Automotive Educators Conference (AEC)

We know budgets are tight. That’s why The Automotive Educators Conference (AEC) is packed with practical value you can immediately apply in your classroom—like hands-on training, teaching strategies, and CE credit. Plus, we offer discounts for NACAT members and encourage the use of available grants and funds to those wanting to attend. Attendees consistently say the conference pays for itself in fresh ideas and resources.

And to better serve our automotive educator conference attendees, here is a downloadable "Letter to Administrators". The team wrote out this complete and universal letter that conference attendees can share with their administration to get permission to attend the training and expo.

Yes—because it’s not just about the tech. AEC focuses on how to teach complex automotive content in a way students actually retain. You’ll walk away with proven teaching techniques, peer-vetted tools, and insights you won’t find at any other conference. It’s for automotive teachers, by automotive teachers.

Absolutely. Many veteran instructors say this is one of the only places they still learn something new. Whether it's advanced curriculum resources, new ideas from roundtable discussions, or simply being re-energized by fresh perspectives, there’s always something to take back—and the connections alone are worth it.

Yes! NACAT is proud to be family-friendly. We offer activities and events throughout the week for spouses and kids, so you can enjoy the experience together. We know many instructors use summer to reconnect with family, so we make sure no one feels left out.

Online has its place—but nothing beats the hands-on experience, in-depth discussions, and real-time collaboration you get in person. You’ll test tools, share ideas with other instructors, and attend sessions that spark new energy and innovation in your teaching.

Yes! We offer sessions dedicated to emerging technologies, including EVs, hybrids, ADAS, and more. You’ll also learn how to teach these concepts effectively—so students not only hear about them, but actually understand and apply them.

Then it’s especially for you. AEC is the place where you’ll meet others who know exactly what you’re going through. The community is supportive, welcoming, and full of educators who want to share ideas, answer questions, and build long-term professional friendships.

Everything at AEC is geared toward helping you teach better—and that means students learn better. From lesson planning strategies to active learning techniques, you’ll discover approaches that improve retention, engagement, and job readiness in your classroom.

Many attendees invest in themselves because the return is that strong. Still, we offer a justification letter template to help you make the case, and we’re happy to provide tips on funding sources. Think of it as an investment in your program, your students, and your career.

The AEC takes place in Sacramento, California at American River College which has a brand new automotive facility! We kept your budget in mind, as we know California can be expensive. Your travel budget should not be more than it was last year!