Auto Care Connect
Auto Care Connect is where leaders and diverse segments of the auto care world come together to ignite innovation, foster collaboration and accelerate the industry's growth.
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Auto Care's Largest Learning Experience
Auto Care Connect is a three and a half day program that offers learning sessions, a business trade show, executive keynote presentations and association steering meetings to shape the industry's landscape.
Networking
All Attendees and Select Community-Exclusive Networking Opportunities
Industry Leadership
Leadership Advisory Committee and Community Meetings
Learning Sessions
Session Schedule Developing
2026 Connect Partner Sponsors
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Attendee Registration
| Auto Care Members | Non-Auto Care Members | Auto Care Volunteer Leaders** | |
| Early Bird Full Connect (Before 2/28/26) | $695 | $1,195 | $595 |
| Early Bird with ACPN Experience* (Before 2/28/26) | $845 | $1,345 | $745 |
| Regular Full Connect (starting 3/1/26) | $845 | $1,345 | $745 |
| Regular with ACPN Experience* (starting 3/1/26) | $995 | $1,495 | $895 |
| Volunteer Leader Limited Engagement** (Access to events beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026) | N/A | N/A | Complimentary |
Register for Connect
*ACPN Experience includes access to all elements of Connect plus ACPN Community-only networking gatherings to include the Monday and Tuesday evening socials from 9pm - 11pm and Wednesday ACPN Chair Dinner from 7pm - 9pm.
**Auto Care Volunteer Leaders are appointed industry professionals who have applied and been accepted to volunteer positions on Auto Care's advisory committees and communities. Discounted or complimentary volunteer leader rates are applicable only for leaders with active terms in 2026.
Registration to to the full Connect event includes access to all sessions, meetings, networking events and the trade show unless event specifically notes otherwise. Attendees may attend any learning session and "Programmed by" only denotes the communities and volunteers that influenced or organized the session.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations notices to ashlie.vesper@autocare.org received:
- By Friday, April 3, 2026 will receive a full refund less a $50 administrative fee.
- By Friday, April 17, 2026 will receive a 50% refund.
- Beginning Saturday, April 18, 2026 and after do not receive a refund.
- Substitutions are accepted at any time and at no cost.
Exhibitor Registration
Deadline to register for an exhibit booth is Friday, April 3, 2026.
This registration is for companies exhibiting at the Tuesday, May 12 trade show. All companies that provide software solutions or content related services to the aftermarket are required to exhibit in the trade show in order to attend the conference.
| Auto Care Member | Non-Auto Care Member |
| $2,695 | $5,350 |
Includes:
- One (1) Attendee Full Connect Registration
- One (1) 8x10 booth
- Event App Listing
- All audience lunch at trade show from 12:30p.m.–1:30p.m.
- All audience happy hour from 4:30p.m.–5:30p.m. at trade show
Trade show is Tuesday, May 12 from 12:30p.m.–5:30p.m. Exhibitor Setup is Tuesday, May 12 from 9a.m.–12p.m.
Share on Social!
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Book Your Stay Today!
Auto Care Connect Hotel Rates*
| Standard | $229 |
RESERVE YOUR ROOM
*Discounted Auto Care rates are subject to availability until Friday, April 10, 2026.
Developing Schedule Overview
Check back often as we share more details on the amazing sessions being developed for 2026!
