Automotive Events in the USA you Want to Check Out in 2021

The automotive industry has a lot to offer when it comes to entertaining its fans. It’s arguably one of the richest industries in terms of events, with shows, competitions, and exhibitions taking place throughout the year. So, if you are looking for some ideas on which automotive events in the USA to visit this year – you’re in the right place.

Below is a list of events you may find interesting, sorted by the states where they take place. We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s dig right in!

California

Automation Technology Expo West – Anaheim

Date: August 10 – 12, 2021
Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim USA

Automation Technology Expo West is an annual event that brings together leading technology companies from around the world who provide automation technology innovations and solutions. This includes robotics, artificial intelligence, IoT, smart manufacturing, machine vision, and much more.

The expo provides visitors with access to numerous exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services. The educational and networking possibilities the event provides attracts experts and industry leaders from across the country. If you are looking to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements while making new connections, jot down this event in your calendar.

Autonomous Vehicles – Long Beach

Date: September 01 – 02 2021
Location: Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach, USA

The Autonomous Vehicles conference in Long Beach is focused on innovations in the field of automated vehicles. As such, it attracts automotive developers and manufacturers who are shaping the future of autonomous vehicles. The speakers at the event cover a wide array of topics pertaining to the challenges of bringing the future a step closer. 

If you decide to attend, you can expect to hear the industry’s top minds talk about the new technology advancements, applications of artificial intelligence, safety concerns, etc., as well as just how far we are from making autonomous vehicles a reality.

AutoMobility LA – Los Angeles

Date: November 17 – 18, 2021
Location: LACMA Art Gallery & Geffen Contemporary Museum, Los Angeles, CA

This is not only one of the largest auto shows in North America but also one of the most important ones. AutoMobilityLA takes place every two years and gathers thousands of people interested in all things related to mobility. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet professionals from different fields, including transportation planners, engineers, designers, researchers, policy makers, business owners, investors, and many others. You’ll have the chance to learn everything there is to know about self-driving cars, ride-sharing, electric vehicle charging stations, public transport, urban planning, and other exciting subjects.

There will be over 100 exhibits featuring innovative technologies and concepts, hundreds of lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and seminars covering various aspects of mobility. In addition to these activities, there will be several conferences dedicated to specific areas like connected car or autonomous driving.

Sacramento International Auto Show

Date: October 15-17, 2021
Location: Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA

At this auto show you can expect to see a lot of collector’s exhibits, including some of the classic old-timers, but also some less know unique rides. Vintage camp trailers exhibition seems to interest most of the visitors. Of course, you will be able to see some new models from various international manufacturers too.

Sacramento International Auto Show is among the biggest fundraising events in Sacramento. By participating you’re benefiting for children’s educational causes and institutions such as Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Make-a-Wish, and Ronald McDonald House.

Los Angeles Auto Show

Date: November 19-28, 2021
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the automotive industry’s biggest events. It’s been held annually for more than 100 years. Its reputation attracts basically every major automotive manufacturer in the world. A lot of manufacturers will exhibit their newest concept models this year.

You can expect to see and meet a lot of famous people from automotive sports and industry. The date has been moved twice during the last two years, but we hope this November this spectacle finally returns.

Colorado

Denver Auto Show

Date: September 15, 2021
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO

At Denver Auto Show you’ll get the opportunity to see some of the latest import and domestic vehicles.  The no-pressure environment allows you take a good look at some of the newest concept vehicles and talk to manufacturer’s representatives. 

Denver Auto Show exhibits models suiting various budgets, which makes it a good opportunity for common people to test and purchase a new car. The show gets better every year, so this is definitely an event to visit.

Connecticut

Connecticut International Auto Show

Date: November 12-14, 2021
Location: Mohegan Sun Expo Center, Uncasville, CT

Connecticut International Auto Show is definitely more than an auto-centric event. While you can see some of the latest models from various manufacturers and get answers to all of your questions from the dealers’ representatives, there are many related and unrelated fun activities you can participate in, making this auto show a great place to spend a day with your whole family. 

What stands out this year is the exhibition of the replica of 1902 Studebaker Electric, the first mass-produced battery-powered electric car in the United States. It will be interesting to see how it all started.

Florida

Truck and Jeep Fest Orlando

Date: August 28-29, 2021
Location: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, FL

Truck and Jeep Fest Orlando is the largest off-road touring show in North America. This event is the Mecca for all the automotive enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their off-road vehicles. You will find everything you need from countless aftermarket manufacturers exhibiting their parts. 

Besides that, you’ll be able to admire and even buy numerous creative custom trucks and meet plenty of other truck and Jeep enthusiasts.

