January 31- February 9, 2025 / 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.

2024 Conference Schedule

See the show-stopping schedule from our 2024 show.

Time Session
11:30am

Check-In + Lunch

Join us for a networking lunch before the start of the agenda.

12:00pm

Welcoming Remarks

The 2024 Public Policy Day will kick off with welcoming remarks.

  • Introduction
    • John O’Donnell, President & CEO, Washington, DC Auto Show
  • Welcoming Remarks
    • Robin Carnahan, Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
12:15pm

Auto Caucus Roundtable

Panelists:

  • U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell
  • U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur
  • U.S. Representative Mike Kelly
  • U.S. Representative Bob Latta
  • U.S. Representative Roger Williams

Moderator:

  • Dafna Linzer of U.S. News & World Report
1:05pm

Panel Closing Remarks

White House National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi delivers the closing remarks for the Auto Caucus roundtable discussion.

1:15pm

Lexus/Toyota Announcement

Lexus/Toyota will take the stage to present their 2024 Lexus TX 550h+ and discuss their 2025 Toyota Camry.

1:30pm

U.S. News & World Report

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

Panelists:

  • Liz Opsitnik, Executive Editor, U.S. News & World Report
1:50pm

Coffee Break

2:00pm

Fireside Chat

  • Gabe Klein, Executive Director, Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
  • Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
  • David M. Turk, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy
2:50pm

Panel Discussion

This panel will feature industry and government officials discussing the current industry trends.

Panelists:

  • Alex Jacquez, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development & Industrial Strategy,
    National Economic Council
  • Deanne Millison, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Ford
  • Joseph Pittel, Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs, Samsung SDI
  • Pat Risner, Hermosa Project President, South32

Moderator:

  • Maxine Joselow, Washington Post
3:20pm

Rolls-Royce Announcement

Rolls-Royce will take the stage to present their Spectre, the first ever electric Rolls-Royce.

3:40pm

Panel Discussion

Update on Electric Vehicle incentives and what that means for consumers, auto manufacturers, and efforts to expand charging infrastructure.

Panelists:

  • Matthew Doyle, IRA Clean Energy Operations Lead, U.S. Department of the Treasury
  • Rachel McCleery, Senior Advisor, IRA Program Office, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Moderator:

  • David Schwietert, Chief Policy Officer, Alliance for Automotive Innovation

 

4:10pm

Aston Martin Announcement

Aston Martin will take the stage to present their brand new Aston Martin DB12

4:25pm

Fireside Chat

CEO of Autos Drive America, Jennifer Safavian will engage in a conversation with Rep. Adrian Smith, Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. Safavian and Smith will discuss U.S. trade policy, supply chains, and the transition to electric vehicles and how U.S. trade policy plays an important role in the health and competitiveness of the U.S. automotive industry

  • Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade, House Committee on Ways and Means
  • Jennifer Safavian, President and CEO, Autos Drive America
5:00pm

Auto Show Sneak Peek

The Public Policy Day program will conclude at 5:00pm and attendees will be invited to attend the Washington, D.C. 2024 Auto Show Sneak Peek Reception.

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.

2024 Conference Speakers

  • Robin Carnahan

    Administrator

    U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)

  • Representative Debbie Dingell

    Michigan’s 6th Congressional District

    U.S. House of Representatives

  • Representative Marcy Kaptur

    Ohio's 9th Congressional District

    U.S. House of Representatives

  • Representative Mike Kelly

    Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District

    U.S. House of Representatives

  • Representative Bob Latta

    Ohio's 5th Congressional District

    U.S. House of Representatives

  • Representative Roger Williams

    Texas's 26th Congressional District

    U.S. House of Representatives

  • Dafna Linzer

    EVP & Editorial Director

    U.S. News & World Report

  • Ali Zaidi

    White House National Climate Advisor

  • Liz Opsitnik

    Executive Editor

    U.S. News & World Report

  • Gabe Klein

    Executive Director

    Joint Office of Energy and Transportation

  • Polly Trottenberg

    Deputy Secretary

    U.S. Department of Transportation

  • David M. Turk

    Deputy Secretary

    U.S. Department of Energy

  • Alex Jacquez

    Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development & Industrial Strategy

    National Economic Council

  • Deanne Millison

    Senior Director of Government Affairs

    Ford

  • Joseph Pittel

    Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs

    Samsung SDI

  • Pat Risner

    President Hermosa Project

    South32

  • Maxine Joselow

    Writer

    Washington Post

  • Matthew Doyle

    IRA Clean Energy Operations Lead

    U.S. Department of the Treasury

  • Rachel McCleery

    Senior Advisor, IRA Program Office

    U.S. Department of the Treasury

  • David Schwietert

    Chief Policy Officer

    lliance for Automotive Innovation

  • Representative Adrian Smith

    Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District

    U.S. House of Representatives

  • Jennifer Safavian

    President and CEO

    Autos Drive America

    2024 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.