In the fast-paced world of private equity, staying ahead of industry trends and forging strategic partnerships is crucial for success. The automotive sector, a cornerstone of global economies, is undergoing transformative changes driven by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and evolving consumer preferences. For private equity firms, this presents a wealth of opportunities for deal making. To capitalize on these opportunities, attending the right conferences is essential. Our curated list of the top automotive conferences for deal making in 2025 is designed to help you connect with industry leaders, gain insights into emerging trends, and identify lucrative investment opportunities.
Top 26 Automotive Conferences in 2025
- SEMA Show
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Date: November 4-7, 2025
Description: The SEMA Show is the premier trade event for the automotive aftermarket, featuring cutting-edge specialty equipment, performance parts, and customization technologies. This global gathering attracts manufacturers, retailers, and industry leaders, making it a crucial event for private equity firms looking to invest in the specialty automotive sector. The show provides insights into market trends, emerging technologies, and potential acquisition targets in a high-margin industry. PE firms can evaluate innovative companies, assess competitive dynamics, and conduct due diligence on businesses that are shaping the future of automotive performance and customization.
- AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Date: November 4-6, 2025
Description: AAPEX is a major trade show representing the global automotive aftermarket, showcasing the latest in parts, tools, and services. This event offers private equity firms a comprehensive overview of supply chain dynamics, new product developments, and shifting consumer demands. It is an ideal venue for identifying investment opportunities in aftermarket suppliers, assessing businesses with strong product portfolios, and conducting strategic due diligence. With the aftermarket industry poised for growth due to increasing vehicle lifespans and demand for replacement parts, AAPEX provides key insights into potential acquisition targets and partnership opportunities.
- NADA Show (National Automobile Dealers Association)
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Date: January 23-26, 2025
Description: The NADA Show is the leading convention for franchised auto dealers, featuring discussions on dealership performance, emerging technologies, and trends in automotive retail. For private equity firms, this conference provides a deep understanding of the auto retail landscape, offering investment opportunities in dealership groups, financing platforms, and technology-driven service providers. Attendees can assess the impact of digital retailing, electric vehicle adoption, and changing consumer behavior on the industry. The event facilitates due diligence on businesses positioned for growth and provides insight into the evolving economics of auto sales.
- Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show - NAIAS)
Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Date: September 2025 (TBD)
Description: As one of the most influential auto shows, the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) serves as a major platform for automakers to unveil new models and showcase cutting-edge automotive technologies. For private equity firms, this event provides valuable insights into the future of mobility, electrification, and autonomous vehicle development. Attendees can identify investment opportunities in innovative startups, suppliers, and technology providers shaping the next generation of transportation. It is an essential event for tracking competitive dynamics, assessing industry shifts, and conducting in-depth due diligence on emerging players in the automotive ecosystem.
- New York Auto Show
Location: New York City, New York, USA
Date: April 18-27, 2025
Description: The New York Auto Show is one of the most prominent automotive exhibitions in North America, showcasing the latest vehicle models and industry innovations. This event is valuable for private equity firms seeking insights into consumer preferences, evolving market trends, and emerging brands. With automakers debuting new models and technology-driven features, the show offers a unique perspective on shifts in vehicle demand and potential investment opportunities. PE firms can analyze competitive positioning, assess automotive retail trends, and conduct due diligence on companies involved in auto manufacturing, distribution, and dealership operations.
- PRI Show (Performance Racing Industry Show)
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Date: December 11-13, 2025
Description: The PRI Show is the premier trade event for the motorsports and high-performance automotive industry, featuring the latest in racing technology, components, and engineering solutions. For private equity firms, PRI provides a focused view of the high-performance segment, offering insights into specialty manufacturers, parts suppliers, and aftermarket performance companies. The show is ideal for identifying niche investment opportunities in motorsports-related businesses, assessing market demand, and conducting targeted due diligence. As the industry evolves with technological advancements, PRI serves as a key venue for understanding innovations driving growth in performance automotive markets.