IFDA Truck Driving Championship

Date: October 14-16, 2021
Location: Disney’s Beach Club Villas, Orlando, FL

Still in Orlando, but another event type. IFDA Truck Driving Championship is a safety-oriented truck driving event. A number of licensed food truck drivers will show of their driving skills, as well as safety skills, competing for one of 3 prizes. 

This is also a kid-friendly event, so children of all ages are allowed at the event. The registration for children under the age of 10 is complementary.

SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition

Date: October 17-20, 2021
Location: Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®, Orlando, FL

Speaking of safety, what’s more important than brakes? SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition is the most prominent brake industry gathering in the US.  You’ll be able to participate in interesting panel discussions about the future innovations in braking systems and witness some exciting exhibitions.

Florida Automated Vehicles Summit

Date: November 29 – December 1, 2021
Location: Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL

Florida Automated Vehicles Summit is a place where numerous experts and industry leaders gather to discuss the future of autonomous driving. At this event, you can get a taste of what the future might look like and become a part of history.

Festivals of Speed Orlando

Date: December 6, 2021
Location:  Orlando Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, FL

This year, Festivals of Speed Orlando will present over 300 models of cars, motorcycles, watercraft, and luxury brands. You’ll be able to admire both new and vintage sport and luxury vehicles. 

Besides the auto exhibition, the hosts will offer the finest selection of wines, along with food specialties, all wrapped up in a sophisticated atmosphere enriched by smooth jazz music.

Women In Automotive Conference

Date: December 12-13, 2021
Location: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, FL

Love for cars hasn’t been a male privilege for a long time now, but there is still a lot to work left to do in order to create a welcoming environment for women. This women-empowering automotive event offers female enthusiasts a chance to step into the industry by meeting and talking to various representatives from the automotive industry.

National Vehicle Leasing Association Conference

Date: October 13-15, 2021
Location: One Ocean Resort & Spa, Atlantic Beach, FL

At this engaging conference, you can learn a lot about leasing from various speakers specialized in this topic. You will be able to take a look at the current trends and practices, and also learn about some possible innovations that will shape the future of leasing. National Vehicle Leasing Association also offers everyone a chance to become an event sponsor.

Miami International Auto Show

Date: October 16-24, 2021
Location:  Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, FL

Miami International Auto Show is considered to be one of the top 5 auto shows in the USA. This year you will get the chance to be among the first people to see hundreds of new models from various manufacturers, but also a lot of beloved classics from Ford to Mercedes Benz. 

The main attraction for most of the attendants will be the giveaway of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, the manufacturer’s most successful model to one of the lucky visitors.

Illinois

Chicago Auto Show

Date: July 15-19, 2021
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

Chicago Auto Show is one of the biggest and definitely the oldest auto show in the country. It was first held at the third Chicago Coliseum in 1901. Utilizing 1 million square feet, this auto show allows you to see (if you have enough time) basically everything there is to the automotive industry. 

From old-timers to trucks, latest luxury and sport but also budget models, a lot of interesting new concept models from various manufacturers, it will all be there. Chicago Auto Show is definitely an event that everyone should visit at least once in their life.

Michigan

SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition

Date: September 8-10, 2021
Location: Diamond Banquet and Conference Center, Novi, MI

SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition is an event that gathers various experts for purpose of educating designers, engineers, and other industry contributors about the importance of thermoset and thermoplastic composites in passenger vehicles, light trucks, and other ground transportation applications

AutoTech Connect

Date: September 23, 2021
Location: The Henry Ford, Dearborn, MI

This event is a place for various manufacturers, suppliers, and startups to meet and discuss the latest trends in the industry and get a chance to start business cooperation. The organizers expect the event to be twice as large this year, so this might be a good chance for you to expand your business.

North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show)

Date: Canceled
Location: Detroit, MI

Unfortunately, one of the most iconic auto shows in America usually held in the nation’s automotive capital was canceled this year. We hope for it to come back the next year and continue the tradition.

Nevada

International Car Rental Show

Date: August 15-17, 2021
Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV

International Car Rental Show is a place for every car rental business in the world to connect and strengthen the ties with the partners.  This is a very rare event of this type, so if you’re from this branch this is definitely a place to visit. You’ll be able to attend some useful lectures from this industry’s most successful people on how to improve your business.

Viva Las Vegas

Date: September 9-12, 2021
Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV

Probably the world’s largest rockabilly festival is all about Elvis, rock’n’roll and beautiful famous cars of that era, but also some new interesting models. Car exhibition is just one of the aspects of this festival, next to concerts, pool parties, fashion shows, and numerous fun competitions. Viva Las Vegas is definitely a fun event to visit if you’re into this sound and aesthetics.

