AutoTech 2027
June 22-23, 2027
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What to Expect at AutoTech 2026: Key Sessions, Networking, and Highlights

June 2-4, 2026 | Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi, MI

In an industry where the right connection can accelerate your roadmap by months and the right insight can unlock millions in revenue, AutoTech 2026 delivers both. This isn't about attending another automotive technology event, it's about gaining the competitive intelligence, strategic partnerships, and technical solutions that directly impact your bottom line.

Attend AutoTech 2026 and walk away with actionable strategies to monetize the connected car, partnerships that accelerate time-to-market, and solutions that solve your most pressing technical challenges.

Don't miss out on AutoTech 2026! Secure your pass today.

What to Expect at AutoTech 2026

Every decision you make at AutoTech 2026 is designed to deliver measurable outcomes. With 1,800 industry professionals and 500 automaker representatives onsite, you're not just attending sessions, you're gaining direct access to the decision-makers who can greenlight your solutions, the technical experts who understand your challenges, and the innovators who are solving tomorrow's problems today.

This year's focus: Monetizing the Connected Car

The question isn't whether connectivity, software, and AI will transform automotive, it's how quickly you can turn these technologies into sustainable revenue streams. AutoTech 2026 gives you the blueprint.


The Value You'll Gain:

✓ Accelerate Your Roadmap - Discover proven strategies from OEMs already monetizing connected services, reducing your time-to-market and avoiding costly missteps

✓ Solve Technical Bottlenecks - Connect with engineers and suppliers who've overcome the exact integration, cybersecurity, and scalability challenges you're facing

✓ Build Revenue-Generating Partnerships - Meet technology providers, Tier 1 suppliers, and OEM decision-makers ready to collaborate on solutions that drive commercial outcomes

✓ Stay Ahead of Competition - Gain early insights into emerging trends, regulatory shifts, and consumer expectations before they become industry standard

Your AutoTech Conference Guide

Every session at AutoTech 2026 is built around one question: How does this help you achieve your business and technical goals? Whether you're shaping long-term strategy or solving immediate technical challenges, these key sessions at AutoTech 2026 deliver insights you can implement immediately.

AutoTech Connected Mobility Track

Connected Mobility Track: Turn Connectivity Into Revenue

Value for Strategy Professionals:

Align connectivity initiatives with business goals, identify new revenue opportunities, and build partnerships that accelerate growth.

Value for Technical Professionals:

Overcome integration challenges, ensure reliability and safety, and manage cybersecurity risks in advanced connectivity solutions.

Featured Sessions:

Emerging Trends in the Connected Car Ecosystem

Wednesday, 3 June | 9:30 AM - 9:55 AM

Speakers: Steve Bell & Maite Bezerra (Omdia Automotive)

What You'll Gain:

  • Competitive intelligence on software-defined vehicles, V2X, and smart mobility trends before they hit mainstream

  • Data-driven insights to justify connectivity investments to your board

  • Clear understanding of which technologies will generate ROI vs. which are still experimental

Evolving Partnerships with Connectivity and Software Innovations

Thursday, June 4 | 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Speakers: Lakshmi Thanayankizil (GM), Pete Brown (Karma Automotive), Andres Castrillon (5GAA), Vijay Rao (Hyundai Motor North America)

What You'll Gain:

  • Real-world partnership models from OEMs generating revenue from connected services

  • Strategies to negotiate better terms with technology providers

  • Framework for building collaborative ecosystems that reduce development costs



Software Track: Accelerate Innovation, Reduce Bottlenecks

Value for Technical Professionals:

Implement smarter OTA updates, adopt agile practices, and integrate AI while strengthening cybersecurity, all critical to staying competitive.

