Top Auto Industry Conferences to Attend in 2026

Published on

December 22, 2025

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Elizabeth Reed

Senior Content Marketing Manager

Elizabeth is a content marketing manager with a deep understanding of the startup landscape. She specializes in driving impactful content strategies for early-stage companies. Having honed her skills within a dynamic small marketing agency environment, she has extensive experience across crafting compelling content and growing community engagement.

From dealership insights to mobility innovations, the year’s top conferences promise to deliver opportunities for learning, networking, and staying ahead of industry trends.

Whether you’re focused on sales, financing, or the future of mobility, there’s an event for you. Check out our roundup of the must-attend auto conferences and start planning your year.

NADA Show 2026

February 4, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show remains the premier event for dealership owners, managers, and automotive retail professionals. With high-impact workshops, unparalleled networking, and a massive expo floor, NADA is where the industry comes together to explore what’s next in auto retail. Expect insights into emerging technology, evolving consumer expectations, and strategies to drive dealership performance.

Who should attend? Dealers, managers, and anyone involved in auto retail.

NVLA Annual Conference 2026

March 4, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee

The National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA) Annual Conference brings together leasing professionals to discuss market trends, regulatory updates, and growth strategies. Educational sessions and peer networking make this a valuable event for staying competitive in the leasing and fleet space.

Who should attend? Leasing companies, fleet managers, and finance professionals.

International Car Rental Show (ICRS) 2026

May 13, 2026 | Grapevine, Texas

ICRS is the go-to conference for car rental operators and fleet professionals. Sessions focus on fleet management, mobility solutions, operational efficiency, and customer experience innovation. Strong networking opportunities make this a must-attend event for the rental and mobility sectors.

Who should attend? Car rental operators, fleet managers, and mobility professionals.

NIADA Convention & Expo 2026

June 21, 2026 | Aurora, Colorado

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) Convention & Expo is the cornerstone event for independent dealers. From compliance and finance to marketing and operations, NIADA delivers expert-led education and a robust expo to help dealers grow and adapt in a changing market.

Who should attend? Independent auto dealers and dealership staff.

Digital Dealer 2026

September 22, 2026 | Detroit, Michigan

Digital Dealer focuses on the tools, strategies, and technologies transforming automotive retail. With hands-on workshops, expert panels, and a tech-forward expo, this conference helps dealerships modernize operations and improve the digital customer journey.

Who should attend? Dealership owners, sales teams, marketing leaders, and digital strategists.

Move America 2026

September 23, 2026 | Detroit, Michigan

Move America is a flagship conference for the mobility and transportation ecosystem. Covering electric vehicles, autonomous driving, smart cities, and connected infrastructure, this event highlights how innovation is reshaping the future of transportation.

Who should attend? Mobility leaders, auto manufacturers, policymakers, and tech innovators.

SEMA Show 2026

November 3, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is the world’s leading event for automotive aftermarket products and innovation. Featuring cutting-edge exhibits, live demonstrations, and education, SEMA is where creativity, performance, and technology collide.

Who should attend? Automotive manufacturers, aftermarket professionals, and automotive enthusiasts.

Used Car Week 2026

Date TBD | Location TBD

Used Car Week (UCW) is the leading conference for the used-car ecosystem, uniting professionals from remarketing, auto finance, and dealer-consignor relationships. With multiple tracks and expert-led sessions, UCW dives deep into market trends, future challenges, and opportunities across the used-car landscape.

Who should attend? Used car dealers, remarketing professionals, auto finance experts, and industry analysts.

Modern Retailing Conference (MRC) 2026

Date TBD | Location TBD

The Modern Retailing Conference (MRC) brings automotive professionals together to explore the future of digital retailing. Focused on customer experience, online sales strategies, and operational efficiency, MRC offers workshops, panels, and keynotes from industry leaders shaping the next era of automotive retail.

Who should attend? Automotive retailers, digital marketing specialists, and customer experience professionals.

Shift Into Planning Mode

Whether you’re focused on improving dealership performance, navigating fleet and finance, or exploring the future of mobility, these conferences offer valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Mark your calendar and plan ahead to make the most of the year’s key auto industry events.