Note for readers: We’ve refreshed this article with the latest 2026 automotive trade shows and events to help you plan ahead.
Why are Automotive Conferences and Trade Shows Important?
Automotive conferences present one of the most visited conferences annually. Every company within the automotive industry often seeks various trade shows to attend. This is expected, as these events are popular within the USA. The main goal of automotive conferences and trade shows is to help you understand new industry-related upcoming trends. Running a business often consists of feeling the competition’s energy and the overall industry market.
By knowing the latest automotive trends and tools, you could gain lots of value from these events. You would have an opportunity to hear speeches from many educational speakers that will provide you with business-related tips and tricks. Things like innovation, safety, company management, routing, and managing employees are often the main topics at automotive conferences.
Being up to date with the trending discoveries within the automotive industry is essential for any company in this field. So, we created a list of top automotive conferences and trade shows, and other tips to help you get the most out of these events.
If you spot AvaHR at some of these conferences, come to meet us and pick up swag!
⚠️Disclaimer: This list is for informational purposes only. Event details, including dates and locations, may change, so be sure to visit each expo’s official website for the most up-to-date information before making travel or registration plans.
Automotive Conferences and Trade Shows in 2026
📅 Jan 6 – 9, 2026
📍 Las Vegas, NV
At CES 2026, you’ll find the full spectrum of vehicle tech: from AI-powered cockpits and connected mobility to self-driving concepts and new battery systems. It’s the kind of event where automotive innovation intersects with consumer electronics – perfect for anyone in mobility who wants to see where the future is headed.
📅 Jan 14 – 25, 2026
📍 Detroit, MI
When the industry comes together in Detroit, you get a showcase of what major automakers and suppliers are ready to bring to market – vehicles, concepts, and public reveals. It’s a strong touchpoint for PR, media, and anyone tracking OEM product launches and market trends.
📅 Feb 3 – 6, 2026
📍 Las Vegas, NV
This one’s all about the retail side of the auto business: dealership operations, emerging tech for showrooms, and how dealerships adapt and evolve. It’s a key event for professionals looking to understand the future of auto retail and customer experience.
📅 Mar 10 – 13, 2026
📍 Indianapolis, IN
Focused on commercial fleets, up-fitters, and work trucks, this show addresses a critical segment: the backbone of many transportation operations. It’s where fleet managers and vendors meet to tackle real-world challenges and move their operations forward.
📅 Apr 14 – 16, 2026
📍 Detroit, MI
Organized by SAE International, WCX brings together engineers, developers, and decision-makers to dive into powertrains, connectivity, software-defined vehicles, and mobility systems. It’s one of the most technical and future-focused events in the automotive calendar.
📅 May 4 – 7, 2026
📍 Las Vegas, NV
This one is centred on advanced clean transportation: zero-emission trucks, hydrogen, renewable fuel fleets, and software solutions for fleet operations. For companies and HR professionals in fleets, infrastructure, or clean-tech mobility, ACT Expo is a go-to.
📅 Jun 2 – 4, 2026
📍 Novi, MI
AutoTech connects the worlds of automotive and software, covering electrification, connectivity, and in-vehicle experiences. It’s where mobility, data, and design come together to shape the vehicles of tomorrow.
📅 Oct 12 – 15, 2026
📍 Detroit, MI
This event is home base for batteries, EV tech, charging & infrastructure. It’s where the supply-chain, component manufacturers, and mobility service providers converge to talk power, range, and systems.
📅 Oct 27 – 29, 2026
📍 Novi, MI
Vehicle Tech Week combines testing, autonomous systems, and interior design expos under one roof. It’s a comprehensive look at vehicle development – from safety and validation to the driving experience itself.
📅 Nov 3 – 6, 2026
📍 Las Vegas, NV
There is no other trade show on the planet where you can see thousands of product innovations from new and iconic exhibitors, experience the latest custom vehicle trends, get access to free professional skill-enhancing education sessions and make career-changing connections. The SEMA Show takes place November 3-6, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. The SEMA Show is a trade-only event and only open to the general public on Friday, November 6th.
