The Southern Automotive Conference (SAC), now in it’s 19^th year, is the South’s largest automotive manufacturing event which rotates annually between the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

The event theme for 2026 is ‘Connected’, as the SAC showcases how the southern automotive industry leads the charge to embrace transformation, spark innovation and blaze a trail into the future.

OEM and Tier 1 suppliers taking part in the B2B matchmaking at the previous edition of SAC included Honda, Hyundia, Kasai, Mahle, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Polaris, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Attendees are guaranteed a minimum of 4 B2B appointments.

The trade mission is for UK automotive companies, either with experience in the US or looking to explore this market for the first time.

• Market research – understand more about the Southeastern region and the opportunities for your company
• ����ٷɴǰ��쾱�Բ���– connect with US companies at the Southern Automotive Conference, and at networking events
• Raise your profile – SMMTwill promote your company on our platforms and will introduce you to relevant organisations and stakeholders
• Value for money and access – cost is cheaper than visiting independently and you will visit manufacturing sites
• ���ܱ��ǰ�����– support from 91��Ƭ������, Department for Business and Trade and local stakeholders including South Carolina Department of Commerce and Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association.

The programme will include:

• Four-day visit arranged by 91��Ƭ������
• Attend the
• B2B meetings and networking receptions
• Site visits
• Networking opportunities with OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers and support organisations
• Briefings from local stakeholders on the automotive landscape in Georgia and South Carolina

for latest trade mission programme*

*Activity in South Carolina is being organised by the South Carolina Department of Commerce and will include meetings, briefing from local stakeholders, networking reception / dinner and site visits. Details will be updated once activities are confirmed.

Cost:

£695 + VAT: SMMTmember rate (1 attendee per company. Additional attendees can attend for £395 + VAT per attendee)

£895 + VAT: Non-SMMTmember rate** (1 attendee per company. Additional attendees can attend for £595 + VAT per attendee)

**SMMTmembership starts from £768 + VAT per year.

PLEASE NOTE: Costs relating to flights, hotels, some subsistence and travel to the start and from the finish of the trade mission programme will need to be covered by delegate companies. Travel during the trade mission is covered by SMMTas will some subsistence. SMMTwill also recommend hotels.

��DzԳٲ�������[email protected] for more information.

“Really positive all round, thank you”

“Very well organised. An interesting mix of activities, meetings and attendees”

“The mission was very useful for gathering insights into the US market”

“Good market insight and networking”

“Provided a better insight into the US market and made some good contacts”

“I would highly recommend SMMTtrade missions”