- Automechanika Frankfurt
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Date: September 16-20, 2025
Description: Automechanika Frankfurt is the world’s leading trade fair for the automotive service industry, covering the entire aftermarket value chain. Private equity firms looking for global investment opportunities can leverage this event to evaluate innovative suppliers, identify potential acquisitions, and assess emerging automotive trends across different regions. The show provides crucial insights into aftermarket distribution, repair technologies, and electrification trends. With a diverse international audience, it is an excellent venue for due diligence on businesses looking to expand their market presence and for assessing competitive dynamics in the global automotive sector.
- EICMA (Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo e Motociclo)
Location: Milan, Italy
Date: November 4-9, 2025
Description: EICMA is the world’s largest motorcycle trade show, featuring the latest models, technology, and accessories in the two-wheeled vehicle sector. Private equity firms interested in motorcycles, scooters, and related industries can utilize this event to analyze market trends, identify growth opportunities, and assess innovative manufacturers. The rise of electric motorcycles and urban mobility solutions makes EICMA a key event for exploring investment potential in this evolving sector. Attendees gain insights into competitive dynamics, technological advancements, and potential acquisition targets within the global motorcycle market.
- LA Auto Show
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Date: November 21-30, 2025
Description: The LA Auto Show is a major automotive event showcasing cutting-edge vehicle technology, electric mobility innovations, and new model debuts. For private equity firms, this show offers a deep dive into emerging automotive trends, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and sustainability sectors. With automakers and tech firms unveiling new advancements, the event provides a strategic opportunity to evaluate investment prospects in EV manufacturers, autonomous technology providers, and mobility startups. It is an essential venue for due diligence on businesses poised for growth in the evolving transportation landscape.
- Miami International Auto Show
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Date: October 17-26, 2025
Description: The Miami International Auto Show is a consumer-focused exhibition that highlights new vehicle models and automotive design trends. For private equity firms, this event provides insights into regional consumer preferences, particularly in the luxury and exotic car market. Miami’s unique automotive landscape offers opportunities to analyze high-end brands, dealership trends, and emerging automotive retail strategies. The show presents a valuable chance to assess investment potential in luxury auto retailers, financing services, and technology-driven platforms influencing car sales in the Southeast United States.
- Tire Technology Expo
Location: Hanover, Germany
Date: March 4-6, 2025
Description: The Tire Technology Expo is the leading trade fair and conference for tire manufacturing, materials, and design innovations. This event provides private equity firms with a unique opportunity to explore advancements in tire production, sustainability efforts, and next-generation materials. With a focus on efficiency, performance, and environmental impact, this expo is an excellent venue for evaluating investment opportunities in tire manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and technology companies driving innovation in the tire industry. Attendees gain key insights into regulatory trends, sustainability challenges, and market dynamics shaping the future of the global tire market.
- Autosport International
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Date: January 9-12, 2025
Description: Autosport International is Europe's leading motorsport trade show, showcasing the latest advancements in racing technology, high-performance automotive engineering, and motorsport components. For private equity firms, this event offers a specialized view into the competitive world of performance automotive technology. It provides an opportunity to assess niche investment targets in motorsports, racing components, and performance vehicle engineering. As high-performance technology influences broader automotive advancements, this show also presents strategic investment prospects in companies innovating in aerodynamics, engine efficiency, and lightweight materials.
- The Battery Show North America
Location: Novi, Michigan, USA
Date: September 9-11, 2025
Description: The Battery Show North America is a premier event dedicated to advanced battery technology, featuring innovations in energy storage, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and next-generation charging solutions. For private equity firms, this conference presents a critical opportunity to evaluate high-growth companies in the EV supply chain, energy storage sector, and battery recycling industry. With the increasing demand for sustainable mobility and energy solutions, attending this event provides insight into cutting-edge technologies, regulatory trends, and potential acquisition targets in the rapidly expanding battery market.
- Chicago Auto Show
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Date: February 8-16, 2025
Description: The Chicago Auto Show is one of North America’s largest consumer-facing auto shows, providing a platform for automakers to debut new models and showcase the latest in automotive technology. Private equity firms can leverage this event to analyze consumer preferences, assess trends in electric and hybrid vehicles, and explore investment opportunities in dealerships, financing solutions, and automotive retail platforms. The show offers a broad view of industry shifts, helping investors make data-driven decisions in the automotive retail and mobility sectors.
