Your Guide to 2026’s Leading Auto & Trucking Industry Expos
The automotive and trucking sector remains one of the most influential engines of the U.S. economy, powering manufacturing, logistics, and advanced technology development. With commercial trucking generating more than $900 billion in annual revenue and the automotive industry accelerating toward electrification and automation, the stakes. The pace of change has never been higher. This is an industry where innovation is the currency of long-term competitiveness. In 2025, that momentum comes to life on the trade show floor.
The year brings a strong lineup of national gatherings that unite OEMs, fleet leaders, parts manufacturers and mobility innovators under one roof. These shows serve as the industry’s annual pulse check, revealing emerging technologies, future regulations, and shifting market priorities. Exhibitors gain high-value networking, real-time product validation and visibility with the decision-makers shaping the future of mobility. These key trade shows remain one of the few places where innovation, strategy, and business outcomes intersect in real time.
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1. ACT Expo
When: May 04 – 07, 2026
Where: Las Vegas, NV
About The Trade Show:
ACT Expo is North America’s largest advanced commercial vehicle technology event. The show focuses on clean transportation, fleet sustainability, and next-generation vehicle solutions across trucking, transit, and last-mile delivery.
The event attracts fleet operators, OEMs, regulators, and technology providers shaping the future of commercial transportation. For exhibitors, ACT Expo offers strong exposure to decision-makers evaluating alternative fuels, electric vehicles, and infrastructure investments at scale.
2. NPTC Annual Conference
When: May 09 – 11, 2026
Where: Orlando, FL
About The Trade Show:
The NPTC Annual Education Management Conference & Exhibition is a leading event for private fleet professionals. Hosted by the National Private Truck Council, the conference focuses on fleet operations, safety, compliance, and cost management. The show brings together fleet executives and operations leaders with direct purchasing authority. Exhibitors benefit from a highly targeted audience seeking solutions related to fleet efficiency, technology, and service optimization.
When: May 11 – 13, 2026
Where: Nashville, TN
About The Trade Show:
The Car Wash Show™ is the largest and most comprehensive event for the car wash and vehicle care industry. Produced by the International Carwash Association, the show attracts owners, operators, investors, and suppliers representing every segment of the market.
Featuring a large-scale exhibit hall, live demonstrations, and education sessions, the event gives exhibitors access to buyers actively seeking equipment, technology, and service solutions. The Car Wash Show™ offers strong opportunities for product visibility, lead generation, and relationship-building with high-intent purchasers.
4. International Car Rental Show
When: May 13 – 15, 2026
Where: Grapevine, TX
About The Trade Show:
The International Car Rental Show is the premier global event dedicated to the car rental and mobility industry. It brings together rental operators, fleet managers, OEMs, technology providers, and service suppliers shaping the future of vehicle rental, fleet operations, and mobility solutions. The show covers key areas such as fleet management, vehicle acquisition, digital platforms, customer experience, and emerging mobility trends.
The event offers exhibitors direct access to decision-makers managing rental fleets, airport operations, and mobility services. Attendees come prepared to evaluate cost-saving solutions, operational tools, and technologies that improve utilization, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With a highly targeted audience and strong industry participation, the show creates a focused environment for networking, partnerships, and business growth.
Browse through our portfolio to find booth ideas for your upcoming Trade Shows!
5. High Performance Expo (HPX)
When: June 02 – 04, 2026
Where: Charlotte, NC
About The Trade Show:
The High Performance Expo (HPX), organized by Performance Racing Industry (PRI), is a premier event for the automotive aftermarket and performance racing industry. The show brings together manufacturers, engineers, fabricators, distributors, and performance brands focused on racing technology, high-performance parts, and advanced vehicle systems.
The event gives exhibitors direct access to buyers and technical decision-makers evaluating components, tools, and performance solutions across motorsports and aftermarket segments. With a highly specialized audience and strong OEM and supplier participation, HPX provides a focused platform for showcasing innovation, building partnerships, and driving business growth.
6. AutoTech
When: June 02 – 04, 2026
Where: Novi, MI
About The Trade Show:
AutoTech is a leading technology-focused automotive event centered on innovation in mobility, connectivity, electrification, and vehicle intelligence. The show brings together automotive OEMs, suppliers, startups, and solution providers working across hardware, software, and manufacturing ecosystems.
