CategoryAuto & Automotive
Detroit Auto Show
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About this event
Detroit Auto Show (January 13–24, 2027)
The Detroit Auto Show is an immersive public-facing event showcasing cutting-edge automotive and mobility innovations alongside brand-defining vehicles and hands-on activations. Built around Detroit’s creative energy, the show invites attendees to experience the future of mobility through both featured vehicle displays and interactive experiences.
Dates: January 13–24, 2027
Venue: Huntington Place
City & Country: Detroit, Michigan, USA
What the Show Is Built Around
The Detroit Auto Show positions itself as more than a vehicle display. The event emphasizes: immersive experiences, future mobility themes, and activations that let attendees engage directly with what’s next in the automotive space. The show’s programming is designed to bring vehicles, mobility concepts, and industry conversations into a single experience—connecting audiences with both present-day brands and emerging ideas.
Event Experiences & Programming Highlights
The Detroit Auto Show includes a mix of large main-show activities and themed experiences. Based on the official show information, highlighted offerings include:
- Immersive show experiences that combine mobility innovations, brand-defining vehicles, and on-floor activation.
- AutoMobili-D (an event experience listed under “Events & Experiences”).
- Mobility Global Forum, featuring discussions on trends and issues shaping the evolving automotive industry, including fireside chats and themed panel sessions hosted by industry journalists, held on the Main Show Floor Stage.
- Racing Day and Modded Detroit, which add performance and customization-oriented energy to the show experience.
- Meet and Greet and multiple charity-focused events, including Charity Preview and Charity Preview Junior.
- Detroit Auto Show 5K, Drive the Beat, and Driven by Service, extending the brand experience beyond exhibit halls into community and engagement programming.
- EyesOn Design (listed under events/experiences), supporting design-focused discovery within the show.
Charity Preview & Community Impact
Charity Preview is a prominent feature of the Detroit Auto Show ecosystem. According to the official show information, Charity Preview has raised more than $100 million for children’s charities in Southeastern Michigan over the past 25 years. The event also notes that, in total, the event has generated over $125 million since its inception in 1976.
The official show description states that Charity Preview is presented by Auto Hauler Exchange. This component adds a community and giving-back dimension to the overall event calendar.
Mobility Global Forum (Industry Discussion on-Stage)
The Mobility Global Forum centers on current trends and issues impacting the automotive industry’s ongoing transformation. The forum includes fireside chats and themed panel discussions scheduled as hosted by industry journalists, with presentations held on the Main Show Floor Stage.
Media & Industry Days
The official website references Media & Industry Days Tickets, indicating dedicated ticketing pathways for media professionals and industry participants. The event also lists a number of media-related services such as Media Credentialing, Press Releases, and Resources.
On-Site Location
The Detroit Auto Show is hosted at Huntington Place, located at:
One Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226 (USA)
How Attendees Can Participate
The event provides several participation options through ticketing categories shown on the official site, including:
- Public Show Tickets
- Media & Industry Days Tickets
- Charity Preview Tickets
Overall, the Detroit Auto Show blends vehicle discovery with mobility-focused experiences and on-stage industry dialogue, framed by major Detroit community energy and long-running charity impact.
Data sheet
Detroit Auto Show – Event Attendee & Buyer Profile Analysis
Event Date: January 13–24, 2027
Location: Huntington Place, Detroit, MI, United States
Event Status: Upcoming
Research Date: July 1, 2026
Event Overview
| Event Name | Detroit Auto Show |
| Event Date | January 13–24, 2027 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Huntington Place |
| City | Detroit |
| State / Region | Michigan (MI) |
| Country | United States |
| Organizer | Official organizer not explicitly named in the supplied website text |
| Official Event Website | detroitautoshow.com |
| Event Type | Consumer-facing auto show with trade, media, and industry programming |
| Primary Category | Auto & Automotive |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | IT & Technology; Industrial Engineering; Business Services; Travel & Tourism |
| Audience Reach | National with regional and international industry reach |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Low for current edition; official website confirms dates and venue, but not attendance numbers |
| Main Purpose of Event | Showcase cutting-edge automotive and mobility innovations, brand vehicles, experiential activations, media coverage, and industry networking |
About the Event
The Detroit Auto Show is a major automotive and mobility showcase held in Detroit, Michigan, at Huntington Place. The official event description positions the show around “cutting-edge automotive and mobility innovations,” immersive experiences, brand-defining vehicles, and hands-on activations. The event also includes media and industry programming, including the Mobility Global Forum and Charity Preview activities.
