Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Philadelphia Auto Show, taking place from January 16 to 24, 2027, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, showcases the latest vehicles from leading automakers.
It is produced by the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia, which also highlights career opportunities in the automotive industry.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Philadelphia Auto Show runs from January 16 to 24, 2027, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This premier automotive event features the latest vehicles from top manufacturers, attracting thousands of attendees each year.
- 3Organiser: Produced by the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia, the event highlights innovations in the automotive industry.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include automotive enthusiasts, industry professionals, and families looking to explore the latest vehicle offerings.
- 5Entry / Access: Tickets are available for purchase online, with special events like the Black Tie Tailgate on January 15, 2027.
Why visit
Visitors can explore the latest vehicles, engage with automotive experts, and enjoy interactive experiences. Dates and Venue: The Philadelphia Auto Show runs from January 16 to 24, 2027, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. Scale and Focus: This premier automotive event features the latest vehicles from top manufacturers, attracting thousands of attendees each year. Buyer Authority: Attendees include automotive enthusiasts, industry professionals,.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Philadelphia Auto Show provides brands with direct access to a large audience of potential customers and industry professionals. It enhances visibility and allows for networking opportunities that can lead to increased sales and brand loyalty. The Philadelphia Auto Show is a key event for automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals, showcasing innovations and providing networking opportunities. It plays a significant role in connecting consumers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Automotive enthusiasts looking for the latest models and technologies.
Families seeking family-friendly vehicles and experiences.
Industry professionals interested in networking and industry trends.
Local car dealers looking to connect with consumers.
Students exploring career opportunities in the automotive sector.
First responders attending special events and promotions.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Major automotive manufacturers showcasing their latest models.
Aftermarket parts and accessories suppliers.
Local dealerships promoting their inventory.
Automotive technology companies demonstrating innovations.
Lifestyle brands related to automotive culture.
Service providers offering automotive-related services.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Electric and hybrid vehicles showcasing sustainable technology.
Luxury cars featuring high-end design and performance.
Family vehicles designed for comfort and safety.
Performance cars emphasizing speed and engineering.
SUVs and crossovers catering to diverse consumer needs.
Motorcycles and recreational vehicles for adventure enthusiasts.
Location & Facilities
Venue
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Facilities
Parking
Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Pennsylvania Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
January 16 to 24, 2027:10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Philadelphia, United States
Why it matters
Attending Philadelphia Auto Show on 2027-01-16 to 2027-01-24 in Philadelphia lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · SEK
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Lansdale / Plymouth Meeting, north-western suburbsUSD 153–208 / night
Car-dependent suburban options; confirm parking and commute times before travel.
Mid-range
City Avenue corridor, western PhiladelphiaUSD 174–250 / night
Closer to Center City than the outer suburbs; confirm live rates and parking costs.
Premium
Downtown Market Street / Center CityUSD 250–308 / night
Walking distance to the Convention Center and Reading Terminal Market; confirm live rates and cancellation terms.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
SEPTA Market-Frankford (Blue) Line
Estimated costSEK 45–90
Best for11th Street Station to the Pennsylvania Convention Center entrance
Most direct rail approach to the hall; confirm current fares and service hours before travel.
SEPTA Broad Street (Orange) Line
Estimated costSEK 45–90
Best forCity Hall / 15th Street Station, then a short walk to the Convention Center
Useful for hotels along Broad Street; transfer to Market-Frankford Line at City Hall for a one-stop connection.
SEPTA Regional Rail
Estimated costSEK 90–180
Best forJefferson Station or Suburban Station to the Convention Center concourse
Weather-proof winter arrival via the Center City concourse; confirm fares and schedules before travel.
SEPTA bus
Estimated costSEK 45–90
Best forMarket Street and Arch Street corridors, plus crosstown routes
Useful for short hops and neighbourhoods without rail; allow extra time on show weekends.
Taxi or rideshare
Estimated costSEK 300–450 airport run; SEK 100–200 within Center City
Best forPhiladelphia International Airport to Center City hotels and the Convention Center
Designated pick-up and drop-off points at the venue; confirm posted airport flat rate and live app prices before travel.
