Digital Dealer Conference & Expo is coming to Detroit on September 22-23, 2026, and we can’t wait for you to join us. As we get ready for yet another great year of Digital Dealer, now is your chance to help shape the future of automotive retail on stage as the call for papers is officially open!
Bring your breakthrough strategies and hands-on lessons to Detroit to help dealerships solve pain points or tap into new growth opportunities. Submit your ideas here and stand out as a thought leader among dealership executives and technology innovators who are eager for actionable insights and fresh perspectives.
Submissions will be accepted until March 13, 2026.
Who Should Apply?
Automotive Leaders: Dealership personnel (from all departments), OEMs, associations and seasoned automotive consultants and trainers.
Out of Industry Experts: Marketing, advertising and digital-savvy professionals in cutting-edge technology, emerging trends and techniques applicable to automotive, and professionals with proven expertise in sales and management.
As a note, non-dealer potential speakers must be exhibiting with a booth in order to be considered as a speaker. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
What Type of Sessions Are We Looking For?
45-Minute Sessions: These sessions are designed to deliver timely updates and essential insights into industry trends and marketing strategies. The sessions will feature dynamic presentations that are concise, engaging, and idea-driven, crafted to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.
60-Minute Learning Labs: These workshops focus on hands-on learning, collaboration, and group engagement. The learning labs will foster active participation and practical skill-building through dynamic formats such as guided exercises, breakout discussions, and peer-to-peer activities. These sessions MUST be thoroughly outlined with educational and interactive components to be considered.
What We Look for in a Session
At Digital Dealer we want to ensure that we’re delivering the highest quality sessions to our attendees in terms of content, delivery, and applicability. We want these to be cutting-edge talks that participants can immediately take back to their workplace and use to improve their operations. That means there are a handful of requirements that will help your proposal really jump off the page.
- Brand new, unique and fresh topics (no recycled/outdated content or strategies that go against best practices, etc.), built around the most up-to-date data, trends, and proven approaches. Think AI, data driven processes or anything else that will be driving the market in 2026.
- Be non-promotional and strictly educational (company or product-related content is not permitted. All presentation content and materials, including talking points, visuals, audio, etc. should be educational). Digital Dealer’s highest-rated presenters understand attendees are not there to hear a sales pitch. Please do not include any logos on your PowerPoint.
- Provide actionable insight (avoid high-level overviews) and a clear road map for attendees to apply new strategies/insights at their dealership(s). Sessions should be “how-to” oriented (and not focused on “why”).
- Make sure the content is informative and relevant, with clear and immediate application to the learner’s work. Consider including interactive or hands-on methods to support learning within the conference session framework.
What Do We Need from You
Session details, as well as information and materials for all presenters (headshot, bio), must be 100 percent finalized and included in the proposal submission. Sessions are selected based on the content as well as the speaker’s presentation skills, background, and expertise. Presenter or session content changes will not be accepted after a proposal has been submitted. Incomplete proposals will not be accepted. All requested information and materials (Teaser Video, Headshot Photo, etc.) listed on the proposal document are required to be submitted together.
How you plan to deliver your session is as important as the content. Give a detailed methodology in your application. Even if you are a seasoned speaker, spend some time researching and practicing some of the key strategies for facilitating learning. Please note that slides and any supplemental materials will be provided electronically via the conference app and online. Your cooperation in providing these in a timely manner will be essential. Attendee experience is enhanced when speakers provide access to their presentation and materials electronically.
Finally, a submission is not a guarantee for speaking. Sessions are reviewed and considered based on the content as well as the speaker’s presentation skills, background, and expertise.
Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Digital Dealer Conference & Expo 2026
This year, Digital Dealer takes center stage in Detroit, America’s automotive capital. Speaking in Detroit places you at the heart of automotive innovation, where industry leaders converge to redefine what’s possible. Join a community immersed in rich history and forward-thinking transformation, and inspire decision-makers who are shaping the next era of mobility.
Get notified when 2026 registration opens!