Powertrain Expo

Date:  October 13-16
Location:  Bally’s Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

One of the largest gatherings of transmission experts is happening again this year in October. The world’s leading manufacturers and engineers will compare their products and everybody will get a chance to learn about the latest industry news.

AICPA & CIMA Dealership Conference

Date: October 25-26, 2021
Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV

A lot has changed in every business branch in the last 2 years, including the car dealerships. Leading experts this year at AICPA & CIMA Dealership Conference will give lectures to dealership professionals about the latest updates in the branch and new business strategies.

This is a great chance for you to visit one of America’s most famous venues. get tips on improving your business after these rough couple of years.

PowerSports Finance Summit

Date: October 26, 2021
Location: Wynn Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV

This is another great event for car dealers to visit at the same time in the same city. Apart from the dealers, PowerSports Finance Summit also brings together companies interested in the financing of motorcycles, jet skis, side-by-sides, and other specialty vehicles.

Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association Conference

Date: October 30 – November 2, 2021
Location: The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV

Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association Conference presents a single event to gather warehouse distributors and their suppliers for thousands of one-on-one meetings at one place. A lot of business is conducted at these events, so if you’re in this branch, it’s definitely a place to be this fall.

RV Dealers Convention & Expo at Paris Las Vegas

Date: November 8-12, 2021
Location: Paris Las Vegas, Las Vegas

This is an event specified for RV dealers and their most prominent employees to learn about the state of the market and how to implement new business strategies necessary in this economy. This convention brings the top experts to perform a week of training that could help you improve your business result.

Motor Trend International Auto Show – Las Vegas

Date: September 10-12, 2021
Location:  Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

This is a unique opportunity to take a free test drive on the streets of Las Vegas with any of the available vehicles at the show. Various models of cars, trucks and SUVs from Toyota to Ford Motor Company will be exhibited at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

New York

New York International Auto Show

Date: Canceled
Location: Javits Center, New York, NY

New York’s largest auto show presenting the latest models and concepts of electric vehicles is unfortunately canceled this year, but once it returns it’s definitely a place to visit if you’re interested in what the future of transportation looks like.

Albany Auto Show

Date: November 5-7, 2021
Location:  Times Union Center, Albany, NY

2021 Albany Auto Show has been moved from March to November this year. It is one of the largest auto shows in the area, featuring 150 new models of cars, trucks, and SUVs from over 30 manufacturers. 

It includes various automotive-related and unrelated activities for both children and adults, making it a nice ‘family-friendly’ event to visit.

North Carolina

Charlotte International Auto Show

Date: November 18-21, 2021 
Location:  Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC

Charlotte International Auto Show is a great family event not only for car lovers. Aside from all the exciting new vehicles you can test and buy, there will be a lot of fun activities for everyone’s taste.

This year’s event partner is Isabella Santos Foundation. By participating in this event you’re helping raise funds for battling pediatric cancer.

Tennessee

NATDA Trailer Show

Date: September 1-3, 2021
Location:  Music City Center, Nashville, TN

One of the trailers industry’s largest events, the NATDA Trailer Show in Nashville is closed for the public and open exclusively for dealers and club members. At this event, dealers’ representatives get the chance to learn new strategies for growing their business.

Texas

TIADA Annual Conference & Expo

Date: July 25-27, 2021
Location: Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX

TIADA Annual Conference & Expo consists of 5 Learning Tracks, Cars & Coffee Sessions, Dealer Roundtable Discussions, and networking opportunities galore. This event offers great opportunities to improve your business and discuss various industry topics.

Tow Expo

Date: August 5-7, 2021
Location: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX

Tow Expo is a place for towing and recovery professionals to meet and talk with major manufacturers to talk about various aspects of the industry. A lot of new parts and models will be exhibited at the expo, and after a workday, you can try your luck with the casino games and try some of the beautiful meals available.

Houston Exotic Auto Festival

Date: November 7, 2021
Location: The Plaza on Richmond, Houston, TX

Exotic Auto Festival presents various luxurious vehicles and is the biggest of this type in Houston. While you can admire some of the most exotic cars made by top-class manufacturers,  your kids can have fun at the race kart circuit.

San Antonio Auto & Truck Show

Date: November 11-14, 2021
Location: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas

Often referred to as “the largest showroom in South Texas”, SAAS presents the public with new products from various branches of the industry. However, with the main focus on trucks, this festival attracts a lot of Texas-sized truck lovers who will get the opportunity to test some of the latest and most powerful vehicles on the market.