Full Three-Day Experience
Three Days of Automotive Leadership in Detroit
Begin with CXAUTO2026, continue the conversation at the Automotive News Congress, and experience three days of customer experience, technology, retail innovation, and executive-level automotive insights.
September 28–30, 2026
The Department at Hudson's · Detroit, Michigan
One Destination · Three Days · One Industry Conversation
Day 1 · September 28, 2026
CXAUTO2026: The Customer Experience Leadership Summit
A focused day of executive conversations exploring the future of automotive customer experience, technology, loyalty, retention, and dealership performance.
- 7:00 – 8:00 AMBreakfastBreakfast
- 8:00 – 8:10 AMWelcome
Welcome from Thought Leadership Summits
Jon Munzel · Founder & President, Thought Leadership SummitsView session details - 8:10 – 8:15 AMWelcome
Welcome from the Chair
Ian Nethercott · Founder & Host, The Auto Hub ShowView session details - 8:15 – 9:00 AMOpening Keynote
The Future of the Customer Journey — How Technology Is Reshaping Automotive Retail, Loyalty, and Lifetime Value
Jack Hollis · Managing Partner, Accrual Equity Partners
Dan Shine · Senior Editor, Automotive News(Moderator)Key Takeaways- Understand how technology is reshaping the automotive customer journey from purchase through ownership
- Learn how changing consumer expectations are influencing dealership and OEM strategies
- Discover how AI, connected vehicles, and digital retailing are transforming customer engagement
- Explore opportunities to increase customer loyalty, retention, and lifetime value
- Gain insights into the future relationship between dealerships, manufacturers, and customers
- Learn practical strategies for creating customer experiences that differentiate your organization
View session details - 9:00 – 9:30 AMPanel Discussion
The Next Generation of AI — Moving Beyond Automation to Smarter Business Decisions
Chris Walsh · President & Acting CEO, Reynolds and Reynolds
Todd Smith · CEO & Founder, QoreAI
Carlito Mojica · Senior Manager – Retail Development, LaFontaine Automotive GroupDan Shine · Senior Editor, Automotive News(Moderator)Key Takeaways- Understand the evolution of AI from task automation to strategic business decision-making
- Learn why a unified data strategy is essential for unlocking AI's full potential
- Discover how AI can identify opportunities and recommend actions instead of simply generating reports
- Explore practical examples of AI solving real dealership and OEM business challenges
- Gain insights into how AI can improve customer experience, operational performance, and profitability
- Develop a roadmap for preparing your organization for the next generation of AI-powered decision making
View session details - 9:30 – 10:00 AMFireside Chat
Reinventing F&I — How Technology, Training, and Lender Partnerships Are Transforming the Customer Experience
Gary Schultz · Head of Strategic Alliances and Relationship Management, Wells Fargo Auto
Preston A. Stewart · National Variable Operations Director & Director of Compliance, Napleton Automotive Group
Lindsay VanHulle · EV Reporter & Deputy Editor, Automotive News(Moderator)Key Takeaways- Understand how technology is transforming the F&I customer experience
- Learn how lender partnerships can improve dealership performance and employee development
- Discover strategies for increasing customer trust, transparency, and satisfaction
- Explore best practices for training and developing high-performing F&I teams
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining compliance and profitability
- Gain insights into the future of F&I and evolving expectations of automotive consumers
View session details - 10:00 – 10:30 AMNetworking BreakNetworking Break
- 10:30 – 11:00 AMFeatured Presentation
Empowering People with AI — How Better Employee Experiences Create Better Customer Experiences
Bill Camastro · Dealer Principal & Executive Vice President, Gold Coast CadillacKey Takeaways- Understand how AI can enhance employee productivity without sacrificing the human touch
- Learn strategies for reducing employee frustration and improving workplace engagement
- Discover the connection between employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and profitability
- Explore how leading dealerships are using AI to create more meaningful customer interactions
- Gain practical insights for implementing AI while strengthening culture and teamwork
- Learn why investing in the employee experience is one of the most effective ways to improve customer retention
View session details - 11:00 – 11:30 AMFeatured Presentation
The AI Advantage — How Generative AI Is Transforming Customer Engagement, Marketing Performance, and Dealer Growth
Mike Spadafore · Global Data Analytics Lead, Marketing, Ford Motor CompanyKey Takeaways- Understand how Generative AI is transforming automotive marketing and customer engagement
- Learn how leading organizations are using AI to personalize the customer journey at scale
- Discover practical applications that improve marketing performance and operational efficiency
- Explore how AI can support customer acquisition, retention, and loyalty initiatives
- Gain insights into the future role of AI in automotive retail and customer experience