Amtrak at 30th Street Station
Estimated costSEK 900–1,800 intercity; SEK 90–180 local connection
Best for30th Street Station to the Convention Center area
Regional rail gateway from New York, Washington, Baltimore and Boston; confirm fares and connections before travel.
Weather
The show sits in mid-winter in Philadelphia, so the weather affects travel rather than the event itself: the Pennsylvania Convention Center is fully indoor and heated. Typical January bands are daytime highs of roughly 3-7 C (upper 30s to mid 40s F) and overnight lows of roughly -4 to 0 C (mid 20s to low 30s F), with wind chill making it feel colder. Precipitation in January can fall as rain or snow, and occasional ice events are possible, which can slow airport transfers, Regional Rail and road traffic. Practical steps: check the forecast in the final 48 hours, allow extra transfer time on snow days, keep a warm coat and gloves for the walk between hotel and hall, and use the Center City concourse connection at Jefferson Station if the pavements are icy. These are typical climate bands for the season, not a forecast for a specific date - confirm current conditions before travelling.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
For industry preview days, business casual or smart casual is typical, and the region's automotive retail culture is generally less formal than finance or legal events. For public show days, comfortable casual clothing and walking shoes are entirely normal.
Arrival and badge pickup
Arrive at opening on your chosen day, especially on weekends, when bag-check and ticket lines are at their longest. Have your ticket confirmation and ID ready on your phone before you reach the door.
Tipping
US tipping norms apply in Philadelphia: around 18-20 percent on restaurant bills before tax, and a dollar or two per drink at a bar. Rideshare and taxi tipping is expected through the app or card terminal.
Taxes and payment
A combined Pennsylvania state and Philadelphia city sales tax applies to many goods and prepared food purchases, widely cited at around 8 percent. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carrying a small amount of cash is useful for tips and some market stalls.
Winter-ready clothing
January in Philadelphia means a proper winter coat, gloves, a hat and shoes with grip. The convention hall itself is warm, so dress in layers you can shed once you are inside.
Local etiquette
Queuing is orderly, personal space is valued and small talk with strangers is usually brief. In a crowded exhibition hall, keep walkways clear, ask before photographing individuals and move aside when stopping to talk.
Accessibility
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is a modern, step-free, ADA-compliant venue with lifts and accessible restrooms. Ask venue staff about wheelchair loans or quiet space if you need them.
Emergency and safety
The emergency number in the United States is 911. Follow venue security instructions during bag checks and keep sight of your belongings in crowded halls.
Getting oriented
Center City is walkable and gridded, with Market Street as the main east-west spine and Broad Street running north-south. Reading Terminal Market, adjacent to the Convention Center, is the standard lunch stop when the show floor gets busy.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Google Flights samples captured for departures around 2027-01-16 into Philadelphia (PHL) from London LHR, Tokyo NRT and New York JFK. Prices were labelled as typical at time of capture; check live fares and baggage terms before booking. New York Penn Station to Philadelphia 30th Street Station is shown as a direct 1 hr 11 min train alternative for the New York band.
Hotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2027-01-16
Check-out (recommended)
2027-01-24
Areas to stay
City Avenue corridor, western Philadelphia · Downtown Market Street / Center City · Lansdale / Plymouth Meeting, north-western suburbs
budget
SEK 153-208/night
mid range
SEK 174-250/night
premium
SEK 250-308/night
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Philadelphia; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Pennsylvania Convention Center: Lansdale / Plymouth Meeting, north-western suburbs: Lansdale / Plymouth Meeting, north-western suburbs; City Avenue corridor, western Philadelphia: City Avenue corridor, western Philadelphia; Downtown Market Street / Center City: Downtown Market Street / Center City.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Philadelphia; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: The Pennsylvania Convention Center is one of the best-connected venues in the United States. The SEPTA Market-Frankford (Blue) Line stops at 11th Street, roughly a block from the hall, and the Broad Street (Orange) Line connects at City Hall / 15th Street for a short walk or a one-stop transfer. Regional Rail is the most weather-proof option in January: trains into Jefferson Station link to the Convention Center through the Center City underground concourse, and Suburban Station is a short walk away. SEPTA Key Travel Wallet fares for subway and bus are approximately USD 2.00-2.50 per ride, and Regional Rail is zone-priced at approximately USD 4-7 for Center City trips; confirm live fares and any service changes with SEPTA before travelling. Regional Rail and the Airport Line also make Philadelphia International Airport reachable by train for arrivals who prefer not to take a taxi.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Pennsylvania Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: January in Philadelphia is properly winter: typical daytime highs fall between about 3 C and 7 C (upper 30s to mid 40s F) and overnight lows between about -4 C and 0 C (mid 20s to low 30s F), with wind chill making exposed walks feel colder. The show floor itself is indoors and heated, so the temperature range mainly matters for the walk between hotel, transit station and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Pack a warm coat and layers, and confirm the live forecast in the final days before travel.