Featured Sessions:

Building Tomorrow's Software Ecosystem

Thursday, June 4 | 4:00 PM - 4:55 PM

Speakers: Maite Bezerra (Omdia), Ramiro Gutierrez (ZF North America), David Cook (Bosch Mobility, Americas), John Schnoes (Nissan Motor Corporation), Eric Cesa (ETAS)

What You'll Gain:

  • Modular software platform strategies that reduce development time by 30-40%

  • AI integration techniques that enhance vehicle performance without compromising safety

  • Cybersecurity tools and protocols that protect against emerging threats

  • Real-time simulation methodologies that catch issues before production

Evolving Partnerships with Connectivity and Software Innovations

Thursday, June 4 | 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Speakers: Andres Castrillon (5GAA), Lakshmi Thanayankizil (General Motors), Pete Brown (Karma Automotive), Vijay Rao (Hyundai Motor North America), Senior Representative (AT&T)

What You'll Gain:

  • Collaboration models with Tier 1 suppliers that accelerate software development

  • Strategies for managing OTA updates across global fleets

  • Solutions for balancing agile development with automotive safety standards


UI & UX Track: Create Experiences That Drive Subscriptions

Value for Strategy Professionals:

Transform user experience into sustainable revenue through subscription-based services, branded experiences, and AI-driven personalization.

Value for Technical Professionals:

Deliver seamless digital experiences in software-first vehicles through advanced IVI, AI integration, and best-practice UI/UX design.

Featured Sessions:

The Billion-Dollar Dashboard Decision: Smartphone Integration vs. Embedded Systems

Wednesday, June 3 | 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Speakers: Denise Barfuss (AutoMobility Advisors), Luke (Nissan Motor Corporation), Mel Roberts (Stellantis), David Kirsch (American Honda Motor Company), Abe Silhan (Cinemo)

What You'll Gain:

  • Financial analysis of both approaches from OEMs who've made this decision

  • Consumer preference data that reveals which strategy drives loyalty and revenue

  • Risk mitigation strategies for whichever path you choose

  • Clear ROI projections to support your business case

Smart Cabins and Scalable Platforms for Next-Gen Infotainment

Wednesday, June 3 | 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Speakers: Denise Barfuss, Principal Consultant (AutoMobility Advisors), Amit Mehta (Stellantis), Sebastian Bauer (General Motors), Luke Blaszczynski (Nissan Motor Corporation)

What You'll Gain:

  • Proven subscription models generating recurring revenue from in-vehicle services

  • AI personalization strategies that increase customer engagement by 50%+

  • Scalable platform architectures that work across multiple vehicle lines


ADAS & Autonomy Track: Build Trust, Ensure Safety, Drive Adoption

Value for Strategy Professionals:

Advance V2X standardization, foster consumer trust through human-centered design, and drive innovation in AI and sensor technologies.

Value for Technical Professionals:

Integrate AI into driver engagement systems, optimize sensor technology, and leverage data infrastructure for safety and scalability.

Featured Sessions:

Practical Lessons from Deployment and Validation of Automotive Sensor Suites

Thursday, 4 June 2026 | 3:30 pm - 3:55 pm

Speaker: Gulnaaz Afzal (Rivian)

  • Where do automotive sensor suites most commonly diverge from design intent once deployed, and what gaps emerge between lab validation and real-world performance?

  • How should sensor selection be approached as a system-level integration and validation challenge rather than a binary technology choice?

  • Beyond raw specifications, what factors truly differentiate sensor platforms in production — particularly in terms of diagnosability, validation maturity, and long-term reliability?

Shaping the Future of ADAS: Architecture, Reliability, and AI in Next-Generation Vehicles

Thursday, 4 June 2026 | 12:15 pm - 12:40 pm

Speaker: Abdul Salam Abdul Karim (Ford Motor Company)

  • How can automakers adapt to the shift from software-defined to AI-driven vehicle technologies?

  • What are the best practices for ensuring reliability in multi-sensor ADAS platforms?

  • How can automakers leverage AI to enhance safety and scalability in intelligent vehicles?


AutoTech 2026 speakers aren't just presenting, they're sharing the strategies, solutions, and lessons learned from implementing these technologies at the world's leading automakers.