- Identify actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately to improve business results
View session details - 11:30 – 12:00 PMPanel Discussion
Rearview to Road Ahead: What We Can Learn from Dealers in the AI Fast Lane
Scott Traylor · Vice President of Sales, Mia Labs
Peter "webdoc" Martin · President, Cactus Sky DigitalKey Takeaways- A first-hand look at how top dealers made the call to adopt AI
- The real results they're seeing today, on the floor, in the numbers, and with their customers
- Where AI is headed next, and how to get ahead of it
View session details - 12:00 – 1:00 PMLunchLunch
- 1:00 – 1:30 PMJoint Presentation
The Connected Customer Journey — How Vehicle Data Is Reshaping Customer Experience and Retention
Amy Sgrignoli · Vice President, Connected Vehicle, Subaru of America
Jeff Williams · Vice President, Williams AutoWorldKey Takeaways- Understand how connected vehicle technology is changing the customer ownership experience
- Learn how vehicle data can be used to improve customer retention and loyalty
- Discover opportunities to create more personalized and proactive customer engagement
- Explore strategies for increasing service retention through connected vehicle insights
- Understand the balance between customer convenience, privacy, and trust
- Gain a roadmap for leveraging connected vehicle technology to drive long-term customer value
View session details - 1:30 – 2:15 PMJoint Presentation
Happy Employees, Loyal Customers, Profitable Dealerships — Why Fixed Operations Is the Foundation of Customer Retention
Steve Cerny · Manager, 20 Group Operations, NADA
Justin Hinderer · Owner, Hinderer Motor CompanyKey Takeaways- Understand the direct connection between employee satisfaction and customer retention
- Learn why fixed operations plays a critical role in long-term dealership profitability
- Discover proven strategies for attracting and retaining top service talent
- Explore how culture impacts customer experience, loyalty, and referrals
- Gain actionable ideas to improve employee engagement and strengthen customer relationships
- Learn how leading dealerships are turning workforce stability into a competitive advantage
View session details - 2:15 – 2:45 PMPanel Discussion
The Digital Showroom Experience — Why Today's Car Shoppers Need More Than Photos
Peter "webdoc" Martin · President, Cactus Sky Digital(Moderator)
Philip Ly · Founder & CEO, LESA Automotive | CEO, ImagineAutos.com, LESA AutomotiveTBADealer Executive · Speaker to be announcedKey Takeaways- Understand how today's consumers research vehicles before visiting a dealership
- Learn why traditional Vehicle Detail Pages are no longer meeting customer expectations
- Discover how interactive video and rich media build trust and purchase confidence
- Explore best practices for creating a modern digital showroom experience
- Learn practical strategies to increase shopper engagement and improve lead quality
- Gain actionable ideas that can be implemented immediately to create a more compelling online customer experience
View session details - 2:45 – 3:15 PMNetworking BreakNetworking Break
- 3:15 – 3:45 PMFireside Chat
The Conversion Problem You Can't See
Jason Parsons · Account Manager, ChannelVantage, Urban Science
Mike Majeras · General Manager, Phillips ChevroletLindsay VanHulle · EV Reporter & Deputy Editor, Automotive News(Moderator)Key Takeaways- Why more leads won't solve your problem: Learn how dealers are losing buyers they already worked
- A better way to measure performance: Move beyond close rate to what actually matters—capturing buyers
- A simple way to diagnose the issue: Quickly identify if your problem is reach or conversion
- The plays that drive real improvement: See targeted actions across sales, process, and marketing
- How top dealers are winning more: Understand how leading stores use data to coach teams and scale results
View session details - 3:45 – 4:30 PMPanel Discussion
Who Owns the Customer? — How Digital Retailing Is Reshaping Automotive Retail, Loyalty, and Lifetime Value
John Fitzpatrick · Head of CarBravo Certified Used Vehicle Program, GM
Cristina Cheever · Chief Marketing Officer, duPont REGISTRY Group
Kristyn King · Senior Product Marketing Manager, Amazon AutosDan Shine · Senior Editor, Automotive News(Moderator)Key Takeaways- Understand how digital retailing platforms are changing consumer buying behaviors.
- Learn how Amazon Autos, CarBravo, SmartPath, and other platforms are influencing the customer journey.
- Explore the opportunities and challenges digital retailing creates for dealerships.
- Discover strategies for balancing online convenience with dealership engagement.
- Gain insights into the future relationship between dealers, OEMs, and digital marketplaces.
- Learn how leading retailers are creating seamless omnichannel experiences that drive loyalty and long-term customer value.
View session details - 4:30 – 5:00 PMFireside Chat
Navigating the Fragmented Customer Journey
Anthony Jingoli · Senior Director of Automotive Strategy, Comcast AdvertisingKey Takeaways- How to think beyond the traditional sales funnel and manage the full customer lifecycle — from anonymous shopper to owner and repeat buyer.
