Best Automotive & Dealership Conferences to Attend in 2025

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological innovations, changing consumer preferences, and new regulatory standards. In this dynamic landscape, automotive dealership conferences have emerged as crucial hubs for knowledge sharing, networking, and staying ahead of the curve. These conferences offer a unique platform for dealers, industry experts, and thought leaders to converge, exchange ideas, and explore the latest trends shaping the future of automotive sales and services. 

Attending these events offers invaluable insights into cutting-edge technologies, such as electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and digital marketing softwares that are revolutionizing the automotive world. Moreover, they serve as an excellent opportunity for dealerships to learn about new business models, customer engagement techniques, and operational efficiencies that can significantly enhance their competitive edge. 

As we look towards 2025, these conferences promise to unveil new dimensions of automotive excellence, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of the industry and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to drive success in an increasingly competitive market.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in January 2025

CES 2025

Dates: Jan 7-10, 2025

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Link: CES 2025

CES® stands out as the world’s leading technology event, a pivotal platform for showcasing emerging technologies and connecting global innovators. It’s the prime spot for companies to conduct business, form new partnerships, and for the industry’s top thinkers to present their newest products and most impressive innovations. Organized and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES is unique in featuring the full spectrum of the tech world in a single event.

North American International Detroit Auto Show

Where: Detroit, Michigan

When: January 10-20, 2025

Link: Detroit Auto Show

Experience the world-famous Detroit Auto Show with your peers and colleagues. Over 20+ attractions, events, and shows all about vehicles and the ever-growing technology behind them.

NADA Show 2025

Dates: January 23-26, 2025

Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA

Link: NADA Show 2025

The NADA Show 2025 presents a distinct chance for dealers and managers to delve into the newest trends, innovations, and tactics that can enhance their performance and expand their business. This exceptional educational program is tailored to tackle the present challenges and trends impacting various departments of dealerships.

J.D. Power Auto Summit

Dates: January 23, 2025

Location: New Orleans, LA 

Link: J.D. Power Auto Summit

The J.D. Power Auto Summit is the premier automotive retail event at the NADA Show. This one-day event features key industry thought leaders, real-time auto industry data and cutting-edge insights to help you make informed decisions within this ultra-competitive and highly dynamic industry. With 700+ attendees at last year’s event, this is your opportunity to meet and network with leaders who are shaping the future of this rapidly changing industry, including dealers, automakers, agencies and suppliers.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in February 2025

Chicago Auto Show

• Where: Chicago, IL
• When: Feb 8 – 17
• Link: Chicago Auto Show

The 2025 Chicago Auto Show, marking its 117th edition, is the largest auto show in North America. First held in 1901, the event takes place at McCormick Place and showcases a wide range of vehicles, including domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, and experimental models. The show features hundreds of vehicles from over two dozen manufacturers, along with automotive accessories, competition cars, antiques, and interactive exhibits. World and North American debuts are also expected at this year’s show.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in March 2025

DealerPoint 2025

• Dates: April 9-11, 2025
• Location: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, Orlando, FL
• Link: DealerPoint 2025

DealerPoint offers a curated networking experience for dealership executives. It includes 1:1 private meetings and boardroom presentations, making it an excellent venue for fostering relationships between dealerships and solution providers.

Digital Marketing Strategies Conference

• Dates: April 27-29, 2025
• Location: Scottsdale, AZ
• Link: Digital Marketing Strategies Conference

This premier event is designed for senior executives and digital marketing professionals in the automotive industry who are looking to drive their marketing strategies to the next level. At DMSC 2025, you’ll gain exclusive insights through hands-on workshops, expert-led keynotes, and cutting-edge breakout sessions. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your online presence, optimize your digital retail strategies, or boost customer acquisition, this event delivers actionable solutions that directly impact your business growth.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in April 2025

The Kain Workshop

• Dates: TBD April, 2025
• Location: TBD
• Link: Kain Automotive Workshop

Kain Automotive’s workshop offers hands-on training for improving digital retail strategies and customer engagement.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in May 2025

ASOTU Con

• Dates: May 13-16, 2025
• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Link: ASOTU CON

