Top Automotive Conferences to Attend in 2026
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The automotive industry is transforming faster than ever. From AI-powered customer engagement to autonomous vehicles, dealerships need to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. That’s where automotive conferences come in.
These industry events offer invaluable opportunities to network with peers, discover cutting-edge solutions, and gain insights that can directly impact your dealership’s bottom line. Whether you’re focused on digital marketing, sales operations, or the future of automotive retail, there’s a conference designed to help you succeed.
We’ve compiled the most important automotive conferences happening throughout 2026, complete with dates, locations, and what makes each event worth your time.
January 2026 Conferences
CES 2026
Dates: January 6-9, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Website: ces.tech
CES remains the world’s most influential technology event, and automotive innovation takes center stage. From AI-powered infotainment systems to autonomous driving breakthroughs, dealerships can discover how emerging consumer tech will shape customer expectations. With over 140,000 attendees and 4,500+ exhibitors, CES offers unmatched networking opportunities and first looks at technologies that will revolutionize the customer experience.
North American International Detroit Auto Show
Dates: January 14-25, 2026
Location: Huntington Place, Detroit, Michigan
Website: detroitautoshow.com
Back in its traditional January slot, NAIAS showcases the latest vehicles and automotive innovations from manufacturers worldwide. For dealers, it’s an opportunity to get hands-on with new models, understand manufacturer strategies, and see what’s driving consumer interest. The extended 12-day format gives you flexibility to attend when it works for your schedule.
February 2026 Conferences
NADA Show 2026
Dates: February 3-6, 2026 (Education & Events) | Expo: February 4-6
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Website: nada.org/nada-show
NADA Show is the premier automotive retail event of the year. With 10,000+ dealership professionals and 400+ exhibitors, this is where you’ll discover solutions that drive profitability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Educational sessions cover everything from compliance to cutting-edge technology, while the expo floor showcases the latest innovations specifically designed for dealership operations.
Meet Fullpath at NADA Show 2026
Join us at the premier automotive retail event of the year. See Fullpath’s AI agents in action including our Omni, Lead Handling, In-Store Workflow, and Phone Operator agents work together on our CDP foundation to automate lead management and customer engagement.
Book your NADA demo here.
Chicago Auto Show
Dates: February 7-16, 2026
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
Website: chicagoautoshow.com
North America’s largest auto show brings consumers and industry professionals together for 10 days of automotive excellence. The 118th edition offers dealers a chance to gauge consumer interest in new models, understand market trends, and network with manufacturer representatives. It’s also a valuable opportunity to see how OEMs are marketing vehicles to today’s buyers.
J.D. Power Auto Summit
Dates: TBD (Likely late January/early February 2026, coinciding with NADA)
Location: TBD
Website: jdpowerautosummit.com
J.D. Power’s annual summit brings together data-driven insights on customer satisfaction, vehicle quality, and market trends. For dealers focused on improving customer experience and operational excellence, this event provides the research and benchmarks needed to make informed decisions. Check the website closer to the date for 2026 details.
April 2026 Conferences
DealerPoint 2026
Dates: April 22-24, 2026
Location: TBD
Website: digitaldealer.com
DealerPoint focuses on practical, actionable strategies for dealership success. With its smaller, more intimate format compared to larger conferences, attendees benefit from deeper conversations and more direct access to speakers and solution providers. Sessions typically cover digital marketing, customer retention, and operational efficiency.
Digital Marketing Strategies Conference
Dates: April 26-28, 2026
Location: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona
Website: digitalmarketingstrategies.org
This three-day conference empowers dealers to craft market-dominating digital strategies. With 12+ workshop sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and bold industry conversations, DMSC delivers actionable tactics you can implement immediately. The event tackles topics often overlooked in the industry, ensuring your dealership is prepared for unexpected challenges and emerging opportunities.
