The 2026 ICAIA Spring Conference is an opportunity for automotive instructors, educators, program coordinators, vendors, and industry partners to come together and share knowledge, resources, and innovations in automotive technical instruction. ICAIA organizes the conference to support continued professional development, program improvement, and collaboration among those dedicated to high-quality automotive education.
When & Where
Dates: March 26–27, 2026
Host Institution: Southern Illinois University, Murphysboro, IL
Why Attend
Professional Development — Attend sessions designed to help instructors stay current with evolving automotive technologies, instructional strategies, and industry standards.
Hands-On & Vendor Exposure — Explore vendor trade-shows and exhibits offering tools, training equipment, curricula, and resources that support automotive and CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs.
Peer Networking — Connect with automotive instructors, educators, and program directors from across Illinois — share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and build relationships.
Support for Students & Programs — Learn about scholarship opportunities, program improvement strategies, and ways to promote the automotive service profession — including support through the ICAIA Founding Fathers Scholarship.
What to Expect
Vendor Trade Show & Exhibits — A showcase of vendors offering tools, equipment, curricula, and educational technology to support automotive training programs.
Technical Sessions & Workshops — Presentations and hands-on sessions addressing automotive instruction, lab setup, curriculum development, teaching strategies, and emerging automotive technologies.
Opportunities for Program Hosts — For schools with facility constraints, ICAIA supports hosting the conference even if lab space is limited — smaller schools can host by using classrooms and hallways for vendor displays and sessions.
Scholarship & Student Support Information — Information about scholarships for students participating in automotive programs, promoting recruitment and retention in the field.
Who Should Attend
High school and postsecondary automotive instructors and teachers
CTE program coordinators and administrators
Automotive lab managers and curriculum developers
Vendors and providers of automotive training equipment and instructional tools
Educators interested in strengthening automotive education and student success
Join Us in March 2026
The 2026 ICAIA Spring Conference aims to build stronger automotive training programs, promote collaboration among educators, and connect schools with industry-driven tools and resources. Whether you lead an extensive program or a small one-person lab, this conference offers valuable resources, networking, and support to elevate automotive education.