- Commercial Vehicle Show
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Date: April 8-10, 2025
Description: The Commercial Vehicle Show is the UK’s largest event dedicated to trucks, vans, and fleet management solutions. For private equity firms, this show provides key insights into the logistics, last-mile delivery, and commercial vehicle technology sectors. With increasing demand for electrification and telematics in fleet management, investors can identify high-potential companies innovating in vehicle efficiency, fleet automation, and supply chain optimization. This event offers a crucial opportunity to conduct due diligence on businesses driving advancements in commercial transportation and logistics.
- Dealer Expo
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Date: TBD 2025
Description: Dealer Expo is a premier trade event for the powersports industry, showcasing motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and related accessories. For private equity firms, this conference provides valuable insights into a high-growth market segment, particularly in outdoor recreation and adventure vehicles. Investors can assess potential acquisition targets among parts manufacturers, distribution networks, and service providers catering to the powersports market. With increasing consumer interest in adventure and off-road vehicles, this event is an excellent venue for identifying businesses poised for expansion in this niche automotive sector.
- IAA Mobility
Location: Munich, Germany
Date: September 8-14, 2025
Description: IAA Mobility is one of the world’s largest automotive and mobility conferences, featuring innovations in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and smart transportation. Private equity firms attending this event gain access to cutting-edge developments in sustainable mobility, connected vehicle technology, and next-generation automotive manufacturing. This is an essential venue for identifying investment opportunities in mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms, battery technology firms, and AI-driven vehicle systems. Investors can evaluate market trends and conduct due diligence on companies shaping the future of transportation.
- Intermot
Location: Cologne, Germany
Date: October 1-5, 2025
Description: Intermot is one of the largest international motorcycle trade fairs, displaying the latest models, innovations, and accessories in the two-wheeled vehicle market. For private equity firms, this event provides an in-depth look at the evolving motorcycle industry, from electric motorcycles to high-performance racing bikes. Investors can identify strategic acquisition targets among manufacturers, component suppliers, and aftermarket service providers. With growing interest in urban mobility and eco-friendly transportation solutions, Intermot presents valuable insights into market trends and business opportunities.
- NIADA Convention & Expo
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Date: June 16-19, 2025
Description: The NIADA Convention & Expo is the leading event for independent auto dealers, bringing together key players in the used car industry, financing, and dealership technology. Private equity firms can leverage this event to evaluate investment opportunities in dealership groups, financing solutions, and digital retailing platforms. With shifting consumer preferences and increasing demand for pre-owned vehicles, this conference provides insights into market dynamics, regulatory changes, and potential acquisition targets within the independent auto sales sector.
- Off-Road Expo
Location: Pomona, California, USA
Date: September 2025 (TBD)
Description: The Off-Road Expo is a premier event showcasing off-road vehicles, parts, and accessories. For private equity firms, this show offers insights into a rapidly growing market fueled by consumer interest in outdoor adventure and specialty vehicles. Investors can assess high-margin businesses specializing in aftermarket parts, off-road vehicle modifications, and related service industries. With the rise of overlanding and off-road motorsports, this event provides strategic opportunities for evaluating niche investment prospects.
- Techno Classica Essen
Location: Essen, Germany
Date: March 26-30, 2025
Description: Techno Classica Essen is one of the largest classic and vintage car exhibitions in the world, featuring high-end collectible vehicles, restoration services, and automotive memorabilia. Private equity firms with interest in the collector car market can use this event to analyze market valuation trends, identify luxury dealership investment opportunities, and explore the restoration sector. With classic cars continuing to appreciate in value, this event provides a unique angle for understanding investment potential in this exclusive automotive niche.
- Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo
Location: Novi, Michigan, USA
Date: September 9-11, 2025
Description: The Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo is a critical event for advanced battery solutions, charging infrastructure, and electrification trends. Private equity firms interested in the EV sector can assess cutting-edge innovations, evaluate supply chain disruptions, and explore investment opportunities in battery manufacturing, charging networks, and energy storage technologies. As the transition to electric mobility accelerates, this event is key for identifying high-growth companies poised to benefit from government incentives and consumer demand.