📅 Nov 3 – 5, 2026
📍 Las Vegas, NV
Live, interactive demos. Expert-led business education. Our most robust training program yet. It’s all here to give you a jump on every new advancement and the knowledge to tackle your biggest challenges.
Where else can you come face-to-face with the world’s suppliers showcasing innovations that give you an edge in the here and now — and global perspectives on where the industry is headed next?
Spend three days at AAPEX Las Vegas and make sure you’re ready to steer your business toward success!
📅 Dec 10 – 12, 2026
📍 Indianapolis, IN
Dedicated to the performance and racing industry, PRI showcases parts, engines, and cutting-edge motorsport technology. It’s a high-energy close to the year and a favorite among builders, engineers, and racing professionals.
✨ Still to come in 2025
Before the 2026 season kicks off, here are the final shows closing out 2025:
📅 Nov 18 – 21
📍 Scottsdale, Arizona
UCW addresses various aspects of the used-car sector, including remarketing, dealer-consignor relationships, and auto finance, focusing on current trends and future industry developments.
Tips to Make Most of Automotive Conferences and Trade Shows
| |
| Before you attend any of these shows, prepare a list of essential questions. These queries should revolve around your business, industry, team, and any other topic you find significant. You can use your questions during Q&A sessions at the conference or while meeting with peers. Having these questions by your side can help you stay focused and organized. |
Download a Conference App | Lots of conferences nowadays have their apps available. So, before attending an event, download an app for the upcoming expo. You can get various beneficial information this way, such as the after-party location. Also, keep in mind, WiFi might not always work at the conference, so download your app in advance. |
| If you want to get insight into conference chatter, check out Twitter threads. You will need to find the conference hashtag and do your research once the event starts. This is quite handy, as you can share experiences with fellow automotive professionals. It opens up a new way of communication and post-event networking. |
| Connecting with other professionals during one-on-one meetings can be beneficial for your business. So, always take the time during conferences to meet with automotive peers. This way, you could build trusted contacts and share inspiring ideas. What's not to like, right? |
| People sometimes forget the benefits that pre-conference events can bring them. The well-known speakers indeed show up later in the show, but checking out some newbies can be as effective. So, don't miss the opportunity to discover some less known but potentially equally successful speakers. |
How to Experience More Efficient Attendance?
Have a Goal and Strategy
It’s essential to set your goal and strategy before attending an automotive event. Try answering the following questions.
- Why did you choose this specific trade show to attend?
- What is the main goal you wish to achieve in this automotive expo?
By answering these questions, you can get better focus and create a precise plan. Not bad, right?
Many business owners visit these shows to solve some company issues. So, it can be handy to keep some notes about these pain points. Try writing down the time and place of the vendors you want to visit. This can save you time and provide you with a more efficient experience.
Set Up Meeting Before the Conference
If you know what topics you wish to discuss, you can plan meetings in advance. It’s good to schedule some one-on-one meeting events. You can do this if you plan meetings before the whole conference hustle and bustle. This way, you should have an easier time communicating with other professionals in the automotive industry.
Balance Your Time
Knowing how you can spend time at a conference can help you actually balance your time. Usually, you can do three things at an expo:
- Checking out for vendors from your list
- Visiting various seminars and info gatherings
- Wandering around and discovering
If you want to get some quality time with vendors, visit them on the second day. The first day of any expo can be hectic, so focus your time around the less busy hours (if these things even exist in expos). But, you get the point.
Reconnect
Automotive conferences and trade shows are handy places to meet fellow colleagues. So, it’s always good if you can connect with various people and share experiences. Small talk can sometimes lead to big things, such as partnerships and business expansions. Even if you end up with just a few shared opinions and advice, that’s valuable!
Types of Automotive Conference Content
Here are some topics you may bump into during automotive conferences and trade shows.
- Manufacturing
- Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success
- Recruiting and Talent Acquisition
- Training and Development
These can assist you with resolving some business issues and provide you with more in-depth information about the automotive industry.
More Conferences and Trade Shows for 2026