The event provides exhibitors direct engagement with engineers, product leaders, and executives evaluating next-generation automotive technologies. With a curated exhibition and conference format, AutoTech offers a strategic platform for demonstrating capabilities and forming partnerships within the evolving mobility landscape.
20×20 Trade Show Booth Rental at NADA Show 2025, New Orleans, LA
7. NIADA Used Car Industry Convention & Expo
When: June 21 – 24, 2026
Where: Aurora, CO
About The Trade Show:
The NIADA Used Car Industry Convention & Expo is the premier annual event for independent auto dealers, bringing together dealership owners, managers, lenders, service providers, and industry partners. Organized by the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, the show focuses on retail operations, compliance, financing, inventory management, and dealership growth strategies tailored to the used vehicle market.
The event offers exhibitors direct access to independent dealers and decision-makers actively seeking solutions to improve profitability, streamline operations, and stay compliant with evolving regulations. With a strong mix of education sessions, networking, and an active expo floor, NIADA provides a targeted platform for vendors to build relationships, showcase solutions, and drive business within the used car ecosystem.
8. Auto.AI USA
When: June 29 – 30, 2026
Where: San Francisco, CA
About The Trade Show:
Auto.AI USA 2026 is a leading event focused on artificial intelligence applications in the automotive industry. The conference brings together OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, mobility providers, and AI technology leaders working on autonomous driving, ADAS, in-vehicle intelligence, and data-driven mobility solutions. It serves as a platform to explore real-world use cases, deployment challenges, and the future of AI-powered vehicles.
The event gives exhibitors access to senior engineers, data scientists, and decision-makers responsible for AI strategy, development, and implementation. With a highly specialized audience and deep technical agenda, Auto.AI USA offers strong opportunities to showcase solutions, build partnerships, and engage in meaningful discussions around scalable AI in automotive systems.
9. NATDA Trailer Show
When: September 01 – 03, 2026
Where: Nevada
About The Trade Show:
The NATDA Trailer Show is the leading trade event dedicated to the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. Organized by the North American Trailer Dealers Association, the show brings together manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers across multiple trailer segments. The event offers exhibitors direct access to dealership owners and purchasing decision-makers seeking new products and partnerships. With a focused exhibit floor and education sessions, the NATDA Trailer Show serves as a key platform for business development and channel growth.
10. Intermodal Expo
When: September 14 – 16, 2026
Where: Long Beach, CA
About The Trade Show:
The Intermodal Expo, organized by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), is the leading event for intermodal freight transportation. The show connects rail, trucking, shipping, and logistics professionals involved in moving freight efficiently across North America.
The event provides exhibitors access to senior leaders and decision-makers evaluating equipment, technology, and service solutions across the intermodal supply chain. With a focused audience and strong industry participation, Intermodal Expo offers valuable opportunities for relationship-building and business development.
When: September 16 – 20, 2026
Where: Hershey, PA
About The Trade Show:
America’s Largest RV Show is the premier consumer-focused event for the recreational vehicle industry. The show features hundreds of RV models, accessories, and service providers, attracting RV enthusiasts, buyers, and industry professionals from across the country. For exhibitors, the event offers direct access to high-intent consumers actively researching and purchasing RVs and related products. With large attendance and strong on-site buying activity, the show provides significant opportunities for lead generation, product education, and brand engagement.
12. Brake Colloquium & Exhibition
When: September 20 – 23, 2026
Where: Palm Desert, CA
About The Trade Show:
The SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition is a leading technical event for the global braking and mobility engineering community. Organized by SAE International, the show brings together OEM engineers, suppliers, researchers, and testing experts focused on brake systems, friction materials, NVH, safety, and vehicle dynamics. The program features in-depth technical sessions, presentations, and discussions on advancements in braking performance, electrification impacts, and regulatory requirements.
The event provides exhibitors access to highly specialized engineers and decision-makers involved in brake design, validation, and system integration. With a strong technical focus and a targeted audience, the Brake Colloquium offers a valuable platform to showcase innovations, exchange knowledge, and build long-term industry partnerships.
