Top Automotive Industry Events To Attend In 2026
Whether you’re a workshop owner, technician, parts professional, supplier, or industry leader, attending the right automotive trade shows and conferences in 2026 can provide invaluable insight, technical knowledge, and networking opportunities. And let’s not forget the avid petrolhead or car enthusiast who simply wants to experience what the industry is currently offering!
To help you plan ahead, we’ve compiled a curated list of the top automotive industry events to attend in 2026, covering aftermarket, garage, fleet, commercial vehicle, EV, classic car, and technology sectors across the UK and Europe.
🔧 Aftermarket, Garage & Workshop Events
26 February 2026
CAT Awards – Manchester
Celebrating excellence across the UK automotive aftermarket. Held at The Lowry Hotel, the CAT Awards present 12 categories, including three decided by public vote. A valuable networking opportunity for professionals from across the sector.
Glen Callum Associates are nominated for Industry Partner of the Year for the second year running.
20–22 March 2026
Practical Classics – Classic Car & Restoration Show – Birmingham
Held at the NEC, this is a must-attend event for classic car enthusiasts and restoration specialists. Featuring 1,000+ cars, 150+ car clubs and 250+ exhibitors, plus auctions, competitions and practical restoration workshops.
14 May 2026
Schaeffler REPXPERT Conference – Warwickshire
Held at the British Motor Museum Conference & Events Centre.
Theme: Empowering Expertise, Driving Tomorrow.
A day of technical workshops, hands-on demonstrations and expert discussions around diagnostics, repair solutions and future mobility.
£10 booking fee (proceeds to automotive charity BEN).
28 May 2026
TechFest – Newcastle
Organised by GSF Car Parts, TechFest is the number one aftermarket technology exhibition. Designed as an after-work event (3pm till late) focusing on garage technology, diagnostics, tools, training and future aftermarket tech.
03–04 June 2026
The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event – Birmingham
Two-day event at the NEC bringing together 5,500+ professionals and 200+ suppliers.
Features free access to 80+ training sessions, live demos, workshops and expert-led panels.
New for 2026 – Bodyshop Village, dedicated to collision repair professionals.
16 July 2026
TechFest – Coventry
Second TechFest of the year, held at the CBS Arena. After-work format with strong focus on diagnostics, tooling, training and emerging aftermarket technologies.
September 2026 (date TBC)
TechFest – London (Wembley)
Final TechFest of 2026, continuing the successful after-work format and technology-led focus.
🚚 Commercial Vehicle, Fleet & Transport Events
15–16 April 2026
Road Transport Expo (RTX) Northern Ireland – Lisburn
Held at Eikon Exhibition Centre. Brings together fleet operators, suppliers and transport professionals with live vehicle displays, seminars and networking.
21–23 April 2026
Commercial Vehicle Show – Birmingham
The UK’s premier event for road freight, transport, distribution and logistics.
300+ exhibitors, 150+ speakers and focused innovation zones at the NEC.
30 June – 02 July 2026
Road Transport Expo (RTX) – Stoneleigh
Held at NAEC Stoneleigh.
350+ exhibitors, live demos, ride & drive experiences and seminar programme.
18–19 November 2026
Road Transport Expo (RTX) Scotland – Glasgow
Free-to-attend event for Scotland’s haulage sector featuring vehicles, equipment, innovations and seminars.
⚡ EV, Electrification & Future Mobility
18–22 March 2026
e-Mobility World Expo – Friedrichshafen, Germany
Major European exhibition dedicated to electric mobility, charging infrastructure and sustainable transport solutions. Includes workshops, networking and educational sessions.
12–14 May 2026
FT Future of the Car Summit – London
Three-day conference bringing together global automotive leaders.
Keynotes, panels and parallel content stages, moderated by FT journalists.
08–09 July 2026
Vehicle Electrification Expo – Birmingham
UK’s largest EV manufacturing exhibition and conference.
4,000+ attendees, 200+ exhibitors and 180+ speakers at the NEC.
08–12 September 2026
Automechanika Frankfurt – Frankfurt, Germany
One of the world’s leading automotive aftermarket trade events.
In 2024, the show attracted 108,000+ visitors from 172 countries and 4,000+ exhibitors.
Note: Automechanika returns to Birmingham in June 2027.
🚘 Enthusiast & Consumer Automotive Shows
21–23 August 2026
The British Motor Show – Farnborough
40,000+ visitors. Features supercars, classics, modified cars, new car showcases, motorsport, live arena shows and family attractions.
29–30 August 2026
Gravity – Birmingham
UK’s largest modified car show celebrating its 10th year.
35,000+ enthusiasts, featuring supercars, modified builds, classics, live demos and entertainment at the NEC.
🏆 Awards & Industry Conferences
14 November 2026
Top Technician & Top Garage Awards Evening – Coventry
Celebrating aftermarket excellence. Recognising the best technicians, garages and apprentices across the UK.
03 December 2026
Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation Annual Conference & Awards Dinner – Birmingham
Held at The Vox, Resorts World NEC.
Exclusive to IAAF members. Conference, industry updates, guest speakers and evening awards dinner.
Thinking about your next career move?
Many of these automotive trade shows and conferences are ideal places to explore new career opportunities, meet employers, and understand where the automotive aftermarket is heading.
Please note: Event dates and details may be subject to change. Always verify with event organisers before attending.
If you’re planning to attend any automotive event and would like to meet with a member of our team, please get in touch:
📧 jobs@glencallum.co.uk
📞 01384 485274
