Automobilia Collectors Expo: Essential Information for 2026 Exhibitors

Welcome to the Automobilia Collectors Expo! Below you’ll find answers to common questions from exhibitors, organized by topic.

General Information

When is the Expo?

The 2026 Automobilia Collectors Expo will take place Monday–Wednesday, August 10–12, 2026 at the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA. Expo hours are 10am–5pm Monday and Tuesday, and 10am–3pm Wednesday.

Why Exhibit?

Exhibiting at the Expo positions your brand at the forefront of the automobilia community and among passionate car enthusiasts and collectors. It’s an opportunity to connect with collectors, enthusiasts, and industry insiders before Monterey Car Week is in full swing. Exhibitors benefit from high visibility, direct buyer engagement, and extensive promotion through official channels.

What Can I Display or Sell?

Exhibitors can display or sell a wide range of automotive memorabilia: vintage posters, photographs, rally plates, badges, hood ornaments, signs, original art, scale models, literature, books, signed items, vintage and racing apparel, and more. If it celebrates automotive history and culture, it’s welcome at our Expo.

Booth Options

Showcase Booth (Premium Corners): Approx. double the space of a standard booth with maximum exposure.

Vendor Display (Perimeter Booths): Approx. 12' wide x 10' deep, positioned around the ballroom for excellent visibility.

Entrance / Prime Location: Premium spaces positioned near entrances and high-traffic areas. Due to venue and fire-code requirements, dimensions are approximate and may vary. Placement is valued for visibility and access rather than square footage.

Brand Merchandise Partners (New for 2026)

Automotive manufacturers and lifestyle brands (such as BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, etc.) may participate in this program. This program applies only to automotive and lifestyle brands, not standard vendors. Instead of only paying a booth fee, brand merchandise partners pay:

• A base participation fee to secure premium space at the Expo.
• 10% of gross merchandise sales, in addition to the base fee.

All brand merchandise transactions are processed through the Expo’s provided credit card terminals for accurate reporting and settlement. After the Expo, proceeds are distributed to brand partners minus the 10% commission and standard card processing fees.

Specialty Areas: Options such as Pit Stop, Car Displays, or Watch Dealers are available upon request with custom sizing and placement.

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

For full pricing and availability, please see our Exhibitor Registration page.

Policies & Placement

Are Booth Sizes Guaranteed?

Booth sizes and layouts are approximate and may vary slightly due to venue footprint, fire-code requirements, and final floorplan adjustments. While we do our best to honor requested layouts, management reserves the right to adjust dimensions or orientation as needed.

How is Placement Determined?

Returning exhibitors receive priority consideration. New exhibitors are placed based on availability, product mix, and creating a balanced show floor. Final placement is at management’s discretion.

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 and booth type (e.g., corner, perimeter, entrance/prime, or specialty placement), not strictly on square footage.

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

Exhibitor Services

What’s New in 2026?

• Expanded promotion through the official Monterey Car Week Guide and WhatsUpMonterey media network.
• Dedicated exhibitor profile pages on our website with your contact info and company bio.
• Improved floorplan flow with premium Pit Stop car display area.
• Continued free Wi-Fi for exhibitors.

Hotel Group Rates

Special hotel group rates for 2026 exhibitors will be announced soon. Rates are limited and offered on a first-come basis. Please check back for updates.

Payment Methods

We accept ACH, check, and online payments (subject to a 4% processing fee). Payment confirms your booth reservation.

Attendance & Participation

Are Exhibitors Required to Stay for All Three Days?

Yes. Exhibitors are expected to remain for the full duration of the Expo to ensure attendees receive a consistent experience and exhibitors maximize visibility and sales opportunities.

Current Floor Plan

The floor plan is updated as new exhibitors and sponsors are confirmed. Please note the floor plan is subject to change as final assignments are made.

We look forward to welcoming you as an exhibitor at the 2026 Automobilia Collectors Expo — the premier gathering for automotive heritage and culture.