OEM Executives Who Control Budgets:

  • Tara Vatcher (SVP, Stellantis) - Learn from the leader architecting software strategies for a global OEM

  • Sebastian Bauer (Executive Director, GM) - Discover how GM is monetizing UX innovations

  • Luke Blaszczynski (Director, Nissan) - Understand infotainment decisions impacting millions of vehicles

Technology Leaders Solving Your Challenges:

  • Ramiro Gutierrez (President, ZF North America) - Access Tier 1 supplier insights on scalable solutions

  • Norm Marks (Global VP, NVIDIA) - Explore AI applications already generating ROI

  • Stefan Buerkle (Regional President, Bosch) - Learn cross-domain computing strategies

Analysts With Market Intelligence:

  • Steve Bell (Omdia Automotive) - Gain data-driven insights on market trends

  • Denise Barfuss (AutoMobility Advisors) - Access independent analysis on strategic decisions

These aren't just theoretical presentations; they're case studies, financial analyses, and technical solutions from professionals navigating the same challenges you're facing.


VIEW FULL SPEAKER LIST

AutoTech Networking Opportunities: Where Deals Get Done

AutoTech 2026 creates multiple opportunities to connect with key stakeholders, technology providers, and industry leaders through structured formats designed to facilitate meaningful business relationships.

Networking at AutoTech
Structured Matchmaking: Meet the Right People, Not Random People

What You Get:

Pre-scheduled meetings with decision-makers aligned to your specific goals—whether that's finding a technology partner, securing an OEM pilot program, or identifying acquisition targets.

The Value:

Stop wasting time on unqualified conversations. Every meeting is curated to drive potential partnerships, sales opportunities, or strategic collaborations.

VIP Summits: Executive-Level Discussions That Move Fast

What You Get:

Exclusive gatherings where C-suite executives and senior leaders discuss strategic priorities, market challenges, and partnership opportunities.

The Value:

Bypass months of corporate gatekeeping. These intimate settings facilitate high-level conversations that lead to multi-million dollar partnerships and strategic alliances.

Speaker & VIP Lounge: Access the Influencers

What You Get:

Private space to continue conversations with speakers, OEM executives, and industry influencers after their sessions.

The Value:

Turn a 30-minute session into an ongoing relationship. This is where speakers become advisors, collaborators, and champions for your solutions.

AutoTech Forums: Solve Problems Together

What You Get:

Themed discussions and open Q&A sessions where you can present your challenges and get real-time input from peers and experts.

The Value:

Crowdsource solutions from people who've faced similar obstacles. Leave with actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

COVESA Showcase - June 3 Evening

What You Get:

Off-site reception with connected vehicle technology leaders in a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

The Value:

Build relationships outside the formal conference environment where partnerships often form more naturally.

Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Tours - NEW FOR 2026

What You Get:

Judge-led tours exploring award-winning vehicles and the design decisions behind them.

The Value:

Understand what excellence looks like in UI/UX and interior design. Benchmark your own development against the industry's best.

Awards Ceremonies - June 2 Evening

AutoTech Awards + Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Awards (co-located for the first time)

What You Get:

Celebrate alongside the innovators and OEM teams setting industry standards.

The Value:

Network with award winners and finalists, the companies and individuals leading the industry. These connections often lead to partnerships, hiring opportunities, and collaborative projects.

Our exhibitors aren't just showcasing technology, they're offering solutions to your specific challenges in connectivity, software, UI/UX, and ADAS.


AutoTech Exhibitor Highlights:

Diamond Sponsors: AT&T Business and Verizon Business

Leading connectivity solutions enabling connected car monetization

Connectivity & Telematics: Aeris, AT&T, WirelessCar

Find partners who can help you launch connected services faster and manage them at scale across global markets.

Software & Development: IBM, Sonatus, PTC, Digital.ai, Green Hills

Discover modular platforms that reduce development time, OTA solutions that minimize recalls, and tools that accelerate software-defined vehicle strategies.

UI/UX & Infotainment: Cinemo, Stingray, RadioDNS

Explore technologies that create subscription-worthy experiences, voice interfaces that reduce driver distraction, and personalization engines that increase customer loyalty.

ADAS & Safety: HAAS Alert, OmniTrust Security, LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Find cybersecurity solutions that protect connected vehicles, safety technologies that meet regulatory requirements, and risk management tools that reduce liability.

