REGISTRATIONS for the 2025 AADA Convention & Expo, the premier Australian automotive industry event that brings leading business minds and innovators together, have now opened.

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) said registrations opened on March 17 ahead of the event which is set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 22 and 23, 2025, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC). ‘Early bird’ rates will be available until May 21.

Convention director Patrick Tessier said the event “is both timely and vital to industry players, as the retail automotive sector undergoes significant transformation that requires dealerships to evolve their business models to remain profitable and meet changing consumer demands.  

Patrick Tessier – Convention director

“Under the theme ‘Changing Lanes’, the 2025 AADA Convention & Expo will explore how emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital solutions – can enhance operational efficiency and create smarter consumer experiences, including integrated finance and insurance (F&I) solutions,” he said.

He said that attendees can look forward to a dealer-focused business program, featuring renowned industry leaders, thought-provoking panel discussions, and cutting-edge presentations.

The Hon. Julia Gillard AC

The event highlights include the AADA Auto-IT opening breakfast on July 22 featuring a keynote address from The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, 27th Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership.

This will be followed by a compelling panel discussion ‘Driving Change: The Strategic Advantage of Women in Automotive’, moderated by Rachel Reed Butler of Women in Automotive, with insights from top industry professionals.

Rachel Reed Butler of Women in Automotive

In the AADA Sovereign Insurance General Session, internationally-respected automotive consultant Glenn Mercer will present his updated study, ‘The Dealership of Tomorrow – A Global Perspective’, offering dealers a unique outlook on the evolving global retail automotive landscape.

Glenn Mercer, internationally-respected automotive consultant

The AADA Cox Automotive keynote session is a keynote interview with 2025 NADA chairman, Tom Castriota, followed by an essential panel discussion, ‘Navigating Change: The Top 5 Policy Issues Impacting Dealers’, moderated by AADA CEO James Voortman.

Tom Castriota, 2025 NADA chairman

On Wednesday, July 23, the AADA and youX have a special presentation, a must-attend panel discussion, ‘Embracing Change – AI, Automation & The Future of Automotive Retail’.

This will feature leading Australian dealer Wade von Bibra as moderator and explore how AI and new technologies are reshaping the automotive retail experience.

Wade von Bibra, leading Australian dealer

The 2025 AADA Expo will showcase more than 70 exhibitors, over Tuesday and Wednesday, with cutting-edge products, services and technologies that can help dealers drive efficiency and growth.

The 2025 AADA Expo Live Stage Program will run across Tuesday and Wednesday and will feature nine presentations, across three sessions, by Allied Industry Professionals, showcasing their products and services, on the new AADA Expo Live Stage in the heart of the AADA Expo.

There will also be the highly successful AADA Workshop Program. “Over the coming weeks, further announcements will be made about key speakers and the AADA Workshop Program, which will feature 20 dealership focused sessions across the two-day event,” Mr Tessier said.