January 23- February 1, 2026 / Washington DC, Convention Center

About the Conference

The Washington, D.C. Auto Show is renowned as the nation’s premier “Public Policy Show,” offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with the key figures driving the future of the automotive industry. This 10-day consumer event kicks off with an exclusive gathering of automotive leaders, government officials, and media representatives, where they come together to discuss the current state of the U.S. auto sector and its future initiatives.

 

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Public Policy Day serves as a vital platform for engaging in discussions on the most pressing issues facing the automotive industry, including cutting-edge technology, environmental regulations, and innovative mobility solutions. This segment of the event highlights special announcements, fireside chats, and panel discussions, providing attendees with invaluable insights into the legislation and policies influencing the automotive landscape. Participants will have unparalleled access to the policymakers and industry experts making critical decisions that shape the future of transportation. By seamlessly integrating consumer experiences with essential policy dialogues, the Washington, D.C. Auto Show remains at the forefront of promoting both automotive innovation and public policy.

2026 Schedule

View the 2026 Public Policy Day schedule.
Additional speakers to be announced. Schedule subject to change.
Time Session
11:30am

Check-In + Lunch

Join us for a networking lunch, sponsored by Toyota, before the start of the agenda.
12:25pm

Welcoming Remarks

The 2026 Public Policy Day will kick off with welcoming remarks.

  • Joe Koch, Vice President, Washington, DC Auto Show
12:30pm

Opening Session

Opening session and moderated discussion:

  • Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Michigan’s 6th District
  • Congressman Bob Latta, Ohio’s 5th District
  • Dave Shepardson, Correspondent, Thomson Reuters
1:00pm

Industry Keynote

Jennifer Thomas, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at Honda, joins Dave Shepardson for an industry keynote on the future of transportation.
1:25pm

Lamborghini Announcement

Lamborghini will take the stage as Carlo Sandrin, Brand Manager of Lamborghini Washington, presents the 2026 Temerario.
1:35pm

Industry Roundtable Discussion

Industry roundtable discussion led by Jennifer Safavian, President & CEO, Autos Drive America.

  • Panelists to be announced shortly
2:00 pm

US News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money Awards


Introduction by Angie Gates | Awards presented by U.S. News staff
2:20pm

Coffee Break

Coffee break sponsored by Alliance for Automotive Innovation
2:30pm

Keynote Presentation

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy will deliver a keynote on the future of transportation, infrastructure, and mobility, with John Bozzella, President & CEO of The Alliance for Automotive Innovation.
3:05pm

Aston Martin Announcement

Exclusive Automotive Group will take the stage to present the 2026 Aston Martin DBX S.

  • Speaker to be announced shortly
3:20pm

Industry Roundtable Discussion

Industry roundtable discussion led by Paul J Daly, Founder & CEO, and Kyle Mountsier, Partner & COO, of More Than Cars, featuring representatives from DARCARS and SafeRide.

  • Panelists to be announced shortly
3:45pm

Stellantis Announcement

Stellantis takes the stage for a first look at the newest Jeep vehicles making their debut at the show.
4:00pm

Fireside Chat

DOE Undersecretary Andrew Fitzsimmons and Stellantis Senior VP of Public Affairs Shane Karr sit down with automotive journalist Dave Shepardson for a fireside chat on powertrain diversity, affordability, and energy security at a pivotal moment for the U.S. auto industry.
4:30pm

Closing Discussion

The 2026 Public Policy Day will conclude with a closing discussion.

  • Jonathan Morrison, Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Mike Stanton, President & CEO, National Automobile Dealers Association
5:00pm

Auto Show Sneak Peek, presented by Events DC

The Public Policy Day program will conclude at 5:00 pm and attendees will be invited to attend the Washington, D.C. 2026 Auto Show Sneak Peek Reception, presented by Events DC.

Enjoy the full consumer show of the Washington, D.C. Auto Show before it opens to the public.

Look at the range of new makes, models, and technologies displayed around the exhibit space at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and interact with automotive industry leaders and other very special guests.

2026 Conference Speakers

  • Congresswoman Debbie Dingell

    Michigan's 6th District

  • Congressman Bob Latta

    Ohio's 5th District

  • Sean Duffy

    United States Secretary of Transportation

  • Jonathan Morrison

    Administrator

    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  • Alex Fitzsimmons

    Under Secretary

    U.S Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Mike Stanton

    President & CEO

    National Automobile Dealers Association

  • Dave Shepardson

    Correspondent

    Thomson Reuters

  • Jennifer Safavian

    President & CEO

    Autos Drive America

  • John Bozzella

    President & CEO

    The Alliance for Automotive Innovation

  • Paul J Daly

    Founder/CEO

    More Than Cars

  • Kyle Mountsier

    Partner/COO

    More Than Cars

  • Carlo Sandrin

    Brand Manager

    Lamborghini Washington

    2026 Conference Sponsors

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    Designated as one of the nation’s top five auto shows by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, The Washington, D.C. Auto Show® is a world class event that continues to wow audiences with its cutting-edge exhibits, latest model cars, and displays of historic vehicles.

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