Engineering & Integration: FPT Automotive, EnSilica, Vayavya Labs, Aras

Connect with engineering partners who can accelerate your development cycles, reduce integration costs, and scale solutions globally.

Consulting & Advisory: AutoMobility Advisors, Toptal, Tweddle Group

Access strategic advisors who provide independent analysis, technical talent for critical projects, and documentation solutions for complex systems.


Exhibition Experience:


✓ Hands-on demonstrations - Test technologies before committing

✓ Direct access to solution providers - Get answers to your specific technical questions

✓ Scalable solutions - Find technologies that work across your entire vehicle portfolio

✓ Competitive comparisons - Evaluate multiple vendors in one place

The Bottom Line: The exhibition saves you months of vendor research and evaluation. See competing solutions side-by-side and make informed decisions faster.

Discover solutions that accelerate your roadmap.


Why AutoTech 2026 is a Must-Attend Event

Still need convincing to book your place at AutoTech 2026? Here are 8 more reasons...

Accelerate Time-to-Market

Find proven solutions, avoid costly mistakes, and connect with partners who've already solved your challenges. Every session and connection is designed to help you move faster.


Access 550 Automaker Decision-Makers

Stop chasing meetings. With structured matchmaking and VIP access, you'll connect directly with the OEM executives who can pilot your technology, the engineers who evaluate solutions, and the procurement teams who write contracts.

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Solve Your Biggest Technical Challenges

Four focused tracks address the specific obstacles facing both strategy and technical professionals. Leave with actionable solutions, not just theoretical concepts.


Build Partnerships That Generate Revenue

Structured networking delivers fast, focused interactions with potential partners, customers, and collaborators. These aren't random conversations—they're engineered for commercial outcomes.

Gain Competitive Intelligence

Understand what your competitors are doing, where the market is heading, and which technologies will define the next 3-5 years. This intelligence informs better strategic decisions and resource allocation.


Maximize ROI Through Year-Round Engagement

AutoTech's 365 platform extends your investment beyond three days with ongoing content, networking, and brand visibility throughout the year.


Benchmark Against Industry Excellence

The co-located Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Awards and AutoTech Awards showcase the innovations setting industry standards. Understand what excellence looks like and how to achieve it.


Experience What's New for 2026

  • Co-located Wards Awards - Unprecedented access to award-winning vehicle teams

  • Expanded VIP experiences - More opportunities for high-level conversations

  • Judge-led vehicle tours - Exclusive insights into design excellence


The Investment: Three days at AutoTech 2026

The Return: Partnerships, solutions, and strategies that impact your business for years

Secure your event pass today. Secure your competitive advantage.

FAQs About AutoTech 2026

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What are the core content tracks at AutoTech 2026?

Four strategic tracks deliver value for both strategy and technical professionals:

Connected Mobility - Align connectivity with business goals, identify revenue opportunities, and overcome integration challenges

Software - Accelerate innovation through OTA updates, agile practices, AI integration, and cybersecurity

UI & UX - Create branded experiences that drive subscriptions and enhance customer loyalty

ADAS & Autonomy - Build consumer trust, ensure safety, and navigate sensor technology decisions

Cross-track themes (AI, Telematics & Data, Electrification) ensure comprehensive coverage.

VIEW THE FULL 2026 AGENDA

Ready to Gain Your Competitive Advantage?

Can you afford to miss the connections, insights, and solutions that could accelerate your roadmap by months and unlock millions in revenue?

Attend AutoTech 2026 and gain:

✓ Partnerships that accelerate time-to-market

✓ Solutions to your biggest technical challenges

✓ Competitive intelligence that informs better decisions

✓ Direct access to 500 automaker decision-makers

✓ Strategies to monetize the connected car

1,800 professionals. 500 automakers. 4 strategic tracks. 30+ solution providers. Unlimited opportunities.

Don't miss out on AutoTech 2026. Secure your event pass today!

Follow Follow #AutoTech2026 on social media for speaker announcements and exclusive insights