Since we’re back in San Diego for Used Car Week 2026, I’ll start with a hot take on “Top Gun,” arguably the most famous San Diego-based movie of all time (sorry, Ron Burgundy?).

Like “The Godfather” or “Star Wars,” it’s one of the few films eclipsed by its sequel.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is a masterpiece thrill ride, full of character and characters, dynamic storytelling. Heartstring-pulling moments. Comedy. Action.

But the legacy of the film is not just in the movie itself and its genius filmmaking, but in the experience of having gone to see it in a theater.

Remember where we were when “Maverick” was released in late May 2022. Amid the late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, it marked an enthusiastic return to the movie theater for many. I know it did for me.

Going to see that movie with my buddies was an experience. One I honestly had missed and one that reminded me of the value of living life in person, even the little moments like enjoying an afternoon movie with friends.

In the post-COVID era, I’ve come to the same appreciation for conferences.

Coincidentally, the last time UCW was in the great city of San Diego was later that fall in 2022.

While there were no fighter-pilot sequences or tear-inducing bro hugs (damn sunscreen in my eye), it did mark a new era for Used Car Week.

We launched our Live Stage that year, an experiment that worked out and one we’ve continued the last four years and reshaped how we approach a conference agenda and how we reach attendees.

That’s part of the value of live, in-person events: the ability to “test pilot” (pardon the pun) new twists to an event.

And while there are no F-14 Tomcat barrel rolls at the event that I’m aware of, here are some of the new spins we’re putting on UCW this year.

— Dealer association partnerships: Auto Remarketing and Cherokee Media Group have announced the addition of the Independent Automobile Dealers Association of California and the Washington State Independent Auto Dealers Association as partners for Used Car Week. Full details here.

— Media partnership with CBT News: Cherokee Media Group is teaming up with our friends at CBT News at UCW to expand coverage and extend the conversations taking place at Used Car Week to a broader audience. CBT News will provide cross-promotional support for Used Car Week, conduct exclusive interviews with dealers, executives, speakers and industry leaders, and bring its CBT Live broadcast to the event. CBT News will also co-host a panel session during Used Car Week, providing its dealer-focused perspective on the issues shaping the used-vehicle business. More details here.

— Game Changers in Auto Retail: We’re showcasing the dealers who are changing what it means to be an auto retailer through a new program called “Game Changers in Auto Retail,” presented by Conversica. The inaugural honorees will be recognized on site at Used Car Week during an awards program and several will participate in a panel discussion during the event. See more details and the list of honorees here.

— Live Stage and Women’s Empowerment Breakfast hosts: While both of these have become staples of UCW, we’re bringing on two of the auto industry’s most respected and influential public relations professionals to be our respective “wingman” and “wingwoman” hosts.

John Sternal, PR and Social Media Director at Merit Mile, will emcee most of the action on the Used Car Week Live Stage, while Laurie Halter, founder of Charisma! Communications, will keynote the Women’s Empowerment Breakfast with a session on “What Are You Waiting For? A Blueprint for Your Most Audacious Goals.”

We’ll fly any time with these two PR pros.

— Pickle(ball), smoothies, ice cream & espresso: The four most important food groups. Well, pickleball is a sport. But we’re moving our annual UCW pickleball tourney from Monday to Tuesday morning that week. That day will also include a new smoothie bar, ice cream station and barista for specialty coffee drinks.

— Dealer meetings, bingo & more: Used Car Week will include a Ford dealer meeting on Monday afternoon. Stay tuned for more details. And in a new twist, look for networking bingo cards from our staff. We’ve got a fun game in store. And last but not least, we’ve added more than 50 first-time Used Car Week speakers, who will discuss some of the newest trends and technology influencing the used-car market. We thank them and all our speakers, partners, sponsors, exhibitors and attendees!