CIAS 2026 aims to showcase the wonder of the automotive industry in all its variety.

It’s almost hard to believe we’re well into the fall season again, which means it isn’t that long until the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow. Next year’s event runs from February 13-22 and we’re hoping to build upon the momentum we saw in 2025 and 2024. If there is one word that describes the 2025 event—based on feedback we’ve received this year, it’s “outstanding. 

Strong participation

From our perspective, the 2025 AutoShow got off to an auspicious start, with one of the worst snowstorms we’ve seen in 25 years coinciding with the opening weekend of the event. And while that created challenges for people getting to CIAS, once there, enthusiasm and participation was among the highest we’ve ever seen. Vehicle manufacturers, sponsors, vendors, and other exhibitors reported very high levels of engagement and that taking part this year was a great experience for them.

Our objective was to provide a platform for OEMs and exhibitors to showcase their brand, not simply jam in as many vehicles as they could on the carpet. Some came up with some very creative concepts for displaying vehicles and products—ones that really resonated with those who attended.

Multiple options

And that unique and creative experience is something we’re looking to build on for CIAS 2026. Our theme for next year’s AutoShow is Driven by Choice, and this reflects the multiple options consumers have when it comes to their next vehicle, whether it’s electric, hybrid, internal-combustion engine powered, or happens to be a sedan, coupe, sports car, pickup, SUV or crossover utility. The end goal is about having freedom of choice and the availability of vehicles that fit a specific customer’s needs. When selecting a theme for CIAS, it’s important for us to stay ahead of the curve and ensure the AutoShow is geared toward the type of vehicles consumers want to buy.

Over the last two decades, automotive expos have seen some dramatic changes and once big events have declined with others emerging to take their place. A key part of being successful in this space, is creating an event that is focused on the consumer, not specifically on the manufacturers or the dealers.

I think that’s one reason why the Canadian International AutoShow has continued to grow and thrive, as our number one goal is consumer engagement. In 2026 we will see some staple favourite aspects such as Camp Jeep, the indoor EV test track, outdoor ride and drives, as well as classic, exotic car and motorsport exhibits return, but every year we try to do something different to keep things fresh and exciting, which, is the essence of what the auto industry is all about.

Trend considerations

In order to do that, we continue to observe the latest industry trends and shifts happening in the market, ensuring that each year we can deliver an experience consumers want to see, hear and feel. In 2025, although attendance was down a little from 2024 due to the impact of the snowstorm on the opening weekend, we still saw very strong numbers during the course of the show. Putting things into context, we witnessed over 15,000 people getting behind the wheel for a test drive at the AutoShow which is extremely encouraging.

We’ve also been seeing other premier shows in North America take more interest in what we’re doing at CIAS, enabling us to forge new partnerships and share ideas for the betterment of not only our individual auto shows but the entire industry. It’s an exciting time to be in this business and, based on the data and feedback we’ve received both from 2025 and the concepts we’ve been putting together for the next CIAS—it looks like 2026 is going to be a great yea— resulting in an AutoShow where we not only meet consumer expectations, but exceed them.