Digital Dealer Conference & Exposition 2026
Event Date
September 22–23, 2026
Location
Detroit, MI
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Digital Dealer Conference & Expo is a leading event for automotive retail professionals focused on improving dealership performance through proven strategies, industry partnerships, and innovative technology. The 2026 edition takes place September 22–23 at Huntington Place in Detroit, the historic epicenter of the American automotive industry.
The show brings together dealership leaders, marketing teams, eCommerce professionals, and solution providers for two days of education, networking, and hands-on learning. Attendees include leadership and management teams, marketing and customer-acquisition professionals, eCommerce, digital retail and CRM teams, and sales, service and operations leaders — as well as the technology and solution providers who serve them.
The expo floor offers hands-on access to the latest automotive retail technology, with live product demonstrations, direct conversations with industry experts, and opportunities to compare solutions across marketing and advertising, AI and data technology, digital retail and eCommerce, CRM and customer experience, fixed ops and service, and sales performance management. It is a worthwhile stop for any dealership professional looking to discover practical, ready-to-apply strategies and connect with peers and partners under one roof.
Show Highlights
- Two-day conference and expo combining education, live demos, and networking for automotive retail professionals.
- Full education program including breakout sessions, keynotes, and expo-floor sessions on the DealerTech Live stage.
- Hands-on learning labs and live product demonstrations across the expo hall.
- Curated networking during breakfasts, lunches, and receptions.
- Event app with networking tools and a schedule builder.
- Solution categories on the floor span marketing and advertising, AI and data technology, digital retail and eCommerce, CRM and customer experience, fixed ops and service solutions, and sales and performance management.
- The 2026 move to Detroit — the "Motor City" — places the event at the heart of the American automotive industry.
Registration
Registration is handled online through the official Digital Dealer registration portal, and typically opens in the spring ahead of the show.
Pass types are organized by badge qualification:
- Dealership Pass — for owners or employees of a dealership.
- OEM Pass — for employees of a vehicle manufacturer (automotive brand/carmaker).
- NonExhibitor Pass — for solution/service providers, consultants, agencies, third-party vendors, and anyone who is not a dealership owner/employee or vehicle manufacturer.
Within those categories, a Full Conference & Expo pass includes expo hall access, full education (breakouts, keynotes, and expo sessions), networking breakfasts, lunches and receptions, and the event app. An Expo-Only badge grants expo hall access and DealerTech Live stage sessions plus the event app, but does not include meal functions (a separate lunch ticket must be purchased).
Group discounts are available for 4+ registrations: groups of 4–7 receive 10% off per registration and groups of 8+ receive 15% off per registration, applied to Dealer/OEM Full Conference passes when a point person registers all attendees together with the same payment. Note that all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Press badges are available to qualifying editorial staff and freelance writers via application.
History
Digital Dealer is a long-running brand serving the automotive retail community through weekly eNewsletters, Dealer Magazine, and its live events. The Conference & Expo is now owned and operated by Emerald X, LLC. In recent years the event has been held in cities including Las Vegas, and for 2026 it relocates to Detroit — described by the organizer as not just the Motor City but the epicenter of the American automotive industry — running September 22–23, 2026 at Huntington Place. Digital Dealer also runs a companion event, DealerPoint, a curated VIP networking experience for the auto retail industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo 2026?
The 2026 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo takes place September 22–23, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan. Huntington Place is located at One Washington Boulevard in Downtown Detroit along the Detroit River.
Who should attend Digital Dealer?
The event is built for dealership professionals and automotive solution providers, including leadership and management, marketing and customer-acquisition teams, eCommerce, digital retail and CRM staff, and sales, service and operations leaders. Technology and solution providers who serve dealerships also attend.
What pass types are available and how do I register?
Registration is done online, typically opening in the spring. Attendees choose a Dealership, OEM, or NonExhibitor badge, and can select a Full Conference & Expo pass (education, expo hall, and networking meals) or an Expo-Only badge (expo hall and DealerTech Live stage sessions, without meal functions).
Are there group discounts?
Yes. Groups of 4–7 receive a 10% discount per registration and groups of 8+ receive 15% off per registration, applied to Dealer/OEM Full Conference passes. A single point person must register all attendees at the same time with the same form of payment.
What hotels and transportation options are near the venue?
Numerous downtown hotels are within walking distance, including the adjacent Fort Pontchartrain and the Detroit Foundation Hotel across the street; EvolveCon (powered by HotelMap) is the official housing provider. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is about a 25-minute drive, and Huntington Place has its own Detroit People Mover station plus attached and rooftop parking.
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