Northwood University has arrived in Las Vegas for the 2026 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show with the largest student delegation to date – reinforcing Northwood’s role as a national leader in automotive and mobility education.
Nearly 50 Northwood students are on the ground this week participating in one of the automotive industry’s premier annual gatherings. Throughout the conference, students will represent Northwood University across a wide range of high-profile opportunities – from pitch competitions and scholarships to dealer education sessions, industry partner activations, and the Northwood University booth on the NADA Expo floor.
“Experiential learning is central to how we prepare students for leadership in the automotive and mobility industries,” said Vice President of Enrollment and Strategic Partnerships Dr. Matthew Bennett. “NADA gives our students direct access to the people, ideas, and real-world challenges shaping the future of retail automotive – and they consistently rise to the occasion.”
Students will participate in pitch contests, serve as presenters and ambassadors during the Dealer Education Awards, support Northwood’s presence at its exhibitor booth, and engage with major industry partners, including ACV, Cox Automotive, Honda, Rydell Company, and Ted Ings’ Fixed Ops Roundtable.
“This is more than a conference experience,” said Elgie Bright, who chairs Northwood’s automotive marketing and management program. “Our students are contributing, representing, and building professional relationships that often turn into internships, full-time roles, and long-term industry partnerships.”
Northwood’s Center for Automotive and Mobility Studies (CAMS) continues to play a key role in preparing students for opportunities like NADA 2026 through curriculum, industry engagement, and applied learning.
“Our presence at NADA reflects years of intentional work to align academics with industry needs,” said CAMS Division Chair Dr. Dave Oventhal. “When Northwood students arrive at NADA, they aren’t just observing – they’re actively involved in engaging with attendees and working with industry leaders.”
“As a business student, attending NADA with my university is an incredible opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders, see innovation firsthand, and connect classroom theory with the real automotive marketplace,” stated Caiden Doan, who hails from Macomb, Mich., and is one of the students leading the 63rd Northwood University International Auto Show, Sept. 18-20, 2026, in Midland, Michigan.
