Motorshow 
Automobilia Collectors Expo 2026 Exhibitor Information
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
August 10–12, 2026
Seaside, California
Wed: 10 AM–3 PM
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 is designed as a multi-layered collector ecosystem where the Expo, Live Automobilia Auction, Monterey Motorshow, and ACE Forum all work together to create meaningful interactions, not just foot traffic.
What can I display or sell?
Exhibitors may display or sell a wide range of automotive memorabilia and collector-related goods, including vintage posters, rally plates, badges, hood ornaments, signs, original 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.
The Auction Advantage
The Live Automobilia Auction is a core component of ACE, not a separate side attraction. It helps concentrate serious buyers, consignors, collectors, and industry participants at the event, creating additional opportunity for exhibitors before, during, and after the auction.
Auction preview periods help drive qualified traffic through the event, while auction day adds urgency, energy, and stronger collector engagement on-site. This creates a more dynamic environment than a traditional standalone expo.
- Increased collector traffic leading up to the auction
- A concentrated audience of active buyers and bidders
- Cross-engagement between exhibitors, consignors, and attendees
- Additional momentum and collector energy throughout the event
The Motorshow Advantage
The Monterey Motorshow expands visibility and adds another traffic layer to ACE. By combining indoor automobilia with an outdoor vehicle showcase, exhibitors benefit from broader attendee appeal and stronger movement throughout the venue.
The Forum Advantage
The ACE Forum brings collectors, experts, and industry voices together through curated sessions that add authority and engagement to the event. It helps keep attendees on-site longer and reinforces ACE as a destination for both commerce and conversation.
Booth Options
Showcase Booth
Premium Corners
Approximate double-sized premium corner placement with strong visibility from multiple angles. Ideal for high-impact displays and established exhibitors seeking standout presentation.
Vendor Display
Perimeter Booths
Approximately 12' wide by 10' deep and positioned around the ballroom perimeter for strong visibility and steady traffic flow. A great fit for established vendors and curated sellers.
Entrance / Prime Location
High-Traffic Placement
Premium spaces located near entrances or major traffic corridors. Due to venue and fire-code requirements, dimensions are approximate and may vary. Placement value is based primarily on visibility and access.
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.
Brand Merchandise Partners
New for 2026, this program is designed for established automotive manufacturers and lifestyle brands seeking a premium retail presence during Monterey Car Week with built-in infrastructure, reporting, and event visibility.
Examples may include automotive marques and related lifestyle brands such as BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, and similar qualified partners. This program applies specifically to approved automotive and lifestyle brands and is separate from standard vendor participation.
Brand merchandise partners participate through:
- A base participation fee to secure premium event placement
- 10% of gross merchandise sales, in addition to the base fee
All approved brand merchandise transactions are processed through ACE-provided credit card terminals for accurate reporting and settlement. Following the event, proceeds are distributed to partners minus the 10% commission and applicable standard credit card processing fees.
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.
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 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
When is load-in and setup?
Detailed load-in instructions and exhibitor arrival windows will be provided closer to the event. Exhibitors should plan to arrive before opening day to complete setup and merchandising.
Is parking available?
Exhibitor parking details will be shared prior to the event. Because Monterey Car Week is a high-demand period, parking logistics are carefully coordinated and may vary based on final floorplan and venue operations.
Is storage available?
Limited storage may be available upon request. If you anticipate needing extra storage or backstock accommodations, please contact the ACE team 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.
Become an Exhibitor