This event matters because Detroit remains one of the most important automotive centers in North America, and the show brings together OEMs, suppliers, media, mobility stakeholders, and consumers in one highly visible environment. For B2B outreach, the show is useful for identifying automakers, mobility innovators, technology partners, service providers, transportation stakeholders, and organizations interested in product launches, partnerships, sponsorships, and industry visibility.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM procurement and sourcing teams | Automakers, mobility OEMs, EV brands | Evaluate suppliers, components, services, technologies | High-value for parts, software, engineering, logistics, and production suppliers |
| Product development and engineering leaders | Automotive engineering organizations, R&D groups | Influence product roadmap and technology adoption | Relevant for design, prototyping, testing, simulation, and EV technology providers |
| Fleet and mobility operators | Commercial fleets, ride-hail, shared mobility operators | Assess vehicles, telematics, charging, and lifecycle cost | Relevant for fleet solutions, EV infrastructure, and mobility software suppliers |
| Dealers and retail auto buyers | Dealer groups, auto retail networks, showroom operators | Purchase inventory, accessories, showroom, and digital retail tools | Relevant for merchandising, financing, digital retail, and aftermarket vendors |
| Distributors and wholesalers | Parts distributors, equipment wholesalers, channel partners | Source inventory and represent brands across markets | Strong fit for aftermarket, tools, lubricants, electronics, and accessories suppliers |
| Media and content partners | Auto media, publishers, broadcasters, creators | Shape event visibility and brand coverage | Useful for PR, advertising, sponsorship, and media-tech suppliers |
| Government and civic stakeholders | City/state agencies, transportation bodies, economic development groups | Support policy, mobility planning, economic development | Relevant for infrastructure, transit, EV, safety, and public-private partnership suppliers |
| Investors and strategic partners | VCs, private equity, corporate development teams | Evaluate mobility startups and commercialization opportunities | Relevant for startups, innovation platforms, and emerging technology suppliers |
| Association and industry leaders | Automotive associations, trade groups, standards bodies | Influence industry programming, partnerships, and advocacy | Useful for sponsorship, membership, and association-service providers |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit host city | Local automotive, media, civic, and business stakeholders | High | Detroit is the core automotive hub and likely has the highest concentration of industry attendees |
| Michigan / Great Lakes region | OEMs, suppliers, distributors, logistics firms, service providers | High | Strong regional draw from the automotive manufacturing corridor |
| Midwest business hubs | Corporate buyers, fleet operators, engineering teams, retail channel leaders | Medium to High | Includes Chicago, Columbus, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and surrounding markets |
| National U.S. market | Automotive executives, dealers, investors, media, solution providers | High | The show has national business relevance due to industry scale and brand participation |
| Canada and international automotive markets | Cross-border suppliers, OEM representatives, media, and partners | Medium | Detroit’s border-region ecosystem supports international auto industry participation |
3. Audience Reach
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| National | Primary classification | The event is centered in Detroit but attracts national automotive, media, and business attention. |
| Secondary reach: Regional | Strong | The Great Lakes and Midwest auto corridor likely supply a large share of attendees and buyers. |
| Secondary reach: Global | Moderate | Automotive brands, suppliers, and mobility stakeholders often have international ties and cross-border interests. |
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Motors | Automaker / OEM | Core Detroit automotive buyer for technologies, suppliers, and launch ecosystem | gm.com | VP Procurement, Strategic Sourcing Director, Engineering Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Ford Motor Company | Automaker / OEM | Highly relevant for product launches, supplier sourcing, mobility innovation, and partnerships | ford.com | Chief Procurement Officer, Supplier Quality Manager, Program Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Stellantis | Automaker / OEM | Relevant for mobility, EV, engineering, and supplier engagement in North America | stellantis.com | Director of Procurement, Category Manager, Mobility Partnerships Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Toyota Motor North America | Automaker / OEM | Potential buyer for production, logistics, software, and mobility solutions | toyota.com | Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Director, IT Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Hyundai Motor America | Automaker / OEM | Likely interested in EV, retail experience, connected vehicle, and brand visibility opportunities | hyundaiusa.com | Director of Brand Partnerships, Procurement Lead, Product Marketing Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| BMW of North America | Automaker / OEM | Relevant for luxury mobility, retail, digital, and technology partnerships | bmwusa.com | Partnerships Director, Category Manager, IT Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Magna International | Tier 1 supplier | Supplier-side