Packing: January 2027
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Philadelphia Auto Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2Philadelphia Auto Show registration concourse
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$306.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$456.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Philadelphia Auto Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
- The automaker that designs, builds and brands a vehicle. At the Philadelphia Auto Show the OEM displays are the manufacturer-backed stands on the show floor, which visitors use to compare models side by side rather than visiting individual dealerships.
- World debut / North American debut
- A vehicle shown publicly for the very first time (world) or for the first time in this market (North American). Auto shows are one of the few places where press and public can see a debut model in the metal before it reaches dealerships.
- Concept vehicle
- A design study that previews future styling, packaging or technology. Concepts are usually non-production and cannot be bought; they are displayed to show the direction an automaker is heading.
- BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
- A vehicle powered only by a battery and electric motor, with no petrol or diesel engine. Auto show EV displays typically let visitors check cabin space, cargo volume and where the charge port sits in real life.
- PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
- A vehicle with both a combustion engine and a battery that can be recharged from a plug. Useful for buyers who want electric-only commuting plus a petrol engine for long trips.
- HEV / conventional hybrid
- A hybrid that captures braking energy and assists the engine but is not plugged in to charge. Often the lowest-friction step for buyers moving away from a pure combustion car.
- Charging levels (Level 1, Level 2, DC fast)
- Level 1 uses a standard household outlet, Level 2 uses a 240 V home or public charger, and DC fast charging is the high-power public network used on road trips. Show staff can usually explain which level a displayed model supports.
- EPA-estimated range
- The official US range figure for an electric vehicle, expressed in miles on a full charge. It is the number shoppers compare first when walking an EV display.
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- Driver-support features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and blind-spot monitoring. Show floors often include static or simulated demonstrations of these systems.
- MSRP
- Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, the sticker price an automaker publishes before dealer fees, taxes and options. Useful as a starting comparison point, not as the final out-the-door price.
- Trim level
- A version of the same model with a defined bundle of engine, equipment and interior specification, for example base, mid-grade and top trim. Much of the value comparison at a show happens between trims of one model.
- Crossover / SUV
- A tall-bodied passenger vehicle, usually built on a car-like platform (crossover) or a truck-derived one (traditional SUV). Crossovers are consistently the largest product category on a modern US auto show floor.
- Powertrain
- The complete system that moves the vehicle: engine or motor, transmission and drive layout (front, rear or all-wheel drive). Comparing powertrains across brands is one of the fastest uses of a show visit.
- Infotainment / connected car
- The screen, software, phone integration and over-the-air update capability built into a vehicle. Sitting in the cabin at a show is the quickest way to judge whether a system is usable for you.
- Ride-and-drive / test track
- An on-site driving or passenger experience, often an indoor or outdoor course where visitors ride in or drive selected models, including EVs. Participation usually requires a valid driving licence and a signed waiver.
- Dealer association staging the show
- Regional franchised new-car dealer associations commonly organise US auto shows, which is why the floor mixes manufacturer displays with dealer and finance representation. Confirm the current organiser and floor plan on the official show site.
- Aftermarket and accessories
- Parts, accessories, detailing, tyres and services sold outside the new-car manufacturer channel. These stands are where owners of existing vehicles find products rather than new models.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Philadelphia Auto Show
- Philadelphia Auto Show 2027
- Philly Auto Show
- Philadelphia Auto Show Pennsylvania Convention Center
- Philadelphia Auto Show January 2027
- auto show Philadelphia 2027
- Philadelphia car show 2027
- electric and hybrid vehicles expo Philadelphia
- luxury cars expo Philadelphia
- performance cars show Philadelphia
10 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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Philadelphia Auto Show
- event_website
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.