If your career or interest circles around vehicle design, engineering, propulsion, autonomy, emissions control, or electric mobility, the Automotive Engineering Exposition (AEE), Detroit, USA is an event you won’t want to miss in 2025. It’s where automakers, suppliers, engineers, researchers, and thought-leaders come together to share breakthroughs, solve challenges, and shape the future of vehicles.
Let’s take a deeper look at why this expo matters, what you’ll find there, and how to make the most of your visit.
What Is the Automotive Engineering Exposition?
AEE is a premier event for technical professionals in the automotive industry. Unlike consumer auto shows, it combines technical presentations, case studies, and networking with a high-tech exhibit hall. You’ll see new laboratory tools, software platforms, test methods, and engineering services—all directly tied to vehicle development and design.
This isn’t a trade show for car buyers. It’s designed for the people who build, test, and refine the vehicles we drive.
When and Where Is It Happening?
- 📍 Venue: Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center), Detroit, MI
- 📅 Dates: September 9 – 11, 2025
- Hours: Exhibition and keynote sessions generally run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day
Huntington Place is right in downtown Detroit, near the riverfront, hotels, restaurants, and easy access to the M-1 Streetcar and Detroit Metro Airport.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Expo-Only Registration: Free or low-cost (with early registration)
- Technical Conference & Exhibit Access: $399 to $599 (rates vary by membership and how early you register)
- Workshops or Training Courses: Available separately, often priced in the $200–$400 range
- Student & Group Discounts: Often offered for academic or team registrations
Many companies view the full registration as an investment in innovation and professional networking.
Who Should Attend?
If your role touches any part of the vehicle engineering lifecycle, this expo is for you. Attendees typically include:
- Automotive engineers (powertrain, chassis, NVH, electronics)
- R&D specialists and test engineers
- EV and battery system experts
- Software and controls developers
- Calibration, simulation, and validation engineers
- Engineering managers and tech leads
- Professors and students involved in automotive research
While the format is technical, prior experience in vehicle development is helpful for getting the most from sessions.
What’s Inside the Expo?
Here’s your hands-on guide to what you can expect at AEE Detroit:
1. Technical Presentations
Engineers from major automakers, suppliers, and universities share case studies and findings on topics such as:
- Electric vehicle drive systems and battery tech
- Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) solutions
- Lightweight material innovations
- Autonomous vehicle sensors and safety systems
- Emissions compliance and advanced combustion
Sessions are organized into tracks for powertrain, chassis, EVs, ADAS, and more.
2. Exhibit Hall Features
Hundreds of exhibitors showcase:
- Test rigs, dynamometers, and simulation systems
- Sensors, actuators, and diagnostic tools
- Modeling and simulation platforms
- Battery test benches and EV power electronics
- Calibration software and integration services
- Emissions testing gear and measurement instruments
You can speak directly with engineering experts, request demos, and compare different solutions side by side.
3. Training Workshops
Pre-show sessions teach hands-on skills in areas like:
- Battery safety and validation
- Embedded control programming
- Mechatronics calibration
- CAE and simulation workflows
These sessions are usually small-group, interactive, and led by experienced engineers.
4. Conference Networking Events
Join breakfasts, luncheons, and evening receptions to connect with:
- Fellow engineers and technical contacts
- Automotive and supplier thought-leaders
- Recruiting personnel from major companies
- Academic researchers and graduate students
These are casual yet high-value moments to expand your professional network.
Why You Should Attend
Let’s break down the real value you’ll get from attending AEE:
• Hands-On with Cutting-Edge Tools
See new test devices and simulation platforms live, ask tough questions, and evaluate their fit for your team.
• Stay at the Innovation Forefront
Learn what’s next in EV range, fast charging, weight reduction, ADAS, and sustainable materials before they hit production.
• Learn from Real Projects
Presentations aren’t theoretical—they’re stories of real-world results, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Build a Strong Professional Network
Connect with designers, analysts, and suppliers who are facing the same engineering hurdles you are.
• Showcase Your Capabilities
If you’re speaking or presenting, it’s also a chance to position yourself and your team as industry innovators.
Where to Stay in Detroit
Choosing a nearby stay will save you commute time and help you balance work with downtime. Recommended hotels include:
- Westin Book Cadillac – Downtown landmark with luxury finishes
- Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center – Connected via skywalk
- Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney – Trendy and walkable
- Atheneum Suite Hotel – Historic character near the Riverwalk
- Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Detroit – Reliable and near main venues
- MGM Grand Detroit – If you prefer to mix business with entertainment
Book early—Detroit often sees high demand for automotive conferences.
Quick Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Register early to save money and access workshops
- Pre-plan sessions and booth visits using the expo app
- Bring business cards or digital contact tools—you’ll meet many professionals
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be on your feet and walking
- Take notes during sessions for topics to explore when back home
- Make time for evening events—some of the best connections happen then
Bonus: Bring your resume if you’re open to exploring career moves—recruiters are often present.
Final Thoughts
The Automotive Engineering Exposition in Detroit is more than just a show—it’s a technical hub that brings together today’s most important automotive engineering topics. Whether you’re focused on EVs, lightweighting, thermal control, ADAS, or thermal management systems, this event offers deep insights, practical solutions, and valuable human connections.
If your job is to develop or test vehicles—and you want reliable solutions that last—attending AEE will give you the knowledge, network, and context to succeed in today’s fast-evolving automotive landscape.
👉 Book your tickets now for Automotive Engineering Exposition (AEE), Detroit:
https://www.sae.org/attend/aee