2026 Agenda Summary
What’s New for 2026
We redesigned the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo agenda based on direct feedback from past attendees and the opportunity to host the event in Detroit, the heart of the automotive industry. The result is a better-paced schedule that improves event flow, creates more intentional learning moments, and gives you more dedicated time to connect on the expo floor — all in a city built for automotive innovation and access.
Our goal was simple: make it easier to learn, explore, and engage without feeling rushed, while taking full advantage of everything Detroit brings to the show experience.
This is your at-a-glance view of how the 2026 show will unfold — with full session details and speakers announced closer to the event.
Registration Desk Hours
The registration desk is located in the lobby outside of the expo hall.
We strongly encourage picking up your badge early on Monday or Tuesday morning.
| Monday, Sept. 21 | 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Expo Hall Hours
Nine hours of Expo Hall access to connect with leading solution providers and explore innovations.
| Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Conference & Networking Hours
Fewer concurrent sessions, mixing together timely updates, essential insights, and hands-on learning labs.
| Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 8:15 AM – 10:00 AM 1:30 PM – 5:15 PM |
| Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM 1:30 PM – 4:20 PM |
Agenda at-a-Glance
Mon. Sept. 21
Early Badge Pickup/Registration: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Expo Hall Open: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Registration: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
8:15 AM – 9:15 AM | Networking Breakfast
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Kick-Off Announcements & Opening Keynote
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Expo Grand Opening & Networking
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
11:10 AM – 11:30 AM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
12:10 PM – 12:30 PM | Women’s Meetup Programming
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 60-Minute Learning Labs (4)
2:40 PM – 3:25 PM | 45-Minute Sessions (4)
3:35 PM – 4:20 PM | 45-Minute Sessions (4)
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM | 45-Minute Sessions (4)
6:15 PM – 7:30 PM | Digital Dealer Offsite Event
Wednesday, September 23
Expo Hall Open: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Registration: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Expo Networking, Innovative Solutions, & Experiences
9:10 AM – 9:30 AM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
9:40 AM – 10:00 AM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
11:10 AM – 11:30 AM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
11:40 AM – 12:00 PM | 20-Minute Talk in the Expo Hall
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | AI Hackathon
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 60-Minute Learning Labs (3)
2:40 PM – 3:25 PM | 45-Minute Sessions (3)
3:35 PM – 4:20 PM | 45-Minute Sessions (3)
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Expo Hall Closing Reception