Must-Attend Automotive & Trucking Trade Shows in the U.S. (2025–2026)
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Seeking the largest and most influential automotive and trucking trade shows this year and beyond? Whether in aftermarket parts, EV technology, fleet management, or dealer operations, these events provide strategic chances to display products, gain insights, and network with industry leaders.
Automotive & Dealer-Focused Trade Events
1. NADA Show 2025
When: January 23–26, 2025
Where: New Orleans, LA
Why Attend: The National Automobile Dealers Association's annual expo draws dealership leaders, offering intensive workshops and exhibit halls centered on operations, digital tools, inventory management, and customer service strategies.
2. Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS)
When: January 10–20, 2025 and January 14–25, 2026
Where: Huntington Place, Detroit, MI
Why Attend: Longstanding among North America’s flagship auto shows—spanning media previews, charity galas, and public unveilings of major new models.
3. New York International Auto Show
When: April 3–12, 2026
Where: Javits Center, New York City, NY
Why Attend: With roots stretching back to 1900, this massive ten-day showcase draws over a million visitors and includes concept and production vehicle launches, plus concurrent auto-themed forums.
4. Chicago Auto Show
When: February 8–17, 2025
Where: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Why Attend: North America’s longest-running auto show, featuring nearly 1,000 vehicles across genres—domestic, import, concept—which garners extensive media exposure and brings the latest industry trends to the fore.
5. Los Angeles Auto Show (AutoMobility LA)
When: November 21–30, 2025 (with press previews preceding)
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, CA
Why Attend: One of North America’s ‘Big Four’ auto shows, it combines public days with the dedicated AutoMobility LA—an industry-oriented innovation and media preview platform.
Automotive Aftermarket & Specialty Events
6. NIADA Convention & Expo 2025
When: June 23–26, 2025
Where: Fontainebleau Las Vegas, NV
Why Attend: The largest independent auto dealer event in the U.S., it hosts over 1,200 independent dealers and features education tracks on BHPH, compliance, marketing, and retail strategies.
7. Digital Dealer (Spring Edition)
When: May 6–8, 2025
Where: Tampa Convention Center, FL
Why Attend: Focused on tech-savvy dealerships, this event emphasizes digital marketing, CRM innovation, and inventory management strategies.
8. AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo)
When: November 4–6, 2025
Where: The Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV
Why Attend: An aftermarket powerhouse, AAPEX hosts key parts and repair industry players, spotlighting innovations that define the future of auto maintenance and supply.
9. SEMA Show
When: November 4–7, 2025
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, NV
Why Attend: The specialty-equipment giant—featuring thousands of product displays, educational sessions, and a massive New Products Showcase—is crucial for aftermarket, performance, and custom gear makers.
10. The Battery Show
When: October 7–9, 2025
Where: Huntington Place, Detroit, MI
Why Attend: A premier event for EV tech, battery technologies, and charging infrastructure—ideal for connecting with OEMs and suppliers in the electrification space.
11. PRI Show (Performance Racing Industry)
When: December 11–13, 2025
Where: Indiana Convention Center, IN
Why Attend: Tailored to motorsports and racing professionals—this trade show delivers performance tech, simulation equipment, and educational sessions for racing industry innovation.
Trucking & Logistics Trade Shows
12. Work Truck Week
When: March 4–7, 2025
Where: Indianapolis, IN
Why Attend: North America’s leading work-truck expo—ideal for fleet managers and vendors to explore upfits, vocational equipment, and fleet telematics.
13. TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition
When: March 10–13, 2025
Where: Nashville, TN
Why Attend: Held by the ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council, this event focuses on fleet tech, operations, and maintenance innovation.
14. Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)
When: March 27–29, 2025
Where: Louisville, KY
Why Attend: A huge annual expo featuring over 850 exhibitors, MATS serves as a critical hub for trucking equipment, fleets, and gear.
15. NAFA Institute & Expo (I&E)
When: April 28–30, 2025
Where: Long Beach, CA
Why Attend: A leading event for fleet mobility and innovation, featuring sessions on sustainability, fleet data, and operational optimization.
16. ATA Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE)
When: October 25–28, 2025
Where: San Diego, CA
Why Attend: The American Trucking Association’s flagship conference—geared toward policy leaders, HR, safety, and business management in trucking.
17. TPM25 Annual Conference & Golf Open
When: March 2–5, 2025
Where: Long Beach, CA
Why Attend: Focused on trans-Pacific logistics, the Journal of Commerce-hosted TPM25 pairs shipping execs, networking, and educational programs (plus a golf open!).
18. NTTC Annual Conference & Exhibits
When: April 21–24, 2025
Where: Tampa, FL
Why Attend: The 80th-anniversary gathering of the National Tank Truck Carriers—highlighting safety, operations, and supplier showcases in the tank trucking sector.
19. TPM25 (Supply Chain + Global Logistics)
(Note: This appears similar to #17 but maybe formatted differently in sources; you may choose to consolidate depending on your blog flow.)
20. Great West Truck Show (GWTS)
When: Traditionally held in June (check current scheduling)
Where: Paradise, NV
Why Attend: A long-standing heavy and medium-duty truck expo—attracting thousands of U.S. trucking professionals and major OEMs.
Quick Comparison Table
| Event Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Dealer & Auto Shows | NADA, Detroit Auto Show, NYIAS, Chicago, LA Auto Show |
| Aftermarket & EV Tech | NIADA, Digital Dealer, AAPEX, SEMA, Battery Show, PRI |
| Trucking & Logistics | Work Truck Week, TMC, MATS, NAFA I&E, ATA MCE, TPM25, NTTC, GWTS |
Final Thoughts & Tips for Choosing Events
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Align with your goals: Attend shows relevant to your focus—e.g., EV technology, dealer marketing, fleet safety, or specialty parts.
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Time your outreach wisely: Maximize impact by combining booth presence with pre-arranged meetings or press outreach.
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Leverage educational content: Almost all shows offer learning tracks—use these to gain strategic insights as you network.
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Plan logistics early: Many of these events fill up quickly—secure your booth space, speaking slots, or travel plans early.