The SMMTRegional Forum is one of the leading automotive industry events in the UK, bringing together senior representatives from across the industry and its wider ecosystem. It is designed for those involved in shaping business strategy, operations and policy, from vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to technology providers, government and regional stakeholders.
Highlights from the Regional Forum
Regional Forum Wales 2026
ICC Wales, Newport, NP18 1DE
Supported by
2026 Slides
2026 Exhibitors
SMMTRegional Forum – UK Automotive Industry Event
Hosted at ICC Wales on 9 July 2026 for the SMMTRegional Forum, brought together senior decision-makers from across the UK automotive sector, including manufacturers, suppliers and key stakeholders.
The event provided a practical insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry, alongside valuable networking with peers and potential partners.
Why attend the Regional Forum
- Connect with 200+ senior automotive delegates
- Gain insight into current industry challenges and opportunities
- Hear how businesses are responding to change across the sector
- Build relationships and explore new commercial opportunities
With a focused, one-day format combining expert insight and networking, the Regional Forum is a key opportunity to stay informed, raise your profile and engage with the people driving the UK automotive industry forward – and is free for SMMTmembers to attend.
Why attend the Regional Forum?
The Regional Forum brings together senior figures from across the UK automotive sector to share insight, discuss current challenges and opportunities, and build valuable business connections.
What is the Regional Forum?
The Regional Forum is a UK automotive industry event that brings together senior representatives from vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, government and regional stakeholders to discuss the issues and opportunities shaping the sector.2102
Who should attend the Regional Forum?
The event is designed for people involved in business strategy, operations and policy across the automotive sector. It is particularly relevant for manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers and stakeholders looking to stay close to regional and national industry developments.
Why should I attend the Regional Forum?
Attending the Regional Forum gives you access to timely regional insight, practical discussion on current industry challenges, and the chance to network with peers, partners and senior decision-makers from across the automotive ecosystem.
What are the benefits of attending an automotive regional forum?Â
The benefits include hearing how the industry is responding to change, gaining insight into regional growth and investment potential, understanding the impact of policy and regulation, and building relationships that may lead to new partnerships and commercial opportunities.
What topics does the Regional Forum usually cover?
The programme focuses on the issues and opportunities shaping the UK automotive sector, with topics including zero emission mobility, supply chain resilience, policy and regulation, regional growth, investment potential, innovation and new technologies.
Is the Regional Forum good for networking?
Yes. The event is structured to support both formal discussion and informal networking, helping attendees exchange views, build meaningful connections, strengthen existing relationships and identify potential business opportunities.
Is the Regional Forum relevant for suppliers and technology companies?
Yes. The Forum brings together a broad mix of organisations from across the automotive ecosystem, including global and local suppliers, manufacturers and technology providers, making it a useful event for companies looking to raise their profile and connect with prospective customers or partners.
How many people typically attend the Regional Forum?Â
The Regional Forum regularly attracts more than 200 senior automotive delegates from a wide range of companies, creating a focused environment for high-value conversations.
Does the Regional Forum take place in the same location every year?Â
No. The event is held in a different part of the UK each year, which helps keep the programme relevant to regional opportunities, challenges and business connections.
How can the Regional Forum help my business?Â
The Forum can help your business stay informed, position itself within the wider sector, connect with decision-makers, and explore opportunities for collaboration, investment and growth in the UK automotive market.
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