When it comes to succeeding in the auto industry, nothing is more important than relationships. Building strong connections with customers, partners, and industry peers is often the key to staying ahead of the competition and driving your business forward.
Are you looking for opportunities to expand your network, showcase your latest offerings, and stay on top of industry trends this year? Let’s explore the top automotive industry conferences that should be on your radar.
Top 5 Auto Conferences to Attend in the Next Six Months
When it comes to succeeding in the auto industry, nothing is more important than relationships. Building strong connections with customers, partners, and industry peers is often the key to staying ahead of the competition and driving your business forward.
Are you looking for opportunities to expand your network, showcase your latest offerings, and stay on top of industry trends this year? Let’s explore the top automotive industry conferences that should be on your radar.
Leveraging Auto Events to Propel Your Business
When executed well, automotive conferences can be powerful catalysts for business growth and innovation. Whether you’re looking to recruit top talent, build strategic partnerships, or discover the latest technology, attending an auto expo can unlock unique business opportunities.
Unfortunately, between registration and travel costs, conferences can get expensive quickly. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re getting the most out of each event. Here are a few tips to maximize ROI for each conference:
1. Choose conferences wisely
Tap into your network and do your research to find events that are a good fit for your business sector. You can also publicize conference attendance ahead of time and during the conference through social media, increasing the opportunity to set up meetings and make your time there worthwhile.
2. Set clear goals
Define what you want to achieve at the conference and go into the day with specific objectives. Are there specific people or companies with whom you want to speak? Try reaching out ahead of time to set up time to meet.
3. Prepare your pitch
Craft a compelling narrative about your business that resonates with your target audience at the event. What do you have in common that has you showing up to the same conference?
4. Plan your schedule
Prioritize sessions, workshops, and networking events that align with your goals. Oftentimes the casual moments at conferences are the ones that pay the biggest dividends.
Top 5 Automotive Conferences and Trade Shows in 2024
Auto Finance Summit 2024
When: October 7-9, 2024
Where: Las Vegas, NV
The Auto Finance Summit is the premier annual event for the auto lending and leasing industry, bringing together the most influential players in the field. This three-day conference attracts executives from prime and nonprime banks, credit unions, floor-plan lenders, fintechs, dealerships, and service providers.
Attendees benefit from insightful speaking events and networking opportunities, engaging with C-suite executives and industry pioneers. The summit also includes an extensive exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services.
Digital Dealer Conference & Expo
When: October 8-10, 2024
Where: Las Vegas, NV
The Digital Dealer Conference & Expo program is a two-day annual event that equips auto dealerships with cutting-edge solutions, expert insights, and new sales and business strategies. The subject matter places an emphasis on digital technologies and innovations within the industry.
This conference attracts a wide variety of personas in the auto industry. To fit the needs of all attendees, it offers four specialized educational tracks depending on your focus, including Marketing & Advertising, Sales Strategy & Variable Ops, Dealer Ops & Leadership, and Fixed Ops.
ITC Vegas
When: October 15-17, 2024
Where: Las Vegas, NV
ITC Vegas, short for InsureTech Connect Vegas, is the world’s largest gathering focused on insurance innovation and technology. This annual conference brings together over 10,000 attendees, including insurance industry executives, tech entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the globe. It includes plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with fellow attendees, from the opening night kickoff party to networking coffees and happy hours.
For professionals in the auto industry, this event offers the opportunity to get unparalleled insights into emerging insurance trends, foster partnerships, and drive tech innovation. Its world-class keynotes and discussions equip attendees to understand the state of insurance and navigate the evolving landscape.
NADA Show 2025
When: January 23-26, 2025
Where: New Orleans, LA
The NADA Show is an annual event in the automotive industry, spanning four days of comprehensive education, networking, and innovative exhibitions. It attracts thousands of automotive professionals, including dealers, manufacturers, and industry leaders from around the world with top-notch keynotes and workshops. This upcoming conference even features celebrity speakers including John Cena and Coach K.
The NADA Expo features over 500 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, solutions, and services across an expansive expo floor. Attendees get the opportunity to talk with providers about cutting-edge solutions and stay ahead of current trends.
While NADA members benefit from discounted rates on this event, registration is open to anyone who owns, operates, and works within the franchised new-car dealerships industry.
Auto Intel Summit
When: April 2025
Where: TBA
The Auto Intel Summit (AIS) is an annual event focused on innovation and business trends in the automotive industry. The agenda features workshops, keynote speakers, and panels covering topics like connected mobility, economic forecasting, fintech solutions, and predictive analytics.
AIS is on the smaller side of this list, attracting roughly 300 automotive leaders, including executives from dealership groups, fintech companies, investors, and lenders. The intimate setting allows for meaningful conversations and collaborations among attendees.
Who’s Going to Be There?
Figuring out who you’re going to an event to meet is a crucial step in pre-conference planning. If you don’t have any go-to contacts, you can start with our network:
- Fred Waite, CEO and founder of Modives
- Darin Yeomans, CRO of Modives
- Justin Silver, COO of Modives
In addition to our team, there are some other fantastic subject matter experts we recommend connecting with to get the most value out of these shows:
Tom Kline, of “Tuck the Octopus” fame, is an industry leader in auto dealership risk and compliance. A third-generation “car-guy” and former dealership owner with more than 30 years of experience, Tom understands how failing to protect your auto business can have catastrophic results–and how to ensure you avoid them.
Brooke Furniss, famed commentator in the automotive space and host of the “Facts Not Feelings” podcast, regularly talks with leaders to find answers to tough questions, especially when it comes to F&I.
Laurie Halter, the auto PR expert, has a passion and a gift for connecting prominent members in the dealership space. Her media contacts and auto intelligence puts her second-to-none when it comes to forging relationships.
Sandy Cerami, the auto sales thought leader based in New Jersey, is well connected and knows the industry like no other. His thought leadership and coaching help sales executives get the best out of themselves, and their teams.