decision maker for components, engineering, and manufacturing innovation | magna.com | VP Procurement, Supplier Development Manager, Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Lear Corporation | Automotive supplier | Potential buyer for manufacturing, electronics, and mobility technologies | lear.com | Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Director, Engineering Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| BorgWarner | Automotive supplier | Relevant for powertrain, EV, thermal, and advanced engineering solutions | borgwarner.com | Strategic Sourcing Manager, CTO, Product Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| American Center for Mobility | Mobility test and innovation organization | Relevant for autonomous, connected, EV, and smart mobility ecosystem partnerships | acmwillowrun.org | Program Manager, Partnerships Director, CTO | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Michigan Department of Transportation | Government / transportation agency | Relevant for infrastructure, EV, safety, and mobility policy stakeholders | michigan.gov/mdot | Program Manager, Procurement Officer, Transportation Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| City of Detroit | Government / municipal buyer | Potential buyer for event services, mobility, infrastructure, and civic partnerships | detroitmi.gov | Procurement Manager, Facilities Director, Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Procurement Officer | Procurement | C-Level | Owns supplier strategy and high-value sourcing decisions |
| 2 | VP Procurement | Procurement | VP | Influences supplier panels, contracts, and purchasing priorities |
| 3 | Director of Procurement / Strategic Sourcing | Sourcing | Director | Directly evaluates suppliers and category opportunities |
| 4 | Supply Chain Director | Supply Chain | Director | Focuses on resilience, logistics, and supplier performance |
| 5 | Category Manager | Procurement / Merchandising | Manager to Director | Important for product and service category evaluation |
| 6 | Engineering Director | Engineering | Director | Influences technology adoption and product requirements |
| 7 | Operations Director | Operations | Director | Owns execution, efficiency, and vendor coordination |
| 8 | IT Director / CIO / CTO | IT / Technology | Director to C-Level | Relevant for connected vehicle, data, software, and digital retail solutions |
| 9 | Partnerships Director | Business Development | Director | Manages sponsorships, alliances, and ecosystem relationships |
| 10 | Program Manager | Operations / Product / Innovation | Manager | Coordinates initiatives, pilots, and vendor engagement |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Automotive | Core industry for the show | OEMs, suppliers, dealers, and service providers |
| 2 | Machinery | Relevant to manufacturing and production equipment | Industrial buyers and plant operations |
| 3 | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Strong fit for vehicle engineering and production innovation | Engineering and R&D decision-makers |
| 4 | Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing | Relevant for EV systems, infotainment, sensors, and components | Tier suppliers and electronics vendors |
| 5 | Information Technology & Services | Connected car, data, software, and digital retail relevance | IT buyers and platform partners |
| 6 | Computer Software | Useful for mobility software, analytics, and digital retail | Software buyers and partners |
| 7 | Logistics & Supply Chain | Relevant for distribution, transport, and supply continuity | Supply chain and operations leaders |
| 8 | Retail | Relevant for auto retail, showroom, and merchandising buyers | Dealer groups and retail decision-makers |
| 9 | Transportation/Trucking/Railroad | Relevant for fleet, mobility, and transportation operators | Fleet and mobility procurement |
| 10 | Government Administration | Relevant for public-sector mobility, infrastructure, and civic stakeholders | Public buyers and procurement teams |
| 11 | Marketing & Advertising | Important for sponsors, launches, PR, and experiential campaigns | Brand and event marketing teams |
| 12 | Defense & Space | Adjacent for advanced engineering, mobility tech, and autonomy spillover | Advanced systems and R&D buyers |
6. Estimated Attendance
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Organizer website does not publish a current attendance figure in the supplied text | Use with caution in sales forecasting |
| Exhibitor count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official site references participating brands but does not provide a count in the supplied text | Confirm via exhibitor information page if needed |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | No official buyer number published in supplied text | Likely mixed audience of industry and public attendees |
| Speaker count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Mobility Global Forum mentioned; detailed speaker list not included in supplied text | Speaker details should be verified on agenda/press pages |
| Sponsor count | Multiple sponsor tiers listed | Confirmed categories, not count | Official website sponsor sections | Useful for partnership and sponsorship prospecting |
| Historical attendance | Not included here | Not used | No reliable historical figure was provided in the source text | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive sourcing | Qualified suppliers, cost control, continuity | Meet procurement and sourcing leaders at a high-visibility industry venue | Components, tooling, manufacturing services, sourcing solutions |
