Special Events

Kick back, network and relax as we raise a glass to the launch of Vehicle Tech Week North America.

Sponsored by Dewesoft, our drinks reception is the perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues, make new industry connections and keep the day’s conversations flowing. Enjoy a drink with fellow automotive professionals as the celebrations take place across the exhibition hall.

October 27 | From 4:00pm | Across the exhibition hall

What does it take to lead when technology, teams and mobility are all changing at once?

In this opening day women-led panel presented with IEEE WIE, senior leaders from 3M, General Motors, ADAC Automotive, Infineon, and Wayne State University will share perspectives on navigating technological disruption, building high-performing teams and developing the leadership mindset needed to drive successful mobility transformation.

October 27 | 4:00–4:40pm

FIND OUT MORE

Vehicle interiors are being redesigned from the inside out. Screens have grown, physical controls are making a comeback, and AI assistants are starting to act on the driver's behalf. For design and engineering teams, the question is no longer screens or buttons, but which interactions belong where, and what each choice means for the product.

This workshop from Munro & Associates at Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo takes an industrial design view of the cabin: where physical, digital and hybrid interiors stand today, how agentic assistants could reshape them in the years ahead, and how to design interiors that deliver real customer value while staying practical to build, validate and service.

Speakers:

• Carl Crittenden, lead engineer - Munro and Associates, USA

• Connor Riegle, senior industrial designer - Munro and Associates, USA

October 28 | 1:30–3:00pm
Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo

Vehicle Tech Week North America is committed to connecting the next generation of automotive innovators with the companies, investors, and industry leaders shaping the future of mobility. To support this mission, UKi is engaging with leading organizations like Autotech Council, Ann Arbor SPARK, and GAMIC (Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge), to help VTW create new opportunities for emerging companies to showcase disruptive technologies, engage directly with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, and become part of the conversations defining the future of transportation.

• “Startup Power-Hour” located on the In-Cabin conference stage  starting at 3:15pm on October 28th.  By bringing startups, investors, and established industry leaders together under one roof, Vehicle Tech Week North America is helping build a stronger, more connected mobility innovation ecosystem. Moderated by Ann Arbor SPARK.
• Fireside Chat: Investing in the automotive future – Do we have our priorities right? A 35-minute conversation on October 27th hosted by Autotech Council featuring Bosch LLC and Hyundai Cradle to address 'Are today's investment priorities aligned with the challenges OEMs and suppliers will face over the next decade?'