and training bottlenecks that suppress billed hours.

On Nov. 4, "Numbers That Drive Performance: Turning KPIs Into Daily Shop Behavior" takes a financial approach to operational improvement, while TIA offers a tire-dealer-specific alternative at 2 p.m., "Making Customer Service Part of Your Brand." TIA's session focuses on how independent dealers can differentiate themselves as private-equity-backed dealerships, warehouse clubs and national retailers increase competitive pressure.

For a free option, AAPEX's Nov. 5 session "Why Everything in Your Shop Still Runs Through You (And How to Fix It)" is designed for owners whose businesses remain overly dependent on them.

Choose this path if hiring is difficult, turnover is costly or the next generation of managers isn't ready yet.

AAPEX offers several ways into the issue. Nov. 4's free "Lead from Context, Not Control — How Burned-Out Owners Can Create a Championship Company" focuses on leadership fatigue and building an organization that does not depend on constant owner intervention. Nov. 5's free "Are You Ready to Step up Into Leadership?" focuses on the transition from high-performing employee to supervisor.

For dealers prepared to invest more time in workforce development, Nov. 5's three-hour "Building Your Dream Team: Attract, Hire & Lead for Long-Term Success" is $150.

SEMA is also using show week to connect employers with future automotive workers. Its "Student Program Industry Networking Breakfast" runs Nov. 5, from 8-9:30 a.m. in the West Hall. Exhibiting companies can host a table at no cost and meet students pursuing aftermarket careers. Sixty-seven companies participated in 2025.

Choose this path if you operate roadside service trucks, are concerned about right-to-repair issues or want to understand how changing vehicle-safety requirements affect the work your technicians perform.

TIA starts before the show officially opens with a "Right to Repair Summit" on Nov. 2, from 2-4 p.m. at Planet Hollywood. An RSVP is required.

Nov. 3's "ADAS and the Future of Custom Tire and Wheel Fitments" belongs on this path as well, particularly for dealers selling non-OE tire and wheel packages.

For commercial dealers, Nov. 4's "Emergency Road Service Safety" may be one of the week's most valuable sessions. TIA says several technicians have been seriously or fatally injured during roadside service in the past year. The session will debut a new video on service-truck positioning and cover how technicians can choose safer roadside work areas.

Shops performing ADAS work can also add I-CAR's Nov. 3 "Requirements and Considerations for ADAS Calibration" course at SEMA or AAPEX's Wednesday "ADAS Made Easy for Counter Professionals," a $150 class that covers recalibration requirements, documentation and explaining ADAS service to customers.

Choose this path if you're trying to separate the technologies that could change your business from those that can wait.

At SEMA, start with the FutureTech Studio in Central Hall, booth No. 24401. The exhibit brings together EVs, future propulsion, automation, advanced manufacturing and vehicle-safety technologies, with short presentations on the FutureTech Live Education Stage.

AAPEX offers a practical shop-owner entry into artificial intelligence. "AI for Shop Owners: From Curiosity to Competitive Advantage" runs Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. and is free. Nov. 5's free "AI Tools Every Shop Should Know in 2026" looks at applications in marketing, diagnostics, operations and customer communication.

For a broader view, "Aftermarket Outlook 2027" runs Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at the AAPEX Forum.

SEMA also is opening a new business-development avenue with its expanded Powersports, Side-by-Side and Lifestyle section in the West Hall, positioned alongside Trucks and Off-Road. Harley-Davidson has joined an exhibitor roster that also includes Kawasaki Motors, Kymco and other powersports manufacturers. For tire dealers already serving lifted trucks, off-road enthusiasts and recreational vehicles, the crossover may be worth exploring.

Whatever path you choose, a few events can fit almost any itinerary.

New products showcase: Located in the Lower South Hall, booth No. 41271, the showcase puts thousands of new aftermarket products in one place. Attendees can scan products through the SEMA Show app and save product, exhibitor and booth information.

Tire Industry Networking Reception: Registration is now open for TIA's complimentary reception, which runs Nov. 2, from 6-8 p.m. at Planet Hollywood. TIA will also hold a complimentary booth happy hour Nov. 3 from 3:30-5 p.m. at booth No. 41067. Separate RSVPs are required, and registration for the networking events does not include SEMA Show admission.

AAPEX keynote breakfast: Former Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski will discuss teamwork and leadership Nov. 3 from 6:30-8:45 a.m. The breakfast is ticketed.

SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle Award: Builders are again competing for an award recognizing engineering, innovation and problem-solving rather than appearance alone. The 2026 winner will be announced Nov. 5, at SEMA Central.

SEMA Industry Honors: This evening event moves the networking off the show floor on Nov. 5. A cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m. at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, followed by the awards program at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include hors d'oeuvres and an open bar.

MTD's Best Overall Value

For the dealer who wants the broadest business return without signing up for every paid class, concentrate on one venue at a time.

Nov. 2: TIA Right to Repair Summit and Tire Industry Networking Reception.

Nov. 3: Spend the day at SEMA and the Global Tire Expo. Attend one of TIA's 10 a.m. tire sessions, walk the Global Tire Expo, attend the 2 p.m. ADAS/fitment session and finish at TIA's booth happy hour.

Nov. 4: Make AAPEX your home base. Walk Tire Servicing and Joe's Garage, attend the free "AI for Shop Owners" session at 1 p.m. and "Aftermarket Outlook 2027" at 2 p.m.

Nov. 5: Return to SEMA for the New Products Showcase, FutureTech Studio, Powersports section and supplier meetings. Add SEMA Industry Honors that evening if the $50 ticket fits your plan.

Nov. 6: Use SEMA's final day for anything you missed and exhibitors you want additional time with.

The Budget Route

Registration was $75 through Sept. 25 and increased to $100 beginning Sept. 26. A standard attendee badge includes exhibit-floor admission to both SEMA and AAPEX, although some education costs extra.

To keep additional spending close to zero, build the week around TIA's six free education sessions, its complimentary reception on Nov. 2 and happy hour on Nov. 3, SEMA's New Products Showcase and FutureTech Studio and AAPEX's free education-stage programming.

Free AAPEX options include "AI for Shop Owners," "Lead from Context, Not Control," "Why Everything in Your Shop Still Runs Through You," "Are You Ready to Step up Into Leadership," "ASE 2026 Updates" and "AI Tools Every Shop Should Know in 2026." Qualified buyers also have access to AAPEX's free daily buyer lunch.

The First-Timer's Route

If this is your first SEMA/AAPEX week, resist the temptation to cross Las Vegas every few hours.

Day one: Learn the tire side. Start in the Lower South Hall with Global Tire Expo, Wheels & Accessories and the New Products Showcase. Attend one TIA class that directly applies to your dealership.

Day two: Learn the service side. Spend Wednesday at AAPEX. Walk Tire Servicing and Joe's Garage, look at shop equipment and diagnostics and attend one technical or management session.

Day three: Return to SEMA for FutureTech Studio, the new Powersports section and the areas that best match your customers and growth plans. Schedule supplier meetings for the afternoon.

Day four: Fill the gaps. Use Friday to return to exhibitors or products that deserve a second look rather than trying to discover another entire hall.

The goal isn't to see everything. It's to leave Las Vegas with a few ideas, products or practices that can make your dealership better when you get home.

Editor's note: SEMA, TIA and AAPEX schedules remain subject to change. Attendees should confirm session times, locations and registration requirements before the shows.