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12:00 PM – 6:00 PMConnect Monday Registration
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1:30 PM – 3:00 PMAn Introduction to ACES® and PIES®
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3:00 PM – 5:00 PMMonday Afternoon Learning Sessions Programmed by YANG
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3:15 PM – 4:45 PMAutoZone Supplier Meeting Programmed by ACPN (Registration Required)
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4:00 PM – 5:00 PMFirst Time Attendee Orientation Programmed by ACPN
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5:00 PM – 6:30 PMConnect Welcome Reception
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7:00 PM – 9:00 PMYANG Community Exclusive Dinner
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9:00 PM – 11:00 PMACPN Community Exclusive Evening Social
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7:00 AM – 8:00 AMConnect Tuesday Breakfast
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7:00 AM – 5:00 PMConnect Tuesday Registration
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8:00 AM – 10:45 AMTuesday Morning Learning Sessions Programmed by ACPN
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8:00 AM – 10:45 AMTuesday Morning Learning Sessions Programmed by YANG
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11:15 AM – 12:30 PMTuesday Connect Keynote for All Connect Attendees
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12:30 PM – 1:30 PMConnect Trade Show Networking Lunch
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12:30 PM – 5:30 PMConnect Trade Show
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2:00 PM – 4:00 PMTuesday Afternoon Learning Sessions Programmed by ACC
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2:00 PM – 4:00 PMTuesday Afternoon Learning Sessions Programmed by YANG
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4:30 PM – 5:30 PMConnect Trade Show Happy Hour
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7:00 AM – 8:00 AMConnect Wednesday Breakfast
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7:00 AM – 5:00 PMConnect Wednesday Registration
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8:00 AM – 9:30 AMWednesday Morning Connect Keynote for All Connect Attendees
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10:00 AM – 11:45 AMWednesday Morning Learning Sessions Programmed by ACC & Auto Care
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10:00 AM – 11:45 AMWednesday Morning Technical Breakouts Programmed by ACPN
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11:45 AM – 1:15 PMConnect Wednesday Networking Lunch
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1:30 PM – 2:15 PMWednesday Afternoon Learning Sessions Programmed by ACC & Auto Care
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1:30 PM – 3:30 PMWednesday Afternoon Technical Breakouts, Learning Session and ACP Graduation Programmed by ACPN
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2:30 PM – 3:30 PMInteractive Vehicle Forums
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3:45 PM – 5:15 PMWednesday Afternoon Connect Keynote for All Connect Attendees
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5:30 PM – 7:00 PMWednesday Connect Reception
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6:30 PM – 9:00 PMACPN Community Exclusive Chair Dinner
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7:00 AM – 8:00 AMConnect Thursday Breakfast
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7:00 AM – 2:00 PMConnect Thursday Registration
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8:00 AM – 11:30 AMACPN Community - State of the Standards, Pitch Competition and Your Standards, Your Voice Hosted by the Technology Standards Committee
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8:00 AM – 12:00 PMThursday Morning Auto Care Committee & Community Meetings
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11:45 AM – 1:30 PMConnect Thursday Networking Luncheon
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1:00 PM – 5:00 PMThursday Afternoon Auto Care Committee & Community Meetings
This is THE event for networking, especially for those working with automotive content. The number of attendees and plethora of networking events make it easy to develop relationships.
Jordan Molina, Catalog Manager, Parts Authority
I love being able to reconnect with those I've met in the industry, talk about problem solving approaches for common issues, see new products/services at the Trade Show, earn continuing education credits, while making great friends in the industry you can learn through the year.
Crystal Weaver, Data Integrity Specialist, TERREPOWER
Why Attend
Why Attend
The Auto Care Industry's Largest Learning Experience
Join the leaders of the industry for education, networking, business solutions and industry-shaping opportunities that will elevate you, your organization and the industry.
Help Me Persuade My Boss!
Download this email template to send to your employer with reasons they should send you to this year's Connect.
25 %
of attendees' titles were VPs or above
100 %
of 2025 respondents would recommend Connect to another colleague
Explore the Trade Show: Products and services for the automotive aftermarket industry, including the largest gathering of automotive aftermarket content professionals.
Contact Jessica Finnerty for all trade show inquiries at jessica.finnerty@autocare.org.
Attend Networking Breakfasts, Luncheons, Industry Receptions and Happy Hours: Broaden your circle in industry-wide connections as well as community-only specific gatherings to foster relationships with your people.
Join Leadership Days Committee and Community Meetings: Connect with Auto Care’s high-level volunteer leaders and engaged industry influencers in meetings that shape the future and direction of the association.
Testimonials from 2025
It is an action packed week, with insightshappening around every corner, and it truly does "Connect".
Scott Nash, Director Sales, Product, and Strategy, Spectra Premium
Platform to meet the most influential people of our industry discussing key topics and future trends.
Stefen Feder, Head of Aftermarket, North America AUMOVIO, Systems, Inc.
A Look Back at the 2025 Connect Exhibitors
Don't miss out on showcasing your products and services at Auto Care's largest spring event. Check out a sample of the companies that particpated in 2025!
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2026 Connect Current Sponsors
Thank you to this year's current sponsors for their support of Auto Care Connect. Join our generous sponsors and showcase your business and brand in front of Auto Care's largest learning audience.
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