Electrify Expo, the largest electric vehicle (EV) festival in North America, is returning for its annual Industry Day at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California on Friday, May 31, 2024. This year’s Industry Day Long Beach promises to be the biggest and best yet. Join thought leaders from leading brands driving the transition towards EV adoption, including Ford, Kia, Volvo, Amazon, Rad Power Bikes, Lightship, Mercury Marine, Oshkosh, Polaris, Canoo, Chargeway, and more. Participate in engaging discussions moderated by influential journalists. As the premier gathering of electrification and mobility experts, Electrify Expo Industry Day is a must-attend event for journalists, analysts, and industry professionals. Tickets are limited and can be purchased by visiting www.electrifyexpo.com/industry-day.
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“The EV industry is at a real turning point, with misinformation around adoption numbers, an election year influencing media headlines, there has never been a more important time to gather the industry and talk about the most important issues,” said BJ Birtwell, CEO and founder of Electrify Expo. “At this year’s Industry Day, we’re cutting through the noise and opening the door to lively discussions and healthy debates around the opportunities and challenges facing electrification. Once the programming concludes in the morning, we’re getting people outside and giving them what Electrify Expo is known for – hands-on experiences. After the booth tours and press conferences with leading brands making announcements and product reveals, the ride and drives and demo courses will open and Industry Day attendees will have early access to the festival grounds.”
Exploring Electrify Expo Industry Day Long Beach
The schedule for Industry Day Long Beach is packed with insightful sessions and engaging activities:
| Time | Activity |
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | NETWORKING Cars and Coffee Kickstart the morning with a cup of joe and meet the brilliant minds that you’ll be networking with throughout the day. |
| 9:00 – 9:10 AM | OPENING State of the Industry James Carter, Strategist, Futurist, Leader, Influencer and Principal Consultant at Vision Mobility, will kick off the day discussing why the press and others became negative on EVs and why he believes that will change. |
| 9:15 – 9:35 AM | PANEL What’s it Going to Take to Drive EV Adoption in the Heartland? One of the most significant challenges lies in getting people in Middle America to embrace electric vehicles (EVs) even though most people fit the bill on paper of being an EV owner – they own homes, have multiple cars, etc. So, how do we get them to make the switch, and what is standing in their way? Moderator: Sean McClain – Wall Street Journal Panelists: Ford (TBD), Kia (Steve Kosowski – Long Range Planning & Strategy), JD Power (Tyson Jominy – Vice President of Data & Analytics) |
| 9:40 – 10:00 AM | PANEL Generative AI, Meet Automotive Generative AI and enhanced connectivity are set to transform the automotive and mobility industry. But, what are the implications for vehicle design, infrastructure, urban planning and the user experience considering both the technological possibilities and the societal impacts? Moderator: Ed Loh – MotorTrend Panelists: Amazon Web Services (AWS) (Andy Shahbazian – Sr. Partner Solutions Architect), Sibros (Steve Schwinke – VP of Customer Engagement) |
| 10:05 – 10:25 AM | PANEL Is Tesla’s Charging Network the Answer to the Country’s Infrastructure Problem? The switch to NACS simplifies connector design for all EVs, but it’s bigger than Tesla. Drivers will still need to navigate different networks, adapters, apps, station uptime, etc. How can the industry work to improve the charging experience? Moderator: Emily Dreibelbis – PC Mag Panelists: Qmerit (Tom Bowen – President), Laycee Schmidtke (Miss Go Electric), Vision Mobility (James Carter – Principal Consultant) |
| 10:30 – 10:50 AM | PANEL Is There Really a Market for Electrifying Everything? Beyond EVs, where does it prove beneficial for products to go electric vs ICE? Is electrifying everything what the consumer wants? Moderator: Jaclyn Trop – Freelance reporter for Fast Company, TechCrunch, Money & more Panelists: Lightship RV (Ben Parker – Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer), Polaris (Josh Hermes – Vice President, Off-Road Electric Vehicles), Canoo (Greg Ethridge – Chief Financial Officer), Mercury Marine (Perissa Bailey – Vice President of eSolutions) |
| 10:55 – 11:15 AM | PANEL The Environmental Impact of Electrifying Everything Everywhere All at Once Beyond performance, electric vs. ICE options are known for their positive environmental impact, but how much can they really make a difference? Is there an impact beyond carbon emissions? Does the country have the infrastructure to really support electrifying everything? Moderator: Chris Harto – Consumer Reports Panelists: Oshkosh (TBD), Rad Power Bikes (Pete Boudreaux – Vice President, Supply Chain & Customer Operations), Living Vehicle (Matthew Hofmann – CEO and founder, LEED Certified Architect) |
| 11:20 – 11:40 AM | PANEL How the Luxury Car Market Has Made EVs G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S. While we often talk about accessibility in EVs, what about the luxury market? What do consumers want when price is not a barrier? How are luxury automakers thinking about the transition to electric? Moderator: Basem Wasef – Robb Report Panelists: AlixPatners (David Steinert – Director in the Automotive & Industrial Practice), Lotus (Massimiliano Trantini – Executive Director Commercial – The Americas), McLaren (Roger Ormisher – Vice President of Communications and PR – The Americas), Rolls-Royce (Gerry Spahn – Head of Americas Communications), Volvo (TBD) |