- ACMA Automechanika
Location: New Delhi, India
Date: February 2025 (TBD)
Description: ACMA Automechanika is India’s leading trade fair for the automotive aftermarket and components sector, providing a gateway to one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. Private equity firms can leverage this event to explore investment opportunities in manufacturing, supply chain solutions, and aftermarket services. As India emerges as a key player in global automotive production, this show provides crucial insights into market trends, competitive positioning, and regulatory landscapes. Investors can assess potential acquisition targets and strategic partnerships within this high-growth market.
- ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Date: June 24-26, 2025
Description: This expo is dedicated to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle technologies, showcasing innovations in AI-driven mobility, sensor technology, and vehicle automation. Private equity firms can leverage this event to evaluate investment opportunities in next-generation vehicle safety, connectivity, and self-driving technologies. As regulatory environments evolve and adoption of autonomous solutions grows, this event offers valuable insights into high-potential companies leading the future of automotive autonomy.
- American Towman Exposition
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Date: November 20-22, 2025
Description: The American Towman Exposition is the leading event for the towing and recovery industry, featuring the latest tow trucks, equipment, and technology solutions. For private equity firms, this show provides an opportunity to explore investment opportunities in fleet management, roadside assistance platforms, and equipment manufacturers. As the industry continues to evolve with smart dispatch systems and electrification trends, investors can assess high-growth businesses providing essential services to municipalities, insurance companies, and fleet operators. The event also offers insights into regulatory challenges and technological advancements shaping the future of vehicle recovery services.
- APMA Conference
Location: Canada (TBD)
Date: TBD 2025
Description: The APMA Conference is the premier event for Canada’s automotive parts manufacturing sector, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and supply chain experts. For private equity firms, this event provides a strategic view into investment opportunities in North America’s automotive supply chain, particularly in relation to electric vehicle component manufacturing and reshoring efforts. With a strong focus on technological advancements, sustainability, and trade dynamics, the conference allows investors to conduct due diligence on companies poised for growth in the evolving Canadian automotive industry.
The Beneficial Impact of the Automotive Sector on the Economy
The automotive industry is a vital component of the global economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and technological innovation. As one of the largest industries worldwide, it encompasses a wide range of activities, from manufacturing and supply chain management to sales and after-sales services. This sector not only supports millions of jobs directly but also stimulates growth in related industries such as steel, glass, rubber, and electronics.
Innovation in the automotive industry drives economic growth by fostering advancements in technology and infrastructure. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technologies, and connected car ecosystems are reshaping the industry landscape, creating new markets and opportunities for investment. These innovations are not only enhancing vehicle efficiency and safety but also contributing to environmental sustainability, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Moreover, the automotive industry plays a pivotal role in international trade. As companies expand their operations across borders, they contribute to economic integration and the development of global supply chains. This interconnectedness facilitates the flow of goods, services, and capital, boosting economic resilience and fostering collaboration among nations.
Challenges Facing the Automotive Sector
Despite its significant contributions, the automotive industry faces several challenges that could impact its growth trajectory. One of the most pressing issues is the transition to sustainable mobility. As governments worldwide implement stricter emissions regulations and consumers demand greener alternatives, automotive companies must invest heavily in research and development to produce eco-friendly vehicles. This transition requires substantial capital and poses risks related to technological uncertainty and market acceptance.
Another challenge is the rapid pace of technological change. The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into vehicles necessitates continuous innovation and adaptation. Companies must navigate complex regulatory environments, cybersecurity threats, and intellectual property concerns while ensuring that their products meet evolving consumer expectations.
The automotive industry is also grappling with supply chain disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, leading to shortages of critical components such as semiconductors. These disruptions have highlighted the need for greater supply chain resilience and diversification to mitigate future risks.
Additionally, shifting consumer preferences present both challenges and opportunities. The rise of shared mobility services, changing attitudes towards car ownership, and the increasing demand for personalized experiences require companies to rethink their business models and customer engagement strategies.
Conclusion
The automotive industry stands at the forefront of innovation and economic growth, offering a wealth of opportunities for private equity firms seeking to make strategic investments. By attending the top automotive conferences for deal making in 2025, industry professionals can gain valuable insights, forge meaningful connections, and identify emerging trends that will shape the future of mobility. While the sector faces challenges related to sustainability, technological change, and supply chain resilience, these obstacles also present opportunities for those willing to adapt and innovate. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed and engaged is crucial for navigating the road to success.