13. Automotive Recyclers Association Convention & Expo
When: October 14 – 17, 2026
Where: Atlanta, GA
About The Trade Show:
The ARA Convention & Expo, organized by the Automotive Recyclers Association, is the leading event for the automotive recycling industry. The show brings together recyclers, dismantlers, suppliers, and service providers focused on end-of-life vehicle processing, parts recovery, and sustainable automotive practices.
The event gives exhibitors direct access to business owners and decision-makers evaluating inventory systems, dismantling equipment, parts distribution solutions, and compliance services. With a tightly focused audience and industry-specific education sessions, ARA 2026 creates strong opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and long-term business growth.
14. Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo North America
When: October 27 – 29, 2026
Where: Novi, MI
About The Trade Show:
Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo North America is a leading event dedicated to next-generation autonomous and ADAS technologies. The show brings together automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, engineers, and technology providers working across sensing, AI, software, simulation, and vehicle integration. It serves as a key platform for showcasing innovations that are shaping the future of mobility, from self-driving systems to advanced safety and perception technologies.
The event gives exhibitors direct access to highly technical decision-makers involved in vehicle development and deployment. Attendees actively evaluate sensors, lidar, radar, testing tools, simulation platforms, and software stacks for real-world applications. With a focused engineering audience and strong OEM participation, the expo offers a valuable environment for product validation, technical discussions, and long-term partnership development.
15. AAPEX
When: November 03 – 05, 2026
Where: Las Vegas, NV
About The Trade Show:
AAPEX is the premier global event for the automotive aftermarket industry, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and service professionals from around the world. The show focuses on replacement parts, tools, equipment, and advanced aftermarket technologies.
With thousands of qualified buyers and decision-makers in attendance, AAPEX delivers strong brand exposure and lead-generation opportunities for exhibitors. The expansive exhibit hall and education program make it a key marketplace for launching products and strengthening channel relationships across the aftermarket supply chain.
16. SEMA Show
When: November 03 – 05, 2026
Where: Las Vegas, NV
About The Trade Show:
The SEMA Show is the world’s leading trade event for specialty automotive products and customization. Hosted by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, the show attracts manufacturers, builders, retailers, and media representing performance, restyling, and automotive lifestyle markets.
SEMA offers exhibitors unmatched visibility through a high-energy exhibit environment, product debuts, and extensive media coverage. With attendees focused on sourcing innovative products and identifying emerging trends, the show provides exceptional opportunities for brand exposure, networking, and market expansion.
17. Los Angeles Auto Show
When: November 20 – 29, 2026
Where: Los Angeles, CA
About The Trade Show:
The Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the most influential automotive events in North America, bringing together automakers, mobility innovators, and technology companies. The show highlights new vehicle launches, electric mobility, concept cars, and advancements in connected and autonomous driving, making it a key platform for the future of transportation.
The event gives exhibitors access to a diverse audience that includes industry professionals, media, and high-intent consumers exploring the latest in automotive design and technology. With strong global participation and extensive media coverage, the LA Auto Show offers significant opportunities for brand visibility, product showcasing, and market positioning.
18. PRI Show
When: December 10 – 12, 2026
Where: Indianapolis, IN
About The Trade Show:
The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show is the premier annual trade event for the motorsports and racing industry. The show connects manufacturers, distributors, race teams, and sanctioning bodies across all forms of professional and amateur racing.
PRI provides exhibitors with access to highly specialized buyers and influencers focused on performance parts, technology, and services. The event’s concentrated audience and expansive exhibit hall make it an essential venue for lead generation and brand visibility within the racing community.
Conclusion,
The 2026 calendar reinforces just how vital automotive and trucking trade shows are to industry progress. These shows are catalysts for the technology and partnerships that move the industry forward.
For exhibitors, the value is long-term and measurable i.e. stronger pipelines, deeper partnerships, and a more authoritative presence in an increasingly competitive landscape. With decades of hands-on experience, Exponents helps brands navigate the complexity of exhibiting and transform their trade show booth rental into a high-impact business asset. As 2026 approaches, the companies that prepare strategically will be the ones shaping the road ahead.
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