A large delegation of Northwood University students, faculty, and staff is in Las Vegas this week to represent America’s Free Enterprise University at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show — the world’s premier gatherings for the global automotive aftermarket and performance industries.
“Our students and faculty are energized to once again engage with the aftermarket’s top innovators, manufacturers, distributors, and service professionals at AAPEX and SEMA,” said Dr. Matthew Bennett, vice president of strategic alliances, enrollment, and the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS) at Northwood University. “These experiences connect what happens in the classroom to the real world. They prepare Northwood students to become free-enterprise leaders who are not only career-ready, but industry-ready.”
AAPEX will be held Nov. 3–5 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, while the SEMA Show will take place Nov. 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Collectively, the events draw more than 100,000 professionals from around the globe. Northwood University will once again have a strong presence throughout both venues — with students working alongside leading companies, alumni and faculty participating in meetings and sessions, and CAMS leadership advancing key partnerships.
“As the nation’s only university offering a fully accredited Automotive Aftermarket Management degree, Northwood continues to play a vital role in sustaining and advancing this dynamic industry,” noted Dr. David Oventhal, CAMS division chair and Northwood’s Subaru of New England professor of automotive strategy. “AAPEX and SEMA give students a front-row seat to the technologies, partnerships, and entrepreneurial energy shaping the future of mobility.”
“Our students, alumni, and University of the Aftermarket participants are employed throughout both shows in booths or running activations,” added Director of Aftermarket Education James O’Dell. “Beyond providing valuable career experience, these opportunities display firsthand why partnering with our university on building tomorrow’s talent, bolstering today’s workforce, and developing professional education programs is a strategic investment that will drive performance.”
Northwood’s presence will also extend to the main stage of AAPEX. President Kent MacDonald will moderate the highly anticipated AAPEX Keynote Breakfast featuring hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, guiding a conversation about performance, leadership, and innovation. The session, “Getting into the Hall of Fame: What It Takes,” will underscore the forward-thinking mindset Northwood brings to every aspect of business and education.
In addition to the keynote, Northwood students will participate in networking sessions, training seminars, and the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards Luncheon, where industry professionals who have made significant contributions to education will be honored.
Another highlight of this year’s show is a fundraiser hosted by MEYLE to raise scholarship funds for Northwood students. AAPEX attendees will be able to create their own custom German license plates for a minimum donation of $20 per plate. Visitors can find MEYLE at Booth A40029, located in the ballroom of the Venetian.
The following Northwood University students will attend AAPEX (hometown located in Michigan unless otherwise noted):
- Haiden Wilburn of Muskegon
- Hailey Dyer of Flint
- Yuliia Khmara of Khmelnitskiy, Ukraine
- Avery Krantz of Marine City
- Connor Bachteal of Benton Harbor
- Ayden Fuller of Muskegon
- Thomas Rutherford of Caledonia
- Quinn Balcam of Bloomington
- Logan Horwitz of Milford
- Caden Olvey of Maple City
- Matheu Morrison of New Baltimore
- William Morrison of Cary, North Carolina
- Eddie MacNellis of Midland
- Chase Southwick of New Hudson
- Alexandra Kinney of Midland
- Breanne Pratley of Saint Joseph
- Cindy Myint of Naples, Florida
- Karley Baker of Washington
- Charles Baur of Fenton
- Logan Wilmot of Oxford
- Quinn McCann of Pembroke, Ontario, Canada
- Wyatt McGowan of Davisburg
- William Forrester of Chesterfield
- Nicholas Catania of Duluth, Georgia
- Noah Dobbs of Macomb
- Gabriel Cerda of Westland
