Heavy-Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years and this year’s event, set for Jan. 19-22, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, looks to provide an experience that will keep people coming back for more.
That starts with the theme.
“This year’s theme is ‘Eyes on the Road: Data-Driven Decision-Making’ and centers on the importance of data, AI and predictive modeling in navigating market volatility,” says Nick Seidel, vice president of Action Truck Parts and one of the co-chairs of the event, along with Matt Wolfe, SAF-Holland’s president, Americas.
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It’s the Super Bowl of the heavy-duty aftermarket, he adds.
“The demand has been incredible — selling out the show floor four years in a row speaks volumes about the value it brings to exhibitors,” Seidel says.
Wolfe says the growth is because of the thought and planning that goes into the event. Since moving to Grapevine in 2020, distributor participation has grown by more than 20% and attendance set a new record in 2025.
“It’s a business-focused event by design, and the location and layout make it easy for everyone to stay focused on what matters most — getting business done,” he says.
One of the features that’s new this year is an app to help attendees navigate.
“Attendees will have instant access to the show schedule, show floor map and exhibiting companies — all right at their fingertips,” Wolfe says. “Attending shouldn’t be a question. It’s a must for anyone serious about doing business in the heavy-duty aftermarket.”
The product exposition includes more than 300 suppliers and offers opportunities to discuss orders and pricing one-on-one as well as to get training on products. The expo will run 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 20, and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 21.
Leaders of Tomorrow connects professionals under 45 with one another as well as with mentors in the industry.
Other programs Seidel and Wolfe recommend attending are the Leaders of Tomorrow program for professionals under 45.
“The highlight is a speed-mentoring session that gives attendees some dedicated time with seasoned experts — a really valuable way to pick up insights and make meaningful career connections,” Seidel says.
The HDAWomen reception honors women in the heavy-duty aftermarket.
Wolfe likes the HDAWomen reception on Jan. 21, a newer part of the HDAW program that continues to grow.
“I encourage everyone to attend,” Wolfe says, “it’s a great opportunity to show support and celebrate the women in our industry, and it’s open to all participants.”
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Another growing HDAW program provides college students the opportunity to experience the aftermarket through partnerships with a sponsoring company, specialized classroom sessions and immersive on-site assignments, networking, educational sessions and more.
“I’m really excited to connect with the 25 students,” Seidel says. “We’ll have young people from five different universities joining us to learn about the industry and it’s energizing to introduce new talent to this amazing field.”
