The 2026 LA Auto Show runs November 20 to 29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, across West Hall, South Hall, Petree Hall, Concourse Hall and Kentia Hall. Industry and media attend AutoMobility LA on November 19. The show is open on Thanksgiving Day and runs ten public days, with daily test drives and adventure rides inside and outside the venue.
ShowFleet is headquartered in Santa Ana, in Orange County, so the LA Auto Show is close to home for us. Here is how we think about the vehicle side of a stand from staging to move out.
Two weeks out: lock the plan
- Confirm the vehicle list. Model, trim, color and VIN for every unit, including any press or concept vehicles.
- Read the exhibitor manual. Fuel level limits, battery rules, marshalling and vehicle move in times.
- Book carriers. Enclosed transport for pre production and high value units. Open carrier for the rest.
- Arrange housing. Vehicles should wait somewhere secure near the venue, not in a public lot. ShowFleet coordinates and leases enclosed and outdoor housing close to the venue in most cities.
Arrival and staging
When vehicles reach staging, each one gets a pre show inspection report, emailed, recording any damage or missing accessories. Keys are tagged by make, model, color and last 4 of the VIN. Protective plastics come off. Removable accessories that could walk away during ten public days are bagged, labeled and secured.
This is also when paint gets attention. New vehicles often arrive with transport haze or marks. A 2 step paint correction before move in makes dark paint read deep under exhibit lighting.
Move in
Move in at a large consumer show is a sequence, not a free for all. Vehicles go in the order the exhibit build needs them, often onto turntables or platforms the exhibit house is still finishing. Before each vehicle reaches the door:
- Fuel is at or below the venue limit.
- Gas cap is sealed with a lock or tape.
- Battery cables are disconnected and taped.
- License plates are set up as the show requires.
Each vehicle is then placed on its mark according to the floor plan design.
November 19: AutoMobility LA
Press and industry day is where the photos that live online for a year are taken. Do the final detail after placement and under the actual stand lighting, then a last pass in the hour before media arrive. Clean every screen and touch point last.
November 20 to 29: ten days of public traffic
Ten public days is a long time for a display vehicle. Fingerprints, dust, smudged screens and footwell trash build up within hours. Plan for:
- Hourly maintenance on every vehicle, with more attention on the hero units and anything with an open door.
- A morning reset before doors open each day.
- Exhibit cleaning, floors, glass and displays, plus hourly trash removal.
- 24 hour security and key control overnight.
- Thanksgiving Day, November 26, when the show is open. Staff it like any other day.
- Ride and drive vehicles used for test drives and adventure rides need refreshes between sessions too.
If a vehicle picks up a ding or a scratch, mobile dent, paint and glass repair after close can have it back to standard the next morning.
November 29: move out
The show closes Sunday evening and move out starts fast. Reinstall accessories, reconnect batteries, unseal caps, add fuel as needed, complete the post show inspection and hand vehicles to carriers or back to housing. Compare the post show report to the pre show report so any change is documented before the vehicle leaves your care.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 LA Auto Show?
November 20 to 29, 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, with AutoMobility LA for industry and media on November 19.
Is the LA Auto Show open on Thanksgiving?
Yes. The 2026 show is open on Thanksgiving Day, November 26.
Where should display vehicles be stored before move in?
In secure housing near the venue, enclosed for high value vehicles. ShowFleet coordinates and leases housing close to the venue in most cities.
How often should display vehicles be cleaned during a ten day show?
An hourly refresh during public hours and a full reset each morning is a good baseline for a busy consumer show.
Can ShowFleet handle our LA Auto Show vehicles?
ShowFleet is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, and our services include vehicle detailing, receiving, inspections, logistics, staging, move in and move out, accessory installation and removal, graphics, power packs, exhibit cleaning, janitorial services and onsite event support. Request a quote or email info@showfleet.com(949) 460-0314.
Plan your stand
Request a quote with your vehicle count and services, or see Move-In and Move-Out and Onsite Event Support.
Related: Logistics · Vehicle Detailing · Auto Shows
Source for dates and halls: Los Angeles Convention Center event page