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.
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.
2026 Schedule
View the 2026 Public Policy Day schedule.
Additional speakers to be announced. Schedule subject to change.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 11:30am |
Check-In + LunchJoin us for a networking lunch, sponsored by Toyota, before the start of the agenda. |
| 12:25pm |
Welcoming RemarksThe 2026 Public Policy Day will kick off with welcoming remarks.
|
| 12:30pm |
Opening SessionOpening session and moderated discussion:
|
| 1:05pm |
Industry Roundtable Discussion
|
| 1:25pm |
Lamborghini AnnouncementLamborghini will take the stage as Carlo Sandrin, Brand Manager of Lamborghini Washington, presents the 2026 Temerario. |
| 1:35pm |
Industry Roundtable DiscussionKeith Laing, Political Journalist, will moderate a dynamic discussion on the future of the automotive industry. Featuring insights from:
|
| 2:00 pm |
US News & World ReportU.S. News & World Report will unveil its 2026 Best Cars for the Money award winners.
|
| 2:20pm |
Coffee BreakCoffee break sponsored by Alliance for Automotive Innovation |
| 2:30pm |
Keynote PresentationU.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy will deliver a keynote on the future of transportation, infrastructure, and mobility, with John Bozzella, President & CEO of The Alliance for Automotive Innovation. |
| 3:15pm |
Aston Martin AnnouncementExclusive Automotive Group takes the stage as Shane Lee and Sorabh Kumar present the 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante. |
| 3:25pm |
Fireside ChatDOE Undersecretary Andrew Fitzsimmons and Stellantis Senior VP of Public Affairs Shane Karr sit down with automotive journalist Dave Shepardson for a fireside chat on powertrain diversity, affordability, and energy security at a pivotal moment for the U.S. auto industry. |
| 3:55pm |
Stellantis AnnouncementStellantis takes the stage, as Kimberly Shults, Head of South Region Communications, Stellantis North America, presents the 2026 Jeep® Cherokee and the 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee |
| 4:15pm |
Closing DiscussionThe 2026 Public Policy Day will conclude with a closing discussion.
|
| 5:00pm |
Auto Show Sneak Peek, presented by Events DCThe Public Policy Day program will conclude at 5:00 pm and attendees will be invited to attend the Washington, D.C. 2026 Auto Show Sneak Peek Reception, presented by Events DC. 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. |
2026 Conference Speakers
-
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
Michigan's 6th District
-
Congressman Bob Latta
Ohio's 5th District
-
Dave Shepardson
Correspondent
Thomson Reuters
-
Jamie Darvish
EVP & COO
DARCARS Automotive Group
-
Will Bright
CEO & Founder
Saferide
-
Paul J Daly
Founder/CEO
More Than Cars
-
Kyle Mountsier
Partner/COO
More Than Cars
-
Carlo Sandrin
Brand Manager
Lamborghini Washington
-
Jennifer Safavian
President & CEO
Autos Drive America
-
Stacey Knoppel
Vice President of Sales
Events DC
-
Shane Lee
Brand Manager
Aston Martin
-
Sean Duffy
United States Secretary of Transportation
-
John Bozzella
President & CEO
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation
-
Alex Fitzsimmons
Under Secretary
U.S Department of Energy (DOE)
-
Shane Karr
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs
Stellantis North America
-
Kimberly Shults
Head of South Region Communications
Stellantis North America
-
Jonathan Morrison
Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
-
Mike Stanton
President & CEO
National Automobile Dealers Association
-
Alex Kwanten
Managing Editor
U.S. News & World Report
-
Collin Shaw
President
MEMA Original Equipment Supplier
-
Keith Lang
Political Journalist
USA Today
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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.