This groundbreaking event brings together the brightest minds and innovators in the automotive industry for three days of high-energy collaboration, networking, and learning. At ASOTU CON, you’ll dive deep into the future of automotive retail, exploring cutting-edge technologies, operational strategies, and customer experience innovations. The event will feature powerful keynotes, interactive workshops, and hands-on sessions designed to help dealership operators and industry partners refine their approaches in an ever-evolving market.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in June 2025

AutoTech: Detroit

• Dates: June 3-5, 2025
• Location: Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, MI
• Link: AutoTech: Detroit

AutoTech: Detroit assembles over 3,000 industry participants for two days of intensive business-to-business networking, fostering meaningful dialogues, relationships, and significant outcomes. Experience conference sessions developed in partnership with AutoTech’s Industry Advisory Board, addressing genuine issues and promoting effective innovation through a harmonious blend of strategy and technology.

NIADA Convention & Expo

• Dates: June 23-26
• Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Link: NIADA Convention

NIADA’s annual convention provides independent automobile dealers an opportunity to CONNECT with peers and thought leaders from inside the industry, LEARN regardless of budget size or business focus.

Auto AI

• Dates: June 29 – July 1
• Location: San Francisco, California
• Link: Auto AI

Auto.AI USA stands as the premier conference focusing on artificial intelligence in SAE Level 3 to 5 autonomous vehicles. Attracting over 250 leading professionals and key decision-makers in fields like machine learning, AI, perception, computer vision, and data handling, it’s a hub for exchanging ideas. Participate and delve into discussions about self-supervised and behavioral learning, scalable machine learning and reinforcement learning methods, as well as evaluating perception and computer vision systems in the realm of autonomous driving alongside fellow members of the automotive AI community.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in August 2025

Women in Automotive

• Dates: August 3-6, 2025
• Location: Nashville, TN
• Link: Women in Automotive

The annual Women in Automotive Conference to Nashville in August 2025. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this special automotive community dedicated to helping women in the industry navigate their individual lives and careers.

CAR Management Briefing Seminars

• Dates: TBA – August 2025
• Location: Traverse City, Michigan
• Link: CAR Management Briefing Seminars

Make sure you don’t miss this major event in the automotive industry! The Management Briefing Seminars (MBS) are making a comeback, offering more exciting and insightful content than ever. This is your chance to gain valuable insights from top industry professionals and network with some of the most influential names and companies in the business.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in September 2025

Automotive Cybersecurity Summit 2025

• Dates: September 18-20, 2025
• Location: San Francisco, CA
• Link: Automotive Cybersecurity Summit

This summit addresses the latest challenges in automotive cybersecurity, featuring panels from automotive manufacturers and tech companies.

MOVE America 2025

• Dates: September 24-25, 2025
• Location: Detroit, Michigan
• Link: MOVE America

MOVE America is the #1 tech mobility event in the Americas, bringing together the people and companies redefining mobility.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in October 2025

Digital Dealer Conference & Expo 2025

• Dates: October 8-10, 2025
• Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV
• Link: Digital Dealer Conference & Expo 2025

Digital Dealer is a premier event for those in the dealership sector, focusing on digital marketing, sales, and technology strategies. This year’s conference will include over 75 sessions and several networking opportunities.

Automotive & Dealership Conferences in November 2025

Automotive Analytics & Attribution Summit 2025

• Dates: November 16-18, 2025
• Location: The Breakers, Palm Beach, FL
• Link: AAAS 2025

A data-focused event exploring analytics, attribution models, and optimizing marketing ROI.

Modern Retailing Conference (MRC)

• Where: Palm Beach. FL
• When: November (dates TBD)
• Link: Modern Retailing Conference

The Modern Retailing Conference offers cutting-edge insights for automotive professionals, focusing on enhancing customer experiences and optimizing dealership operations. Attendees will engage with industry leaders through workshops, panel discussions, and keynote sessions that explore innovative digital strategies for automotive retail success. It’s the go-to event for those looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of automotive digital marketing.​

Used Car Week

• Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
• When: November (dates TBD)
• Link: Used Car Week

Used Car Week (UCW) brings together every aspect of the used-car sector, including remarketing, dealer-consignor relationships, and auto finance. Over four days, participants from six diverse tracks gather to examine present trends, anticipate future developments, and prepare for upcoming challenges in the industry.

