Blake Avery
We’re excited to announce that the Autodesk Automotive Innovation Forum (AIF) is back in 2026—and bigger than ever.
Join us June 2–3, 2026, at the Darmstadtium Science & Congress Center in Darmstadt, Germany, for two immersive days of insight, innovation, networking and inspiration at the intersection of automotive design, engineering, and visualization.
Whether you’re shaping future mobility, accelerating sustainable design, or building collaborative global workflows, AIF26 is where the next generation of ideas will come to life.
Why AIF Matters
AIF isn’t just an event. It’s a gathering of the world’s most forward-thinking car & mobility companies, suppliers, design studios, and tech innovators. At AIF25, more than 550 attendees from 60 companies and 17 countries came together to explore new tools, share bold ideas, and redefine how the industry adapts to change.
The theme of Adaptability at AIF25 resonated across every keynote, session, and product demo—highlighting the urgent need for flexible tools, agile teams, and connected workflows to meet the demands of a changing world.
Key Takeaways from AIF25
As we look ahead to AIF26, here are a few lasting insights from last year’s event:
- Collaboration without compromise
BMW demonstrated how streaming high-fidelity 3D models through VRED Core allows design reviews to happen anytime, anywhere—securely and in real time. - End-to-end workflow visibility
NIO showcased how Flow Production Tracking connects teams, schedules, and creative work across global studios—boosting efficiency and accelerating delivery. - AI-powered design acceleration
From early surfacing to simulation, AI is becoming a key partner in the creative process—helping teams explore ideas faster and reduce time to market. - Brand-driven design thinking
In a standout session, NIO Firefly demonstrated how a clear brand identity and storytelling approach shaped the design of a new EV for European drivers. With a focus on simplicity, emotion, and proportion, the team showed how brand values can guide form, color, and experience to create a distinct and memorable product.
And the winning Student Design Competition team from Coventry University showed how powerful storytelling and visual language can bring a brand to life in a vehicle concept. - Connected tools for connected teams
New capabilities across Alias, VRED, Flow Production Tracking, and NAVPACK are driving more integrated, scalable, and adaptable design pipelines.
Start Planning for AIF26
We can’t wait to welcome you to Darmstadt—a city known for its science, innovation, and design heritage—for an event that brings together the tools, teams, and technologies shaping the future of mobility.
📅 Mark your calendar: June 2–3, 2026
📍 Darmstadtium Science & Congress Center, Darmstadt, Germany
ℹ️ Event site: https://www.autodesk.com/campaigns/aif
Start planning now to attend—and stay tuned to the Design Studio Blog for updates. We’ll be announcing speakers, sessions, and more over the coming months.
Together, let’s build what’s next.
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