New Networking Breakout Space Announced for Car Dealer Live 2026

Enhanced Networking Opportunities at Car Dealer Live 2026

Car Dealer Live has announced a significant enhancement to its upcoming March event with the introduction of a dedicated networking breakout area. This new space is specifically designed to facilitate more meaningful conversations between suppliers and dealers within the motor trade.

The newly added breakout area will provide suppliers with the opportunity to set up their own networking tables during key intervals throughout the event. These include the welcome coffee session, morning break, lunch, and afternoon tea periods. This strategic timing allows for engagement while attendees are relaxed and receptive to new business ideas.

Limited Spaces Available for Supplier Networking

Supplier spaces within the networking area are strictly limited and are reportedly selling quickly. Each networking table package includes two tickets to Car Dealer Live, providing an excellent platform for companies to showcase their products and services directly to automotive professionals.

Car Dealer Live 2026, sponsored by Auto Trader, will take place on March 19 at the prestigious British Motor Museum in Gaydon. The event brings together professionals from across the UK automotive industry for a day of inspiration, education, and connection.

Event Hosts and Programme Enhancements

The event will be hosted by James Baggott, James Batchelor, and Rebecca Chaplin, with this year's programme redesigned to deliver even more value to attendees. James Baggott commented on the new networking feature, stating: 'This is a great opportunity for those firms who want to attend and show off their products or services to our attendees. The breaks are designed for networking while people are relaxing and this gives them the chance to chat to new businesses and take away even more ideas for their dealerships.'

The agenda features exclusive research sessions hosted by headline sponsors including Auto Trader, Google, Motorway, Impel, Keyloop, and Cox Automotive. These sessions will provide valuable insights into current market trends and consumer behaviours.

Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussions

Headline interviews have been confirmed with Peugeot Managing Director Nicole Dobson and Sohib Ghafouri, boss of used car dealership Infinity Motors. The event will also feature two major panel discussions: a franchised car dealer panel including Hedin CEO Richard Ennis, Snows Group COO Alex Domone, and Luscombe Motors MD Sam Luscombe; and an independent car dealer panel with IMDA chairman Umesh Samani, Really Easy Car Credit founder Steven Douglas, and Hilton Garage director George Manning.

A special session focusing on social media vehicle sales will showcase dealers who have successfully sold cars through platforms like Meta, with one guest having sold over 3,000 vehicles via social media alone.

Chinese Manufacturer Spotlight

The event will also host a challenger session featuring executives from Chinese manufacturers BYD, Geely, Omoda & Jaecoo, and Chery. This session will explore their entry into the UK market and future expansion plans, providing valuable intelligence for dealers preparing for increased competition.

Ticket Information and Pricing

Tickets are available now through the official Car Dealer Live website. Standard pricing (excluding VAT) includes:

• Dealer ticket: £165
• Supplier ticket: £335
• Streaming ticket: £225
• Dealer + Hotel package: £325
• Supplier + Hotel package: £495

Hotel packages include accommodation the night before the event, with a social gathering planned for evening networking opportunities.

Suppliers interested in securing a networking table should email livesales@blackballmedia.co.uk or call 020 8125 3880. With limited availability, early booking is recommended to secure a prime networking position at one of the UK's premier automotive events.