Automotive Management Live returns to NEC on 11 November

Automotive Management Live will return to the National Exhibition Centre on 11 November 2026, offering UK motor‑trade professionals a dedicated day of insight, networking and practical sessions. The event provides dealers with the latest management techniques and market intelligence to improve profitability.

Key takeaways

• The conference is set for 11 November 2026 at the NEC, London.
• It targets dealership owners, managers and after‑sales teams seeking operational improvement.
• Speakers include industry leaders, data analysts and technology partners.

Event overview

Automotive Management Live is a one‑day conference designed to address the challenges facing today’s car dealers. The programme begins with a keynote on market trends, followed by breakout workshops covering retail finance, digital retailing, and staff motivation. All sessions are held within the NEC’s conference hall, allowing attendees to move between topics without leaving the venue.

Registration opens in September 2026 and is limited to 500 participants to maintain an interactive environment. Early‑bird pricing is available until the end of October, after which standard rates apply. Delegates receive a digital programme, access to presentation slides and a post‑event report summarising key takeaways for implementation in their own operations.

Topics and sessions

The agenda reflects the most pressing issues for UK dealers. A session on electric‑vehicle inventory management examines cost implications and consumer demand. Another workshop explores data‑driven pricing models, helping participants set competitive yet profitable resale values. A panel on regulatory updates will clarify the impact of upcoming emissions standards and finance legislation on dealership operations.

In addition to formal sessions, the event offers a dedicated exhibitor zone where technology providers showcase tools for CRM, inventory financing and after‑sales service optimisation. Attendees can schedule one‑to‑one meetings with vendors, facilitating rapid adoption of solutions that align with their strategic goals. Informal networking breaks allow participants to exchange experiences and build collaborative relationships.

Dealer opportunities

Dealers attending Automotive Management Live can earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits recognised by industry bodies such as the Institute of Motor Industry. The workshops provide actionable templates for cost‑control, staff scheduling and customer retention, enabling immediate implementation. Access to benchmark data from peer groups assists dealers in measuring performance against national standards, supporting evidence‑based decision making.

Participants leaving the conference will join an online community that shares post‑event resources, upcoming webinars and regional meet‑ups. This ongoing support helps dealers sustain momentum gained during the day and apply new strategies throughout the fiscal year. Organisers also promise a special discount for the next Automotive Management Live edition, encouraging repeat attendance and long‑term knowledge development.

What this means for dealers

The timing of Automotive Management Live aligns with a period of rapid change in the UK automotive market, where electric‑vehicle uptake and tighter emissions rules are reshaping inventory strategies. Dealers who tap into the insights and tools presented can refine pricing, improve profitability and better manage the transition to greener fleets, giving them a competitive edge over rivals slower to adapt.

By attending, dealers also gain access to a network of peers and suppliers that can facilitate collaborative buying, shared data and joint marketing initiatives. The CPD accreditation reinforces professional credibility, which can be leveraged in customer communications to demonstrate commitment to industry best practice and continuous improvement.

Frequently asked questions

When and where is Automotive Management Live taking place?

The conference is scheduled for 11 November 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The day‑long event runs from 09:00 to 17:00, with registration opening at 08:30. It is hosted in the NEC’s International Conference Hall, providing easy access to exhibition spaces and catering facilities.

What can dealers expect to gain from attending?

Dealers will receive CPD‑accredited sessions covering pricing optimisation, electric‑vehicle inventory, and regulatory updates. They can network with industry experts, meet technology providers and collect practical toolkits for immediate use. Post‑event, attendees join an online forum that shares reports, webinars and future discount offers, ensuring the knowledge gained can be applied throughout the year.