May 2026 Conferences
ASOTU Con
Dates: TBD (Likely mid-May 2026)
Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Live! Casino & Hotel)
Website: asotucon.com
ASOTU Con brings together automotive retail’s most forward-thinking professionals for an unconventional conference experience. Known for its community-driven approach and focus on culture, leadership, and innovation, this event offers a refreshing alternative to traditional conferences. Attendees value the authentic connections and genuine conversations that happen both on and off the stage.
June 2026 Conferences
AutoTech: Detroit
Dates: June 2-4, 2026
Location: Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, Michigan
Website: autotechevents.com
AutoTech is the premier event for automotive technology innovation. Moved to Detroit’s automotive heartland in 2026, this conference brings together automakers, suppliers, and technology companies to explore vehicle electronics, connected mobility, autonomous systems, and software-driven innovation. The two-day format with minimal concurrent sessions ensures you won’t miss critical content.
NIADA Convention & Expo 2026
Dates: June 21-24, 2026
Location: Gaylord Rockies, Aurora, Colorado
Website: niada.com/convention
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association’s annual convention is essential for independent dealers. Educational sessions cover compliance, finance, marketing, and operations, while the robust expo connects you with vendors who understand the unique challenges of independent dealerships. The BHPH/LHPH Finance Fair provides one-on-one access to capital providers.
Auto.AI USA
Dates: June 29-30, 2026
Location: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SoMa, San Francisco, California
Website: auto-ai.com
America’s leading conference on artificial intelligence for autonomous vehicles. Auto.AI brings together top experts in machine learning, perception, computer vision, and data processing. While highly technical, dealers interested in understanding how AI will shape the future of automotive should consider attending to stay ahead of trends that will eventually impact retail operations.
July 2026 Conferences
Women in Automotive Conference
Dates: July 17-20, 2026
Location: TBD
Website: womeninautomotive.com
This annual conference focuses on empowering, encouraging, and elevating women in the automotive industry. With industry-leading speakers, hands-on workshops, and dynamic networking sessions, Women in Automotive addresses leadership development, career advancement, and creating lasting change in the industry. The conference welcomes all professionals committed to diversity and inclusion.
August 2026 Conferences
CAR Management Briefing Seminars
Dates: TBD (Typically early-to-mid August)
Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Traverse City, Michigan
Website: cargroup.org/mbs
For over four decades, CAR’s Management Briefing Seminars have brought together 600+ automotive industry, academic, and government leaders to address critical issues and emerging trends. The beautiful Traverse City setting provides an ideal backdrop for relationship-building, while targeted sessions cover manufacturing, connected vehicles, powertrain developments, and policy. Check the website for 2026 dates.
September 2026 Conferences
Digital Dealer Conference & Expo 2026
Dates: September 22-23, 2026
Location: Huntington Place, Detroit, Michigan
Website: digitaldealer.com
Digital Dealer is moving to Motor City! The 2026 event brings automotive marketing, advertising, and digital operations expertise to Detroit with a streamlined two-day format and expanded expo hours. Purpose-built to solve urgent challenges in automotive retail, Digital Dealer delivers measurable strategies that drive vehicle sales, higher margins, and long-term growth. Quick 25-minute sessions ensure you get actionable insights you can implement immediately.
MOVE America
Dates: September 23-24, 2026
Location: Huntington Place, Detroit, Michigan
Website: terrapinn.com/exhibition/move-america
MOVE America is where mobility innovation meets business reality. With 4,000+ senior leaders from across the North American mobility ecosystem, this event covers electric vehicles, autonomous systems, smart cities, micromobility, and sustainable transport. Automotive OEMs, fleet operators, charging providers, investors, and policymakers gather for two days of learning, live demos, and networking that shapes the future of transportation.
November 2026 Conferences
Modern Retailing Conference (MRC)
Dates: TBD (Likely mid-November 2026)
Location: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Palm Beach, Florida
Website: modernretailingconference.com
Modern Retailing Conference focuses on the digital transformation of automotive retail. With workshops, panels, and keynotes from industry leaders, MRC explores customer experience, online sales strategies, and operational efficiency. The Palm Beach setting provides an inspiring environment for strategic thinking and meaningful connections with peers who are shaping the next era of automotive retail.