- Best practices dealers are using to stay connected to shoppers as they move from research to lead, showroom, purchase, and ownership.
- Why influencing shoppers before they identify themselves is critical to building consideration and preference.
- How media and first-party data can help dealers identify, reach, and engage the right audiences at the right moments.
- How to move beyond clicks and leads to understand media's influence on shopping behavior and vehicle sales.
View session details - 5:00 – 5:30 PMClosing Keynote
Every Conversation Matters: Turning Customer Insights into More Sales, Loyalty, and Lifetime Value
Chad Jernberg · Vice President, Customer Experience, Holman AutomotiveKey Takeaways- Learn how customer conversations reveal hidden sales and retention opportunities
- Discover how leading dealerships use customer insights to improve performance
- Understand the connection between customer experience, loyalty, and profitability
- Identify strategies for creating more meaningful customer interactions
- Gain practical tools to turn customer feedback into measurable business results
View session details - 5:30 – 7:00 PMReceptionNetworking Reception
- 5:30 – 7:00 PMAutomotive News Congress
Opening Welcome Reception
Continue the conversation as the broader Congress community arrives in Detroit.
Day 2 · September 29, 2026
Automotive News Congress — Day One
Continue the conversation with automotive executives, innovators, manufacturers, retailers, and industry leaders shaping what comes next.
- 8:00 – 9:00 AM ETRegistrationRegistration Opens | Networking Coffee | PACE Exhibits
- 9:00 – 9:05 AM ETWelcomeWelcome Address
- 9:05 – 9:30 AM ETFireside Chat
Fireside Chat with Mark Reuss
SpeakersMark ReussPresident · General MotorsKC CrainPublisher · Automotive News - 9:30 – 10:05 AM ETPanel
Panel: Refining The Customer Journey: Who Owns the Relationship in the Age of AI
Key Takeaways- How OEMs and retailers are redefining their roles in the customer relationship
- What Gen Z buyers expect from the buying and ownership experience, including mobile first research, fewer in store steps, faster transactions, and clear all in pricing
- Where AI is improving personalization, efficiency, and engagement
- How to balance automation with transparency and human interaction
- How affordability pressures are changing the journey, from price transparency and incentives to financing, subscriptions, and ownership costs
- What will define a successful customer journey
SpeakersSean GilpinVP, Global Sales Marketing, Hyundai Motor Company · CMO · Hyundai Motor AmericaDaryl KenninghamCEO · Group 1 AutomotiveKaren Lellouche TordjmanManaging Director & Senior Partner, Mexico City · Boston Consulting GroupJoe ShakerCEO & Co-Founder · TruVideoDan ShineSenior Editor · Automotive News - 10:05 – 10:40 AM ETPanel
Panel: Trade Wars and Global Shifts: China's Growing Influence on the Global Auto Industry
Key Takeaways- China's expanding leadership in EVs, manufacturing scale, and technology
- Competitive pressure from Chinese automakers on price, speed, and innovation
- How tariffs and trade tensions with China are reshaping sourcing and production
- Shifts in global supply chains and regional manufacturing strategies
- Implications for U.S. industrial policy, national security, and market access
- How political outcomes could influence the U.S.–China automotive dynamic
- The impact of Chinese automakers on global retail markets, including pricing strategies, dealer models, and consumer adoption
- The implications of Chinese automakers expanding into Canada and Mexico, including impacts on retail dynamics, pricing pressure, dealer networks, and North American supply chain integration under USMCA
SpeakersMichael DunneCEO · Dunne InsightsSteve GreenfieldGeneral Partner · Automotive VenturesHenner LehneVice President, Forecasting & Research · Mobility GlobalLei XingAnalyst and Co-Host · China EVs & MoreJerry HirschManaging Editor — Content · Automotive News - 10:40 – 11:10 AM ETNetworking BreakNetworking Break
- 11:10 – 11:45 AM ETPanel
Panel: Affordability at a Breaking Point: The Economics of the Next Vehicle
Key Takeaways- Why vehicle affordability has reached a critical moment
- Cost drivers pushing prices higher across segments
- Trade offs between technology, regulation, and price
- How pricing strategies and incentives are evolving
- Which segments may gain momentum as affordability pressures grow, and how EVs fit into that shift
- What affordability constraints mean for demand, mix, and long term growth
- Can shared mobility offset ownership affordability pressures
- The role of policymakers in supporting shared mobility as an affordability strategy
