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2026 Connect Schedule
Our 2026 Schedule is developing fast! Check back for updates and make sure you keep an eye out for announcements in your inbox!
Wednesday Morning Keynote Speaker:
David Kwong
Bio
As a magician and New York Times crossword puzzle constructor, David Kwong has delighted and confounded audiences worldwide. A TED Talk favorite, Kwong regularly speaks to companies and demonstrates the principles of illusion and the science of why your brain is fooled.
Kwong was the head magic consultant for the worldwide hit Now You See Me. Kwong’s one-man show, The Enigmatist, has sold out runs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. His interactive puzzle show, Inside the Box, also garnered a Critic’s Pick from the New York Times.
David has spoken to and performed for hundreds of companies with his entertaining and enlightening talks on the principles of illusion, influence, command, and the science of getting a step ahead. He also designs custom team-building puzzle events.
Drawing from his book, Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success, David regularly speaks to companies about how to bridge the gap between perception and reality and increase your powers of persuasion and influence.
Wednesday Afternoon Keynote Speaker:
Colin O’Brady
Bio
Colin O’Brady is one of the world’s most recognized endurance athletes and explorers. He is a 12-time world record holder, two-time Everest summiteer, Yale University graduate, and highly sought-after public speaker. In 2018 he became the first person in history to cross the landmass of Antarctica—solo, unsupported and completely human-powered. The New York Times wrote O'Brady's Antarctic crossing ”joined some of the most remarkable achievements in polar history." Guinness World Records called O’Brady’s 2019 world first human-powered ocean row across Drake Passage from South America to Antarctica, “...one of the most significant human-powered adventures ever undertaken...” Colin is an Executive Producer of The Impossible Row, and Survivalists, and is the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary.
However, Colin isn’t just an adventurer. He’s the New York Times bestselling author of The Impossible First, a memoir recounting his 54-day journey, 932-mile crossing of Antarctica, and he’s considered to be one of the foremost experts on mindset. His TED talk, “Change Your Mindset and Achieve Anything,” has been viewed over 3 million times and his non-profit work—to inspire kids and community to live active, healthy lives and achieve their biggest dreams—has widespread impact. Colin’s entrepreneurial ventures have resulted in co-founding a live events company, 29029 Everesting, which was acquired by iFit. His latest bestselling book, The 12-Hour Walk, aims to inspire 10 million people to take a one-day transformative journey to conquer their minds and unlock their best lives.
His most recent world record breaking expedition saw him survive alone for 100 days in Antarctica, crossing a farther distance than any solo, and unsupported expedition in history, and surviving for longer on the frozen continent alone than any other human in history. This expedition is the subject of the upcoming Netflix documentary directed by Academy Award winning director James Reed (My Octopus Teacher).
Colin’s story provides a raw, inspirational, thought-provoking journey deep into the mind to uncover what’s possible and unlock human potential, set to a backdrop of some of the most extreme places on earth including Mt. Everest and Antarctica. Colin has been featured on leading media platforms including The Today Show, The Tonight Show, Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, the New York Times, CBS Sunday Morning, PBS, CNN, NPR, Business Insider, HBO Real Sports, Forbes, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, Outside Magazine, Men’s Health, People, Esquire, among many other global outlets.
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Sessions and engagements designed from the newly joined Automotive Communications Council representing marketing and communications specialists of the industry.
Sessions and engagements from the Aftermarket Content Professionals Network representing industry content management professionals.
Sessions and engagements from the Young Aftermarket Network Group bringing together industry professionals under the age of 40.
Sessions and engagements curated by various Auto Care committee and community engagement efforts. Includes standing meetings for the Auto Care Association’s Committee and Community appointed volunteer leaders to guide and advance the industry and further association’s products and contributions.
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