Orbital

Auto Dealerships · Vertical x Season

Top 9 Auto Dealerships Conferences in Winter 2026

Winter 2026 is a busy season for auto dealership conferences, with major events running from December through February across the country.

Ranked list

9 conferences
  1. PlatinumOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    Dallas Auto Show

    Feb 20–23, 2026Dallas, TX10k+ attendees$ ticket

    Our take

    Based on 10k+ annual attendees, Dallas Auto Show ranks solidly as a flagship conference within the Auto Dealerships sector. Entry at $ signals a serious operator audience, which is why Orbital rates it at Platinum drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. Operators building pipeline in the Auto Dealerships category, this event deserves a line item in your event budget.

  2. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    Chicago Auto Show

    Feb 13–21, 2026Chicago, IL10k+ attendees$ ticket

    Our take

    With 10k+ industry professionals on the floor, Chicago Auto Show sits firmly as a strong-performing show across the Auto Dealerships space. Ticket pricing at $ points to a buyer-rich attendee base, and our team places it among Gold events based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. Sales teams working the Auto Dealerships vertical, this show deserves a line item in your event budget.

  3. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    Detroit Auto Show

    Jan 12–24, 2026Detroit, MI10k+ attendees$ ticket

    Our take

    Considering 10k+ registered participants, Detroit Auto Show stands as a Gold-rated gathering for the Auto Dealerships vertical. Registration at $ implies a vetted crowd of decision-makers, leading Orbital to rate it as a Gold event reflecting a holistic view of buyer density, lead quality, and industry footprint. Sales teams working the Auto Dealerships industry, this show should be on your shortlist.

  4. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    Houston Auto Show

    Jan 28–Feb 1, 2026Houston, TX10k+ attendees$ ticket

    Our take

    With 10k+ industry professionals on the floor, Houston Auto Show sits firmly as a strong-performing show across the Auto Dealerships space. Ticket pricing at $ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, and our team places it among Gold events reflecting a holistic view of buyer density, lead quality, and industry footprint. Exhibitors focused on the Auto Dealerships industry, this event should be on your shortlist.

  5. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    Women in Auto Care Leadership Conference

    Feb 17–19, 2026Fort Worth, TX500–1k attendees$$ ticket

    Our take

    Considering 500–1k registered participants, Women in Auto Care Leadership Conference stands as a Gold-rated gathering for the Auto Dealerships vertical. Registration at $$ points to a buyer-rich attendee base, leading Orbital to rate it as a Gold event based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. If you're selling into the Auto Dealerships vertical, the show belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.

  6. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    Cox Automotive NADA Event

    Feb 3–6, 2026Las Vegas, NV10k+ attendees$$ ticket

    Our take

    With 10k+ industry professionals on the floor, Cox Automotive NADA Event sits firmly as a strong-performing show across the Auto Dealerships space. Ticket pricing at $$ implies a vetted crowd of decision-makers, and our team places it among Gold events informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. For teams targeting the Auto Dealerships category, this gathering should be on your shortlist.

  7. SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    Dealer Week

    Dec 7–10, 2026Tampa, FL1k–2k attendees$$$ ticket

    Our take

    Given its 1k–2k expected attendees, Dealer Week has cemented its place as a dependable event in the Auto Dealerships industry. Attendance pricing of $$$ implies a vetted crowd of decision-makers, and the Orbital team rates it in the mid tier based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. Sales teams working the Auto Dealerships space, this conference belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.

  8. SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    J.D. Power Auto Summit

    Feb 3–3, 2026Las Vegas, NV500–1k attendees$$$ ticket

    Our take

    With 500–1k industry professionals on the floor, J.D. Power Auto Summit sits firmly as a solid mid-tier show across the Auto Dealerships space. Ticket pricing at $$$ signals a serious operator audience, and our team places it among Silver events using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. Operators building pipeline in the Auto Dealerships space, this conference merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.

  9. GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

    NADA Show

    Feb 3–6, 2026Las Vegas, NV10k+ attendees$$ ticket

    Our take

    With 10k+ industry professionals on the floor, NADA Show sits firmly as a strong-performing show across the Auto Dealerships space. Ticket pricing at $$ signals a serious operator audience, and our team places it among Gold events informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. For teams targeting the Auto Dealerships category, this gathering should be on your shortlist.

Quick reference

All 9 conferences at a glance

ConferenceTier
Dallas Auto ShowPlatinumOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Chicago Auto ShowGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Detroit Auto ShowGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Houston Auto ShowGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Women in Auto Care Leadership ConferenceGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Cox Automotive NADA EventGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Dealer WeekSilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
J.D. Power Auto SummitSilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
NADA ShowGoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.

Frequently asked questions

How many Auto Dealerships conferences are happening in 2026?

This guide covers 9 Auto Dealerships conferences for 2026. Scroll up to see dates, locations, and details for each event.

When is the biggest Auto Dealerships event?

Dallas Auto Show is one of the largest events on this list with approximately 10k+ attendees. It takes place Feb 20–23, 2026. Location: Dallas, TX.

What's the cheapest Auto Dealerships conference to attend?

Houston Auto Show has the lowest ticket price on this list ($). It's held in Houston, TX. Expected attendance: approximately 10k+.

Further reading

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