Exhibitor FAQs

Automobilia Collectors Expo 2026 Exhibitor Info

As the kickoff to Monterey Car Week, the Automobilia Collectors Expo 2026 brings together collectors, dealers, artists, memorabilia sellers, and enthusiasts for three focused days of automobilia, networking, and sales. ACE is built as a complete collector experience, integrating the indoor Expo, the Live Automobilia Auction, the Monterey Motorshow, and the ACE Forum into one destination.

 

Quick Facts

Dates
Monday–Wednesday
August 10–12, 2026
Location
Embassy Suites Monterey Bay
Seaside, California
Expo Hours
Mon–Tue: 10 AM–5 PM
Wed: 10 AM–3 PM
ACE Experiences
Expo, Live Auction,
Motorshow, Forum

General Information

When is the Expo?

The Automobilia Collectors Expo 2026 will take place Monday–Wednesday, August 10–12, 2026 at the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay in Seaside, California. Expo hours are 10:00 AM–5:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday, and 10:00 AM–3:00 PM on Wednesday.

Why exhibit at ACE?

Exhibiting at ACE places your brand in front of a highly targeted audience at the very start of Monterey Car Week—when collectors are actively exploring, networking, buying, and engaging. Exhibitors benefit from direct access to motivated buyers, strong visibility within a premium collector environment, and expanded exposure through official promotional channels including WhatsUpMonterey and the Monterey Car Week Guide. ACE also brings together the Expo, Monterey Motorshow, Live Automobilia Auction, and ACE Forum to create a more dynamic and valuable exhibitor experience.

What can I display or sell?

Exhibitors may display or sell a wide range of original automotive memorabilia and collector-related goods, including vintage posters, rally plates, badges, hood ornaments, signs, art, scale models, literature, books, signed items, racing apparel, photography, vintage accessories, and more. If it celebrates automotive history, design, culture, or collecting, it may be a fit for ACE.

What Booth and Display Options Are Available?

Inline Booth

Rows in the Ballroom

Approximately 8' wide by 7' deep. Includes two 30" x 72" tables with covers, chairs, and an 8' x 4' poster board backdrop. Smaller or modular setups are possible, and multiple booths may be combined for additional space.

Vendor Perimeter Display

Perimeter Booths

Approximately 12' wide by 4' to 10' deep, depending on placement. Includes three tables with covers and chairs. These booths are positioned along the ballroom perimeter for strong visibility and steady attendee flow.

Brand Merchandise Partners

Qualified Brand Display Option

This display option is intended for approved automotive manufacturers and lifestyle brands seeking a premium retail presence during Monterey Car Week. Placement, setup structure, and participation terms may differ from standard exhibitor booths.

Specialty areas such as Pit Stop activations, car displays, watch dealers, and other custom programs may be available upon request, subject to fit, placement, and overall show mix.

Note: Booth fees are based on booth type, location, and visibility—not strictly on square footage. Sizes are approximate and may be adjusted to meet venue requirements.

Policies & Placement

Are booth sizes guaranteed?

Booth sizes, layouts, and orientations are approximate and may vary slightly due to venue footprint, fire-code requirements, and final floorplan adjustments. While every effort is made to honor requested layouts, management reserves the right to adjust placement, dimensions, or orientation as needed.

How is placement determined?

Returning exhibitors receive priority consideration. New exhibitors are placed based on availability, product category, overall balance of the show floor, and management discretion. ACE aims to create a well-curated and professional exhibitor mix throughout the event.

Can I request a specific location?

Yes. If you are interested in a particular area or placement type, please contact us for availability. Requested locations are subject to current inventory, show balance, and management approval.

Refunds & Adjustments

All exhibitor sales are final. Booth fees are non-refundable once reserved, unless the event itself is canceled.

Booth sizes and layouts are approximate and may vary slightly due to venue footprint, fire-code requirements, and final floorplan adjustments. Exhibitor fees are based on location, booth type, and visibility rather than square footage alone.

In rare cases where a booth space must be significantly adjusted, ACE management may, at its sole discretion, provide a partial adjustment or event credit. Refunds will not be calculated solely on differences in square footage.

Exhibitor Services

What’s included with a booth?

Included furnishings depend on the booth type selected.

Inline Booth

Includes two 30" x 72" tables with covers, chairs, and an 8' x 4' poster board backdrop.

Vendor Perimeter Display

Includes three tables with covers and chairs.

Do exhibitors receive passes or tickets?

Each booth includes 2 vendor passes. Additional passes may be purchased separately. View additional pass options.

Are tables, chairs, and power included?

Tables and chairs are included based on your booth type. Electrical power is not included and must be ordered separately if needed.

What’s new in 2026?

ACE continues to expand its exhibitor support and visibility offerings as the event enters its third year.

  • Expanded promotion through the Monterey Car Week Guide and WhatsUpMonterey media network
  • Dedicated exhibitor profile pages on the ACE website with company information and contact details
  • Improved floorplan flow and enhanced premium display opportunities
  • Continued free Wi-Fi for exhibitors
  • Stronger integration across the Expo, Live Automobilia Auction, Monterey Motorshow, and ACE Forum

Hotel group rates

Special hotel group rates for ACE exhibitors will be announced separately, subject to availability. These rates are limited and are typically offered on a first-come, first-served basis during peak Car Week demand.

Payment methods

ACE accepts ACH, check, and online payments. Online payments may be subject to a 4% processing fee. Payment confirms your booth reservation.

Setup & Logistics

What are the setup and breakdown times?

Load-in and setup: Sunday, August 9, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Breakdown: Wednesday, August 12, starting at 4:00 PM.

Is parking available?

Exhibitor parking is available at the Embassy Suites main parking lot. It is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is storage available?

Limited storage may be available for a storage fee upon request. If you anticipate needing extra storage or backstock accommodations, please contact the ACE team or Embassy Suites Monterey Bay in advance so arrangements can be reviewed.

Is security provided?

General overnight venue security is provided. However, exhibitors remain responsible for securing and monitoring their own merchandise, valuables, equipment, and display materials at all times.

Attendance & Participation

Are exhibitors expected to stay for all three days?

Yes. To maintain a consistent and professional experience for attendees, exhibitors are expected to remain for the full duration of the Expo. Full participation also helps maximize visibility, buyer engagement, and sales opportunities throughout the event.

Where can I view the current floor plan?

The current floor plan is updated as exhibitors and sponsors are confirmed. Please note that the floor plan remains subject to change until final assignments are completed.

Ready to Exhibit at ACE 2026?

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 Automobilia Collectors Expo—where exhibitors plug into a complete collector ecosystem of automobilia, auction energy, outdoor display, and enthusiast engagement at the start of Monterey Car Week.

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