| 11:45 AM – 12:05 PM | PANEL The Charged EV Debate in the 2024 Election In an election year, why are EVs such a hot topic for both parties? Is there merit to the politicization? How can EVs come out on top no matter who sits in the White House? Moderator: James Bikales – Politico Panelists: Mike Murphy (CEO of EV Politics), Lynda Tran (Former Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Director of Public Engagement at U.S. Department of Transportation), Tim Groeling (Professor of communication at UCLA and expert on political communications) |
| 12:30 PM | PRESS TOUR Automotive & Micromobility Press Tours Join us for a guided tour and media briefings at booths including NIU, Kia, Volvo, Yokohama, Hankook, 2Swift and many more. |
| 2:00 PM | RIDE, DRIVE + DEMO EXPERIENCES Connect with representatives from leading OEMs and micromobility brands. Automotive Ride and Drives: All the automotive giants in one place giving you hands-on real-world experiences with their latest and greatest including Tesla, Rivian, Kia, Volvo, Ford, BMW, Porsche, Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi. E-Bike + Micromobility Demos: Power up your ride! Join e-bike and micromobility demos with all the big players: SUPER73, Stacyc, Kawasaki, Verge, KTM, NIU, Evolve, GoTrax. Don’t miss the ride of a lifetime with the industry’s best. |
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During the full day of programming and brand engagements, attendees will have the chance to discuss the latest trends, analysis, and insights, making Industry Day Long Beach a must-attend event. Here’s what to expect:
What’s it Going to Take to Drive EV Adoption in the Heartland?
Addressing the pressing question of “What’s it Going to Take to Drive EV Adoption in the Heartland?”, moderated by Sean McClain from the Wall Street Journal, and with insights from Steve Kosowski, Long Range Planning & Strategy expert at Kia, Tyson Jominy, VP of Data & Analytics at JD Power, and a representative from Ford, the Industry Day Long Beach panelists will examine the challenges of encouraging residents for Middle America to adopt electric vehicles.
Despite meeting the criteria of potential EV ownership, such as homeownership and multiple vehicles, many in this region remain hesitant to make the switch. From infrastructure concerns to perceptions of EVs, this session will shed light on the multifaceted issues impeding progress and offer strategies to overcome these obstacles, paving the way for widespread adoption of electric mobility in Middle America.
Generative AI, Meet Automotive
In this discussion, titled “Generative AI, Meet Automotive,” the focus is on the potential transformation of the automotive and mobility industry through the integration of generative AI and enhanced connectivity. Moderator Ed Loh from MotorTrend leads the conversation with panelists Andy Shahbazian from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Steve Schwinke, VP of Customer Engagement at Sibros.
The panel explores the implications of these technological advancements on various aspects such as vehicle design, infrastructure, urban planning, and the overall user experience. They dive into both the technological possibilities and the societal impacts, aiming to uncover how these innovations will reshape the automotive landscape.
Is Tesla’s Charging Network the Answer to the Country’s Infrastructure Problem?
One of the highlights of the day is the panel discussion titled “Is Tesla’s Charging Network the Answer to the Country’s Infrastructure Problem?” Moderated by Emily Dreibelbis of PC Mag, the panel features Tom Bowen, President of QMerit, Laycee Schmidtke (Miss GoElectric), and James Carter, a Principal Consultant at Vision Mobility.
The panel will address the complexities of EV charging infrastructure, including the recent transition to the North American Charging Standard (NACS), and the challenges beyond Tesla’s network, such as navigating different networks, adapters, apps, and station uptime. They’ll discuss ways to improve the charging experience, promote compatibility between networks, and encourage collaboration among industry players. The goal is to establish a seamless and efficient charging infrastructure to facilitate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Is There Really a Market for Electrifying Everything?
Another captivating panel, moderated by Jaclyn Trop, a freelance reporter for Fast Company, TechCrunch, Money & more, will explore the expanding market opportunities for electrifying a wide range of products.
Featuring industry leaders such as Ben Parker, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Lightship RV, Josh Hermes, Vice President of Polaris – Off-Road Electric Vehicles, Greg Ethridge, Chief Financial Officer of Canoo, and Perissa Bailey, Vice President of eSolutions at Mercury Marine, this engaging discussion will offer invaluable insights into this fascinating topic.
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Together, they’ll tackle intriguing questions like the benefits of electrification over traditional internal combustion engines (ICE), and whether consumer preferences align with electrifying various aspects of life. Attendees can anticipate gaining profound insights into the transformative potential of electrification across various industries.
The Environmental Impact of Electrifying Everything Everywhere All at Once
In this discussion, titled “The Environmental Impact of Electrifying Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the focus is on the broader implications of transitioning to EVs compared to traditional ICE options. Moderator Chris Harto from Consumer Reports leads the conversation, questioning the extent of the positive environmental impact of EVs and whether it extends beyond carbon emissions reduction. Additionally, the panel explores whether the current infrastructure is equipped to support a widespread transition to electrification.