| Mobility innovation | New product concepts, pilot partners, validation | Use forums and experiential displays to showcase innovation | EV platforms, autonomy, connected vehicle, software |
| Digital transformation | Software, data, CX, retail digitization | Target IT and business leaders through product demos and networking | CRM, analytics, DMS, cloud, integration, AI |
| Fleet and operations | Reliability, uptime, TCO, logistics | Engage fleet operators and operations executives | Fleet telematics, maintenance, financing, routing, charging |
| Brand experience and sponsorship | Consumer engagement and awareness | Reach marketing and partnerships teams for activation opportunities | Experiential marketing, media, sponsorship, signage, displays |
| Public-sector mobility | Infrastructure, safety, EV readiness, transport planning | Connect with government and civic stakeholders | Infrastructure services, policy tech, EV support, smart-city solutions |
Lead Quality Assessment
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | The event attracts OEMs, suppliers, dealers, mobility stakeholders, and public-sector participants. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Industry days, media programming, and sponsor activity increase the likelihood of senior contacts. |
| Data collection potential | Medium | Strong for brand and company identification; current attendee data is not publicly confirmed. |
| Apollo targeting potential | Very High | Clear fit for automotive, manufacturing, software, logistics, and government buyer segments. |
| Geographic targeting potential | High | Detroit and the Midwest provide a strong regional anchor with national buyer relevance. |
| Best outreach approach | High-touch account targeting | Prioritize OEM, supplier, dealer, and government accounts with tailored messaging by function. |
| Overall lead quality | High | Strong event for B2B prospecting, especially in automotive, mobility, software, and supply chain. |
| Best use case | Attendee list building, account mapping, sponsor prospecting, outbound sales | Use for identifying target accounts, event-driven outreach, and pipeline creation. |
| Limitations / risks | Attendance roster not publicly confirmed | Do not assume current-year attendance without official confirmation. |
Apollo.io Targeting Recommendation
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Automotive, Machinery, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing, Information Technology & Services, Computer Software, Logistics & Supply Chain, Retail, Government Administration, Marketing & Advertising | Target the most relevant buyer ecosystem around the show |
| Departments | Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Product, IT, Business Development, Marketing | Focus on functions most likely to make purchasing or partnership decisions |
| Seniority | Manager, Director, VP, CXO, Owner | Prioritize decision-makers and influencers |
| Job titles | Chief Procurement Officer, VP Procurement, Director of Procurement, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Director, Category Manager, Engineering Director, CTO, CIO, IT Director, Operations Director, Partnerships Director, Program Manager | Align outreach with titles likely to attend or influence event-relevant buying |
| Geography | United States, especially Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ontario | Capture the Detroit corridor and adjacent automotive hubs |
| Employee size | 51–200, 201–500, 501–1,000, 1,001–5,000, 5,001–10,000, 10,000+ | Covers suppliers, dealers, OEMs, and enterprise service providers |
| Keywords | automotive, mobility, EV, sourcing, procurement, dealership, OEM, connected vehicle, fleet, telematics, supply chain, manufacturing | Refine accounts and contacts connected to the show theme |
| Technologies | CRM, ERP, PLM, DMS, telematics, cloud, analytics, EV charging, simulation, CAD/CAE | Useful when targeting buyers of digital and engineering solutions |
| Revenue range | Mid-market to enterprise | Most relevant for OEMs, suppliers, and large dealer groups |
| Company type | Public company, private company, government, nonprofit/association | Covers the event’s mix of corporate and public-sector stakeholders |
Suggested Apollo Search Logic: Use an account list built around automotive and adjacent industries, then layer titles such as (“procurement” OR “sourcing” OR “supply chain” OR “operations” OR “engineering” OR “partnerships” OR “IT Director” OR “CIO” OR “CTO”) with geography focused on Michigan and the broader U.S. auto corridor. Add keywords like “EV,” “mobility,” “telematics,” “dealer,” “OEM,” and “connected vehicle” to improve event relevance.
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Sources & Verification Notes
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Auto Show Official Website | Official organizer / event website | Event name, dates, venue, location, show description, programming references, sponsor sections, and official navigation structure | Very High |
| Detroit Auto Show Location Page | Official venue/location information | Huntington Place, One Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226 | Very High |
| Detroit Auto Show – Show Information | Official event description | Cutting-edge automotive and mobility innovations, immersive experiences, brand-defining vehicles, hands-on activation | Very High |
| Detroit Auto Show – Mobility Global Forum / Charity Preview / Brand Center references | Official site navigation / program references | Confirmed presence of industry programming, media activity, sponsor tiers, and attendee-facing event components | High |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to Detroit Auto Show — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
🔒 Get my buyer details Free · ~20 seconds