The 11 Best Automotive Trade Shows You Can’t Miss

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted every industry, but not in the same way. First, the lockdowns hit the automotive, causing sales in the U.S. to drop 47% by April 2020. The second hit came a few months later when the supply of automotive semiconductor chips could not meet the demand resulting in a shortage.

However, even with the chip supply chain issues, car sales rose during the first half of 2021. Also, due to U.S. and German encouragement, the Taiwan government is working with chip manufacturers to end the shortage by Q4, 2021

The auto industry’s return to form coincides with the return of the events and trade show industry. For more than a century, automotive trade shows – both industry-exclusive and public-facing – have been the premier showcase for automotive manufacturers and industry leaders to highlight their latest products and innovations.

Here are 11 of the biggest upcoming automotive trade shows:

Progressive International Motorcycle Show

When: Sept. 10-12 / Oct. 1-3 / Oct. 8-10 / Oct. 15-17 / Oct. 29-31 / Nov. 19-21, 2021

Where: Carlisle, PA / Fort Worth, TX / Lebanon, TN / Lakeland, FL / Conyers, GA / Costa Mesa, CA

This year and for the first time, the Progressive International Motorcycle Show creates a festival atmosphere by hosting every event outdoors. The tour has already made stops in Sonoma, CA, and Pingree Grove, IL, with six destinations to go. These experiential events are personalized to the host area and offer hands-on experiences unique to the surroundings. In addition to motorcycles, attendees will also see demos featuring two-wheel and four-wheel, on- and off-road products, electric bicycles, and more.

The Texas Auto Body Trade Show

When: Sept. 17-18, 2021

Where: Irving, TX

Hosted by the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT), this annual two-day event aims to help those in the automotive repair industry stay updated on the latest technology and trends. The show features several educational seminars, a trade show floor showcasing 50 exhibitors, live demonstrations, a car show, and the “Big Shot Competition” featuring painters, estimators, and body technicians.

North American International Auto Show / NAIAS Motor Bella

When: Sept. 21-26, 2021 / TBD 2022

Where: Pontiac, MI (2021) / Detroit, MI (2022)

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the North American International Auto Show canceled the NAIAS show and replaced it with an outdoor event known as “Motor Bella.” The new event takes place at the M1 Concourse track in Pontiac, Michigan. It features off-road and tracks driving areas, new vehicle debuts, and exhibits by automakers and technology companies. Organizers have already stated that the North American International Auto Show will return to Detroit in 2022. However, if Motor Bella is a hit, it may also return or become a separate event in the future.

Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX)

When: Nov. 2-4, 2021  

Where: Las Vegas, NV

This industry-exclusive, global event is exclusively focused on the aftermarket auto parts industry. The expo features hands-on training on the latest technology, new-to-market products, educational sessions, and a show floor filled with manufacturers and suppliers from around the world.

SEMA Show

When: Nov. 2-5, 2021  

Where: Las Vegas, NV

Organized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, the SEMA Show is a trade-only event geared toward automotive and specialty equipment manufacturers. In addition to the 2,400 trade show displays spread throughout the show floor, the event features a new products showcase, educational seminars, networking opportunities, hands-on workshops, and live drifting demonstrations.

Performance Racing Industry Show (PRI)

When: Dec. 9-11, 2021

Where: Indianapolis, IN

PRI is an annual event showcasing the latest in racing technology. The show features equipment demonstrations, numerous conferences and seminars, and over 1,100 companies exhibiting in more than 3,300 booths. Admission is complimentary, but attendees must prove they own, manage, or work for a racing business to gain entrance.

Philadelphia International Auto Show

When: Jan. 15-23, 2022

Where: Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia International Auto Show first debuted in 1902. The annual event is attended by 250,000 people and showcases 700 vehicles varieties, including new vehicles, concept cars, exotics, and antiques. The show kicks off with the Black Tie Tailgate Preview Gala, where proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Washington Auto Show

When: Jan. 21-30, 2022

Where: Washington, D.C.

The Washington Auto Show is the largest public show in the nation’s capital, attracting nearly one million visitors each year. The event features more than 600 vehicle models from over 35 manufacturers, cutting-edge exhibits, and historic vehicle displays. Two Public Policy Preview Days of announcements for government, industry, and media officials precede the public show.

Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS)

When: Feb. 18-27, 2022

Where: Toronto, ON

Not only is CIAS the most prominent automotive expo in Canada, but it is also the country’s largest consumer show. All things automotive and automotive adjacent appear at CIAS, including cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, motorcycles, alternative energy cars, bicycles, rickshaws, electronics, sporting goods, toys, and games. The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada also hosts its annual awards at the event.

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Expo

When: March 10-13, 2022

Where: Las Vegas, NV

Targeted toward franchised new vehicle dealers, NADA offers attendees the chance to see the hottest new automotive products and technologies. The show showcases more than 500 exhibitors, education programs and workshops hosted by industry experts, and networking opportunities throughout the event.

Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)

When: March 24-26, 2022

Where: Louisville, KY

With over 1,000 exhibitors and 70,000 attendees, the annual Mid-America Trucking Show is the largest heavy-duty trucking event. In addition to featuring representatives from all major truck manufacturers, the event also offers more than 40 education sessions covering current industry topics, the PKY Truck Championship, and an after-party concert at Fourth Street Live.

To discover more upcoming trade shows & conferences, click here for our trade show search. To learn more about our awesome trade show displays and how they can make you stand out at your next event, contact us here or give The Trade Group a call at 800-343-2005.