SpeakersClaudia MárquezCOO · Hyundai Motor AmericaPonz PandikuthiraSenior Vice President, Chief Product & Planning Officer · Nissan AmericasJeremy RobbChief Economist · Cox AutomotiveMatt WeissVP, Analytics & Pricing Solutions · Mobility GlobalLindsay VanHulleEV Reporter & Deputy Editor · Automotive News - 11:45 AM – 12:05 PM ETSponsorSponsor Fireside Chat
- 12:05 – 12:30 PM ETFireside Chat
Fireside Chat with Swamy Kotagiri
SpeakersSwamy KotagiriCEO · Magna InternationalChrissy TaylorSVP, Editorial · Automotive News - 12:30 – 2:00 PM ETLunchNetworking Lunch
- 2:00 – 2:25 PM ETFireside Chat
Fireside Chat with Jim Farley
SpeakersJim FarleyPresident and Chief Executive Officer · Ford Motor CompanyKC CrainPublisher · Automotive News - 2:25 – 3:00 PM ETSponsored PanelSponsored Panel
- 3:00 – 3:20 PM ETNetworking BreakNetworking Break
- 3:20 – 3:55 PM ETPanel
Panel: Building the Next Playbook: How Policy, Elections, and the Economy Will Shape the U.S. Auto Industry
Key Takeaways- What the U.S. midterm elections could change, including regulatory direction and EV incentives
- How industrial policy is steering domestic investment and supply chains
- How interest rates and credit access are shaping demand and product mix
- Investment decisions at stake and where companies may commit or pause capital
- What building in the U.S. will require in workforce, suppliers, and cost competitiveness
- How companies can plan for policy volatility and supplier financial stress
SpeakersJohn BozzellaPresident & CEO · Alliance for Automotive InnovationPat D'EramoChief Executive Officer · Martinrea InternationalKate KalutkiewiczSenior Managing Director · McLarty AssociatesMike MurphyFounder · American EV Jobs AllianceMolly BoigonTransportation and Mobility Reporter · Automotive News - 3:55 – 4:20 PM ETFireside Chat
Fireside Chat with José Muñoz
SpeakersJosé MuñozPresident and Chief Executive Officer · Hyundai Motor CompanyKC CrainPublisher · Automotive News - 4:20 – 4:25 PM ETClosingClosing Remarks
Day 3 · September 30, 2026
Automotive News Congress — Day Two
Explore the technology, policy, leadership, and operating strategies transforming the global automotive industry.
- 8:00 – 9:00 AM ETRegistrationRegistration Opens | Networking Coffee | PACE Exhibits
- 9:00 – 9:05 AM ETWelcomeWelcome Address
- 9:05 – 9:30 AM ETFireside Chat
Fireside Chat with Antonio Filosa
SpeakersAntonio FilosaChief Executive Officer and Executive Director · StellantisKC CrainPublisher · Automotive News - 9:30 – 10:05 AM ETPanel
Panel: Software Defined Vehicles, AI and Autonomy: Delivering Real World Impact at Scale
Key Takeaways- How end to end software defined architectures enable faster iteration, over the air updates, and scalable feature deployment
- Where AI is delivering real value today across ADAS, perception, and decision making, and where it still falls short
- The path from supervised autonomy to higher levels of independence, including what is realistically deployable now versus later
- Building safety cases for AI driven systems, including validation, redundancy, and regulatory alignment
- Customer trust and adoption, including what drivers actually use, understand, and are willing to pay for in autonomy and intelligent features
SpeakersJeffrey ChouCo-founder and CEO · SonatusGary Cygan JrDirector, Vehicle Software and Electronics Engineering · GMSteffen FuchsSenior Partner · McKinsey & CompanyAndrei IordacheGlobal Senior Director of Automotive Pre-Sales · HERE TechnologiesMolly BoigonTransportation and Mobility Reporter · Automotive News - 10:05 – 10:40 AM ETPanel
Panel: The Automated Factory: AI, Robotics, and the Future of Automotive Work
Key Takeaways- Why AI, robotics and digital manufacturing are redefining how vehicles are built
- How software driven factories can increase flexibility and speed new vehicle launches
- Where automation is improving quality, uptime and cost performance
- What the next generation of manufacturing jobs and skills will look like
- Why advanced manufacturing capabilities will shape future U.S. auto competitiveness
SpeakersJeet BrahmandamManaging Director & Partner · Boston Consulting GroupSusann KazunasGroup Vice President, Executive Engineering Officer · Toyota Motor North AmericaBarry PhillipsChief Commercial Officer · ApptronikHannah LutzAssistant Managing Editor — Content · Automotive News - 10:40 – 11:25 AM ETPanel
Panel: The View from the Top: OEM Leadership on What Comes Next
SpeakersDuncan AldredPresident, North America · General MotorsJason HoffCEO · Mercedes-Benz North AmericaRandy ParkerPresident and CEO · Hyundai Motor North America - 11:25 – 11:30 AM ETClosingClosing Remarks
- Invitation-Only · 12:00 – 5:00 PM ET
Assembly Ventures Summit (invite-only)
The Assembly Ventures Summit will take place at the Gem Theatre. Additional information will be provided when your invitation request is accepted.
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