DETROIT (Dec. 5, 2025) – The Detroit Auto Show today announced a lineup of 60+ industry experts and thought leaders for the Jan. 14-15 Mobility Global Forum (MGF), including Founder and CEO of Apptronik Jeff Cardenas; President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research Elizabeth Krear; Founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services Carla Walker-Miller; President and CEO of Valvoline Global Operations Jamal Muashsher; in addition to just-announced keynote speaker former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
Now in its third year, the two-day symposium will be held during Media and Industry Days at Detroit’s Huntington Place, just ahead of the show’s Charity Preview event on Friday, Jan. 16 and public opening on Saturday, Jan. 17.
A list of speakers and programming is available at detroitautoshow.com.
Presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Office of Future Mobility and Electrification on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Walker-Miller Energy Services on Thursday, Jan. 15, the MGF will also be the backdrop for several industry-significant award programs, including the highly anticipated 2026 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards. The EyesOn Design Awards and the 30thAnnual S&P Global Mobility Loyalty Awards will also take center stage during the MGF.
With the overarching theme, “Transforming Mobility: Innovation, Integration and Impact,” the MGF will feature keynotes, panels and fireside chats. Presentations will be held on the main show floor at Huntington Place before an audience of industry leaders, media, academia and the public sector. In addition, university students are being invited to the show as a part of Future Leaders to cultivate the industry’s next generation.
“Detroit — the auto capital of the world — has always been where the future of mobility takes shape. The Mobility Global Forum at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show brings together global leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and it gives people rare, direct access to the conversations shaping the next era of this industry,” Detroit Auto Show Executive Director Sam Klemet said. “Over two days, this platform will spotlight the breakthroughs, collaborations, and ideas defining the future of design, technology, and transportation.”
A sampling of additional MGF participants includes:
- Dr. Rose Bellanca, president, Washtenaw Community College
- Dr. Pnina Gershon, research scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab & Center for Transportation & Logistics
- Preet Gill, executive vice president, global technology risk practice leader, Lockton
- Justine Johnson, chief mobility officer, State of Michigan
- Tom Kelly, executive director and CEO, Automation Alley
- Martin Lavelle, principal business economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
- John McElroy, president, Blue Sky Productions
- Sophia Schuster, policy principal, Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council
Visit detroitautoshow.com for tickets and more information about MGF programming and hours. Industry Day tickets are $55 for an individual-day pass; $80 for two-day pass.
About the Detroit Auto Show
Recognized as one of the world’s most influential automotive events, the Detroit Auto Show offers a platform for cutting-edge automotive and mobility innovations. With immersive experiences, brand-defining vehicles, and hands-on activations, the show invites attendees to experience the future of mobility and the heart of Detroit’s creative energy.
2026 Detroit Auto Show Highlights
The Gallery Fundraiser: Tuesday, Jan. 13
Media & Industry Days: Wednesday–Thursday, Jan. 14–15
Mobility Global Forum: Wednesday–Thursday, Jan. 14–15
Future Leaders Program (University Student Access & Career Pathways): Thursday, Jan. 15
Charity Preview: Friday, Jan. 16
Public Show: Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17–25
Racing Day presented by the Detroit Grand Prix: Tuesday, Jan. 20
Future Leaders Program (High School Student Access & Career Pathways): Wednesday–Thursday, Jan. 21-22
For more details, visit detroitautoshow.com and follow the Detroit Auto Show on social media.