Meet Fullpath at Modern Retailing Conference 2026
Connect with the Fullpath team at MRC in Palm Beach this November. Discover how Fullpath is revolutionizing automotive retail with AI agents that operate autonomously 24/7. Learn why dealerships are making the switch to agentic systems that transform lead management, customer engagement, and sales operations.
Contact Us to Schedule a Meeting
Used Car Week 2026
Dates: November 16-19, 2026
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, California
Website: usedcarweek.biz
Used Car Week is THE gathering for remarketing, dealer-consignor relations, and auto finance professionals. With multiple tracks covering certified pre-owned, repossession management, and the wholesale market, UCW offers comprehensive insights into every aspect of the used car ecosystem. The event brings together auction companies, dealers, lenders, and service providers for four days of education and networking.
Conference Dates To Be Announced
Several valuable automotive conferences haven’t yet announced their 2026 dates. Check these websites regularly for updates:
The Kain Workshop – Annual clients and friends digital success workshop typically held in spring. kain.auto
Automotive Analytics & Attribution Summit (AAAS) – Dedicated to online marketing analytics and attribution for automotive. Typically held in November at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida.
Automotive Cybersecurity Summit – Addressing vehicle, plant, and supply chain security with OEMs, suppliers, and regulators. Multiple editions throughout the year.
Fixed Ops Roundtable – Virtual events and in-person pop-ups throughout the year focused on service, parts, body shop, and reconditioning. fixedopsroundtablecertified.com
Automotive News Retail Forum – Solutions-based forum featuring Automotive News editorial team, typically in Chicago.
Why Attend an Automotive Conference?
Investing time and resources in industry conferences delivers returns that extend far beyond the event itself:
Stay ahead of industry trends. The automotive landscape changes rapidly. Conferences give you early visibility into emerging technologies, shifting consumer behaviors, and regulatory changes before they impact your market.
Discover solutions that solve real problems. The expo floors at these events showcase hundreds of vendors who have developed solutions specifically for automotive challenges. You’ll find technologies and services you didn’t know existed.
Network with peers and industry leaders. The conversations that happen between sessions are often as valuable as the presentations themselves. Learning how other dealers tackle similar challenges can spark ideas you can implement immediately.
Gain competitive advantages. Your competitors might not be attending. The strategies, technologies, and relationships you develop at conferences can give you an edge in your market.
Break out of the day-to-day grind. Stepping away from daily operations gives you perspective. Conferences create space for strategic thinking about where you want your dealership to go.
Tips to Make the Most Out of Any Auto Dealership Conference
Plan ahead. Review the agenda before you arrive. Identify the sessions that address your biggest challenges and the exhibitors you want to meet. Most conferences release their apps a week or two early—use them.
Set clear objectives. What do you want to accomplish? Whether it’s finding a new CRM solution, learning about inventory management, or making three valuable connections, having specific goals keeps you focused.
Bring your team. Different roles benefit from different sessions. Bring your service manager, marketing director, or sales manager so they can each focus on their areas while you cover yours.
Engage with speakers and exhibitors. Don’t be shy. Speakers expect questions, and exhibitors want to understand your challenges. The more specific you are about your situation, the more valuable their insights become.
Take notes and follow up. The best intentions fade without documentation. Take photos of booth displays, save business cards digitally, and schedule follow-up calls before you leave the event.
Rest and recharge. Conference days are long. Don’t skip meals or skimp on sleep. You’ll absorb more information and make better decisions when you’re taking care of yourself.
You Don’t Need to Wait for the Next Automotive Conference to Meet Fullpath
Fullpath, automotive’s leading AI-powered dealership solutions provider, offers multiple groundbreaking solutions that can meet your dealership needs – and budget – to help you bring your business into the future. Fullpath, automotive’s only enhanced CDP, offers powerful predictive analytic tools, marketing automation solutions, data management platforms, and more. Click here to read about the different solutions available and to schedule your personalized demo.
Ready to make 2026 your dealership’s best year yet? Start by marking your calendar for these must-attend automotive conferences. See you there!
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