The panelists include a representative from Oshkosh, Pete Boudreaux, Vice President of Supply Chain & Customer Operations of Rad Power Bikes, and Matthew Hofmann, CEO and Founder, a LEED Certified Architect of Living Vehicle. Together, they offer insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with electrifying various modes of transportation and discuss the necessary steps to ensure a successful transition while considering environmental concerns and infrastructure readiness.
How the Luxury Car Market Has Made EVs G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S.
At Industry Day Long Beach, attendees can expect an engaging discussion titled “How the Luxury Car Market has Made EVs G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S.,” the focus is on the intersection of luxury automotive and EVs. Moderator Basem Wasef from Robb Report leads the discussion, raising questions about consumer preferences in the luxury EV market and how luxury automakers are approaching the transition to electric powertrains.
Panelists include David Steinert, Director in the Automotive & Industrial Practice of AlixPartners, Massimiliano Trantini, Executive Director Commercial – The Americas of Lotus, Roger Ormisher, Vice President of Communications and PR – The Americas of McLaren, Gerry Spahn, Head of Americas Communications of Rolls-Royce, and a representative of Volvo. They discuss what consumers want when price isn’t a limit, how luxury car companies are embracing electric vehicles, and why EVs are appealing in the luxury market. The session explores the special aspects of luxury EVs and their impact on the future of the automotive industry.
The Charged EV Debate in the 2024 Election
Navigating the complexities of EV politics requires acknowledging the many factors shaping perceptions and decisions around electric vehicles. Despite their clear benefits like reduced emissions and lower costs, political polarization has created hurdles to widespread acceptance. There’s a stark divide between Republican and Democratic attitudes toward EVs, with many Republicans hesitant to adopt the technology.
However, it’s important to note that EV ownership isn’t limited to blue states, as a significant number of EV owners reside in traditionally red states, showing potential for bipartisan support. Amid the backdrop of the 2024 presidential election, where EVs have become a contentious issue, this discussion at Industry Day Long Beach will explore strategies for bridging political divides and promoting inclusive EV adoption.
Moderated by James Bikales from Politico, and with panelists like Mike Murphy, CEO of EV Politics, Lynda Tran, a former Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Director of Public Engagement at U.S. Department of Transportation, and Tim Groeling, a professor of communication at UCLA and expert on political communications, attendees can expect insightful dialogue aimed at uniting differing ideologies toward a sustainable transportation future. By exploring innovative marketing approaches, incentivizing EV investment in red states, and tapping into the appeal of upcoming full-size EV pickup trucks, the session will offer actionable insights for navigating EV politics and driving meaningful change.
Automotive and Micromobility Press Tours & Ride, Drive + Demo Experiences
After attending the insightful panels and discussions, guests are encouraged to join the exciting Automotive and Micromobility Press Tours and engage in Ride, Drive + Demo Experiences. Attendees can interact with representatives from leading OEMs and micromobility brands including NIU, Kia, Volvo, Yokohama, Hankook, 2Swift and many more.
For Automotive Ride, Drive + Demo Experiences, all major automotive manufacturers will be present, providing hands-on experiences with their latest models. This includes Tesla, Rivian, Kia, Volvo, Ford, BMW, Porsche, Toyota, Lexus, and Mitsubishi.
In addition, for those interested in exploring micromobility, there will be E-Bike and Micromobility Ride, Drive + Demo Experiences featuring leading brands such as SUPER73, Stacyc, Kawasaki, Verge, KTM, NIU, Evolve, and GoTrax. Attendees can test ride these innovative vehicles for a thrilling experience.
Further details, along with tickets for Electrify Expo Industry Day in Long Beach can be found at www.electrifyexpo.com/industry-day. Don’t miss out – register now to secure your place among the brightest minds shaping the industry.
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Why Attend Industry Day Long Beach?
Connecting the Brightest Minds
Connect with key stakeholders and forge valuable partnerships that will shape the landscape of electric mobility for years to come. Electrify Expo has curated networking sessions providing the perfect platform to exchange ideas, share expertise, and explore new opportunities in this rapidly evolving industry.
Uniting Industry Leaders
Built for the movers and shakers of the EV sector, Industry Day Long Beach brings together a diverse community driven by creativity and ambition. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a scrappy startup, Industry Day offers a platform to push boundaries and forge partnerships that will define the trajectory of the transportation revolution.
Exclusive Access to the EV Ecosystem
Attendees of Electrify Expo’s Industry Day have exclusive access to key stakeholders in the EV ecosystem, including established OEMs and up-and-coming startups. Whether interested in electric cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, or micromobility solutions, Industry Day Long Beach provides networking opportunities that foster transformative collaborations.
Networking: Strength in Collaboration
In the competitive yet collaborative world of EVs, Industry Day sparks meaningful connections. With curated networking sessions, attendees can forge friendships and partnerships that fuel mutual growth and success in the industry.
Learning: Empowering the Future
In the rapidly evolving world of EVs, the search for knowledge is ongoing. Industry Day’s tailored education program provides insights from industry experts, giving attendees the chance to broaden their understanding and stay ahead of the game.
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