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Top Automotive Events to Attend in 2025

September 10th, 2025

And Where You’ll Find Us!

The automotive industry is evolving faster than ever in 2025. New technologies, shifting consumer behaviors, and changing market dynamics mean that dealers who want to thrive can’t afford to operate in isolation. Staying connected with industry peers, continually learning the latest trends, and actively networking have become essential pillars for success.

Events (whether regional meetups, national conferences, or virtual summits) offer invaluable opportunities to do all three at once. They bring together thought leaders, innovators, and dealers who are shaping the future of automotive retail. These gatherings provide firsthand insights into emerging technologies, market shifts, and effective strategies that can be applied directly to your dealership’s growth.

At sMedia, we recognize the critical role these connections play. That’s why we are deeply committed to supporting the automotive industry by actively participating in key events throughout the remainder of 2025. Our presence at these forums allows us to share our latest innovations, listen to dealer needs, and collaborate on solutions that drive measurable results.

By staying engaged and plugged into the industry’s pulse, we help ensure that our dealer partners are not only prepared for the future but leading it. Together, we can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that 2025 presents because success in this dynamic landscape is truly a team effort.

One clear theme that’s emerged from this busy event season so far is: Adapting isn’t enough anymore. Dealers need to lead!

Keep reading below (as well as here) to see what we’ve learned and how your dealership can finish strong in 2025! 

Top Remaining Events Dealers Can’t Miss in 2025

Digital Dealer

Date: October 14 -15, 2025
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Booth # 225

Why Attend: Digital Dealer is a premier event for those in the dealership sector, focusing on digital marketing, sales, and technology strategies. This year’s conference will include over 75 sessions and several networking opportunities. https://digitaldealer.com/

Come meet the team at Booth # 225 to learn why and how sMedia does digital marketing differently. Let’s talk all things SEO and digital advertising on major platforms like TikTok, Google, Meta and Microsoft. We’re consultants, advocates & partners for your dealership!

Our Must-Attend Sessions at Digital Dealer

Join our experts for two sessions designed to help you get more from your marketing efforts.

1. Attention: Getting It, Deserving It, Keeping It with Rhys Albrecht | October 14 | 2:05 PM – 2:30 PM

In a market overflowing with platforms and messages, simply grabbing attention isn’t enough—you have to earn it and keep it.

This session will show you why form-fill leads are dropping and where to invest your ad budget. Rhys will share practical strategies from a variety of industries that you can use to create experiences that turn attention into real dealership growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Create experiences that deserve attention, not just pay for it.
  • Understand why attention is your most valuable currency.
  • Learn actionable ways to keep attention throughout the customer journey.

2. Your Website Is Wasting Ad Dollars: Live Audit & Optimization Workshop with Alecia Wilson & Erin Richmond | October 15 | 2:40 PM – 4:10 PM

Bring your laptop as this is an interactive, hands-on workshop.

You’ll perform a live audit of your own website’s homepage and navigation with guidance from our digital advertising experts. Discover how user experience issues can quietly waste your ad dollars and learn to use tools like Hotjar, PageSpeed Insights, and GA4 to pinpoint friction points.

You’ll leave with a completed audit worksheet and a prioritized list of updates to give your website provider.

Key Takeaways:

  • Audit your site for usability, speed, and lead capture effectiveness.
  • Use industry tools for actionable data.
  • Identify and fix UX issues that drain your advertising budget.

The Ultimate AI Hackathon is Back and Bigger Than Ever!

This year, we’re cutting through the AI noise. Instead of just hearing “what to do,” you’ll spend a half-day actually doing it in a collaborative, interactive, and educational team challenge. This is not your typical conference experience—it’s the Ultimate AI Hackathon.

Whether you’re just learning the basics or you’re an AI power-user, this event is designed to dramatically improve your skills. You’ll leave with so much new knowledge that your entire dealership team will thank you.

TThis popular event has officially sold out! Due to overwhelming demand, we’re starting a waitlist here in case more spots open up. Make sure you get on the list now and secure your chance to join the most interactive event in the industry this October.

We’ve got not one, but two sMedia captains competing in this year’s Hackathon:

Erin Richmond: The defending champ is back! She and her team crushed it last year, and she’s ready to defend her title.

Alecia Wilson: A top sMedia captain you’ll want to see in action. Want to see what it’s all about? Check out last year’s event recap to see why this is a must-attend event. 


Automotive Conference and Expo (ACE) 

Date: October 15 -17, 2025
Location: Fallsview Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls, ON
Booth # 48

Why Attend: An event that’s truly Canadian. From the speakers and sessions to the entertainment, ACE is designed to celebrate and showcase the best of Canada’s automotive industry. Join us to explore homegrown innovation, network with Canadian leaders, and engage with content that speaks directly to the unique challenges and opportunities within our national market


Western Canadian Dealer Summit

Date: November 13-16, 2025
Location: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta

Why Attend:  If you haven’t had the chance to attend the Western Canadian Dealer Summit conference, you should definitely add it to your list and stay ahead with the latest best practices for your dealership. This November, the MDA invites you to join us in beautiful Lake Louise, Alberta, for a few days of top-notch entertainment, engaging speakers, plentiful network opportunities, and invaluable learning experiences.

Read our Western Canadian Dealer Summit 2024 Recap

Get live event updates and insider tips through our social channels:

As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, our commitment to supporting the automotive industry remains stronger than ever. We’re excited to engage, learn, and grow alongside dealers and partners at this year’s key events to help drive innovation and success together.

We’d love to hear from you! Which upcoming events are you most excited about? Are there any shows or gatherings you’d like to see us attend? 

Reach out and share your thoughts. Let’s make 2025 a year of connection and growth for all!

We’re already planning for 2026 and another great year of connecting with dealers and industry leaders as the 2026 conference season is just around the corner. We can’t wait to see you at NADA 2026 in the Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza, February 3-6, 2026. See our recap from last year, as what an adventure it truly was: NADA 2025 at ‘SNOLA’ Highlights

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