ACPN Announces 2026 Explorer Program Scholarship Winners

BETHESDA, Md. - March 25, 2026 - The Aftermarket Content Professionals Network (ACPN), a community of the Auto Care Association, today announced the winners of this year's ACPN Explorer Program. The ACPN Committee is pleased to award Alichia Dyson of Arnott Suspension Products and Juergen Rau of Atlantic Im- & Export Corporation as the 2026 ACPN Explorer Program scholarship winners.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of United Motor Products, the ACPN Explorer Program is able to offer scholarships to two recipients for 2026. Each of the "Explorers" will receive a scholarship valued at over $3,000, which will cover most of the costs associated with attending ACPN programming during the Auto Care Association's Auto Care Connect event.

"United Motor Products is proud to sponsor the 2026 ACPN Explorer Scholarship as well as congratulates this year's winners, Juergen and Alichia," said Ryan Bachman, chief information officer, United Motor Products. "We're truly thrilled to provide additional support for the next generation of content professionals, and additionally, we can't wait for them to experience the learning, networking and inspiration that Auto Care Connect has to offer. See you in Atlanta!"

"What is especially encouraging is his genuine curiosity about our industry and his desire to deepen his knowledge of ACES® and PIES®," said Michael Rusen, sales representative, Atlantic Im- & Export Corporation, of Juergen Rau. "His commitment to learning and professional growth indicates strong long-term potential within our organization."

"Arnott is excited for Alichia to participate in ACPN Connect and the opportunity for her to collaborate with industry peers and continue growing within the category management and catalog community," said Mychel Evans, director, category management, data analytics, Arnott Suspension Products. "We also want to thank ACPN for providing scholarship opportunities that make experiences like this possible."

ACPN at Auto Care Connect

The 2026 Auto Care Connect ("Connect") education event will take place from May 11-14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia. Auto Care Connect is the pinnacle learning event for professionals in the auto care industry, offering a unique platform for the aftermarket industry to come together and engage in learning sessions developed by their peers, industry pioneers and professional specialists to spur creative and strategic thought. The ACPN Explorers will be able to attend educational, networking and exclusive industry segment community member events at this year's Connect.

To learn more about ACPN's programming at this year's Auto Care Connect, including featured speakers, schedule of events, trade show offerings, sponsorship opportunities and more, visit autocare.org/acpn.