The 28th Annual Michigan International Auto Show demonstrated why the show continues to thrive in Grand Rapids. The 2026 edition took place at DeVos Place Convention Center Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, returning to the venue that has helped it sustain its run as the highest-attendance consumer show in western Michigan, according to the event’s production company, Grand Rapids-based ShowSpan Inc.
The consumer-facing showcase is a premier opportunity for the public to view hundreds of vehicles from over 30 manufacturers—from trucks and SUVs to hybrid cars and performance vehicles. The latest advancements in electric vehicles and technological connectivity also were on display this year.
The show’s long-standing home at DeVos Place has held strong for nearly three decades—ShowSpan uses DeVos Place for all its events in western Michigan. ShowSpan say the convention center’s capacity to support large-scale, face-to-face marketing between businesses and consumers is what draws them for repeat business. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, the venue partners with trade show service providers for audio, catering, setup and display, staffing, and security, and offers a 162,000-square-foot exhibit hall. These capabilities make DeVos Place an ideal hub for large-scale events like the Michigan International Auto Show that consistently draw droves of attendees.
What made this year’s event a success was strong attendance from an engaged public that came to browse new and specialty vehicles and check out the latest features. Highlights from this year’s event included displays from Zeeland-based Gentex Corp., which exhibited its driver safety tech, alongside luxury-vehicle and after-market customization exhibitors.
The event also featured many Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers throughout western Michigan, spotlighting the region’s considerable manufacturing clout within the automotive trade. Attendees had ample opportunities to interact with many of Michigan’s auto industry players.