Conference Dates to be Announced

Automotive News Retail Forum 2025

• Dates: To Be Announced
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Link: Automotive News Retail Forum

This forum provides a platform for automotive executives to discuss trends and challenges in automotive retail. Panel discussions feature insights from CEOs and senior executives from top automotive brands.

Fixed Ops Roundtable 2025

• Dates: Multiple dates throughout the year (check website for details)
• Location: Virtual & In-person (Various Locations)
• Link: Fixed Ops Roundtable

Dedicated to service and parts management, this event focuses on fixed operations, profitability, and leadership strategies.

Why Attend an Automotive Conference?

Attending automotive dealership conferences in 2025 is more than just an opportunity to gather industry knowledge; it’s a strategic investment in the future of your business. These conferences are a melting pot of innovation, where the latest trends and advancements in automotive technology, sales strategies, and customer experience are unveiled. They provide a rare chance to gain first-hand insights from industry leaders and pioneers, offering a deeper understanding of the evolving market dynamics. 

Networking is another critical component – these events bring together a diverse group of professionals, from dealership owners to automotive tech startups, creating a vibrant community for sharing experiences, challenges, and success stories. By engaging in these interactions, attendees can forge valuable connections, find potential partners, and learn best practices from peers. Additionally, these conferences often feature workshops and seminars tailored to enhance specific skills, such as digital marketing, inventory management, and customer relationship building. This hands-on learning can be directly applied to improve dealership operations and customer satisfaction. In essence, these conferences are not just events, but catalysts for growth and innovation, providing attendees with the tools and insights needed to thrive in an ever-changing industry.

In summary, industry conferences are not just about learning; they’re opportunities for growth, inspiration, networking, and even enjoyment, all contributing to the success of your business.

Tips to Make the Most Out of Any Auto Dealership Conference and Trade Show as a Vendor

Conferences and trade shows are fantastic opportunities to showcase your brand, meet potential clients, and network with industry peers. But to really make the most out of the next automotive conference you attend, a bit of planning goes a long way. Here are some insider tips to help you prepare effectively and ensure that your time at the event is both productive and enjoyable.

Prepare Your Exhibition Space and Marketing Materials

While it might seem straightforward, early preparation for your exhibition space is crucial. Tailor your marketing materials to resonate with the conference theme, design an engaging booth layout, and select appropriate promotional items (SWAG). Initiating these preparations immediately after deciding to attend a conference ensures everything is in top shape for the event.

Get The Word Out

Although chance encounters at conferences are inevitable, targeted networking is key. Enhance your visibility by announcing your participation on social media, blogging about your involvement, and including your booth details in your email signature. This proactive approach helps key individuals and companies locate you easily during the conference.

Do Your Homework

Identify key companies and individuals you wish to connect with at the event. Investigate who will be in attendance, locate their booths, and consider reaching out beforehand to schedule meetings. This pre-planning maximizes your networking opportunities.

Host a Signature Event

Elevate your presence by organizing a sub-event. This could be a specialized workshop, a casual mixer, a product demonstration, or any activity that aligns with your brand. Extend invitations to your professional circle and potential clients to foster deeper connections during the conference.

Engage in Continuous Learning

Attend workshops and seminars offered at the conference. These sessions are valuable for staying updated with industry trends and can provide fresh insights that can be applied to your business.

Follow-Up Post-Conference

The real magic happens after the event. Promptly follow up with the contacts you’ve made. Whether it’s through personalized emails, LinkedIn messages, or phone calls, keeping the conversation going is crucial for nurturing these new relationships.

Leverage Technology for Networking

Utilize conference apps or social media hashtags specific to the event for real-time networking. These tools can help you connect with attendees and speakers, facilitating easier interactions and engagements.

By incorporating these strategies, you’ll not only make a significant impact at the conference but also pave the way for future business opportunities and partnerships.

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.