Automotive Engineering Exposition (AEE), Detroit, USA

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