If you’re involved in automotive design, engineering, or safety systems, there’s one event in North America you simply can’t afford to miss — the Automotive Testing Expo North America. Held annually in Novi, Michigan, this is the most comprehensive trade fair in the U.S. for automotive testing, evaluation, validation, and quality engineering. From traditional combustion-engine vehicles to electric and autonomous vehicles, the show provides a complete overview of the latest tools, technology, and innovations that ensure vehicles are safe, efficient, and market-ready.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this expo such a must-attend for automotive professionals.
Venue and Dates
The Automotive Testing Expo North America takes place at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan — a world-class exhibition venue strategically located in the heart of the U.S. auto manufacturing corridor. This massive convention center features over 300,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space, allowing room for large machinery, interactive demos, and expansive booths.
The upcoming edition is scheduled for October 21–23, 2025, typically running from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Over the course of these three action-packed days, attendees will experience everything from live crash testing simulations to deep-dive seminars on data acquisition systems.
Who Attends and Why
The Automotive Testing Expo North America draws in over 10,000 visitors and 400+ exhibitors from across the globe, making it a truly international gathering of the automotive testing and validation community. Attendees include:
- Test engineers and technical specialists
- R&D professionals from OEMs and tier 1 suppliers
- Quality control and safety experts
- Simulation software developers
- Government safety and compliance bodies
- Consultants, startups, and academic researchers
What unites all these participants is a common goal: to discover the next wave of testing technologies that can push innovation while keeping vehicles safe, compliant, and market-ready.
Product Categories on Display
At the expo, the product categories are as wide-ranging and specialized as the industry demands. Some of the top segments featured include:
- Autonomous Vehicle Testing: Lidar, radar, and vision systems for self-driving vehicle validation
- Battery and EV Testing: Thermal cycling systems, battery simulators, endurance and safety testers
- Crash Testing Equipment: High-speed cameras, impact sensors, dummy systems, crash sleds
- NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness): Advanced acoustic chambers and vibration measurement tools
- Environmental Testing: Salt spray booths, humidity simulators, temperature chambers
- Data Acquisition & Telemetry: Real-time systems, wireless monitoring tools, cloud platforms
- Simulation & Digital Twins: Virtual prototyping tools, scenario simulation software
- Durability and Structural Testing: Fatigue testing rigs, material validation devices
This diversity makes the expo a one-stop platform for everything related to automotive safety and reliability.
Conference Highlights
Alongside the vast exhibition space, the expo features a dedicated technical conference where industry leaders share insights on real-world challenges and cutting-edge testing strategies. Topics often covered include:
- The role of AI and machine learning in autonomous testing
- Standardizing testing for electric vehicle powertrains
- Regulatory compliance for emissions and crash safety
- Data security in vehicle connectivity testing
- Accelerating validation for over-the-air updates and V2X systems
Speakers often come from leading global manufacturers, test labs, and regulatory agencies. If you’re someone who values both hands-on learning and strategic knowledge sharing, the conference provides plenty of value.
Hotels and Accommodation Nearby
Novi, Michigan is well-equipped to host out-of-town professionals. The Suburban Collection Showplace has a connected hotel, the Hyatt Place, which is the most convenient option for attendees. In addition, there are several other nearby accommodations:
- Hilton Garden Inn Detroit/Novi
- The Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel
- Residence Inn by Marriott Detroit Novi
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Novi
These hotels are all within a 5-10 minute radius of the venue and offer shuttle services, business amenities, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and transportation hubs.
Cost and Registration Details
The good news is that entry to the exhibit hall is typically free, which includes access to live demonstrations, exhibitor booths, and networking areas. However, some parts of the technical conference or workshops may require a paid registration depending on the pass type chosen.
There are usually three pass types:
- Expo-Only Pass: Free access to the exhibition hall
- Conference Pass: Paid access to all seminars and panel discussions
- All-Access Pass: Includes exhibition, conferences, networking events, and evening receptions
Group registrations and early bird discounts are often available, making it easier for entire engineering teams to attend together.
Perks and Benefits of Attending
1. Discover Emerging Technologies
Stay ahead of the curve by seeing the latest testing innovations — some not yet available in the mainstream market.
2. Hands-On Demonstrations
Exhibitors bring in fully operational setups for live crash simulations, battery endurance tests, and vehicle integration.
3. Valuable Networking
Meet with top-tier OEMs, suppliers, testing labs, startups, and academic institutions — all in one place.
4. Compare and Source Equipment
With over 400 exhibitors, you can compare various solutions in real-time and even begin the sourcing process during the event.
5. Industry Insights
From technical conferences to informal coffee breaks, learn what’s trending, what’s changing, and what’s coming next in automotive testing.
6. Save Time and Money
Attending one expo that covers multiple testing domains is more efficient and cost-effective than chasing individual solutions year-round.
Tips to Maximize Your Visit
- Pre-register online and print your badge to avoid long queues
- Map out exhibitors and sessions in advance to make the most of your time
- Bring your team to cover different product categories or technical sessions
- Book accommodations early, as nearby hotels tend to fill up quickly
- Use the networking lounges and break rooms to meet new people or follow up on leads
- Don’t forget to collect catalogs and business cards from vendors you’re interested in
Final Thoughts
The Automotive Testing Expo North America in Novi is more than just a trade show — it’s a high-impact learning and sourcing opportunity that brings together the entire automotive testing ecosystem. From electric vehicle testing and autonomous systems validation to crash simulation and data telemetry, this event covers it all.
Whether you’re a test engineer, R&D head, or a procurement lead looking to streamline your equipment needs, attending this expo will give you a first-hand look at the future of vehicle safety, performance, and compliance. It’s a space where innovation meets application — and where networking leads to transformation.
To explore session schedules and register your attendance, please visit:
https://www.testingexpo-usa.com/en/