top of page
CATEA Logo Final
Mechanic working on engine.

TRAIN

SUPPORT

COLLABORATE

FRONTWAVE ARENA OCT 9-10, 2026
GET TICKETS

ALLIANCE PARTNERS

CNCDA Logo.png
ASCEF Logo.png
SDTechs Logo.png
Mobilize Logo.png

CATEA 2026

OCT 9 & 10, 2026 I OCEANSIDE, CA

REGISTRATION OPEN

SHIFTING GEARS - PREPARING FOR THE NEXT ERA OF AUTOMOTIVE

The California Automotive Technical Education Alliance (CATEA) is back this October 2026, bringing together leaders from education, industry, and workforce development to shape the future of automotive training in California. 

Conference Location:

Frontwave Arena (Oct 9)

Training Location:

Palomar College (Oct 10)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ANNOUNCED

Aleck Brownstein headshot.png

Aleck Brownstein

President, Wolfsburg West

Aleck Brownstein is an automotive executive based in SoCal, with 25 years of leadership experience with several automotive OEMs. His focus has been on commercial strategy, regional operations, marketing, supply chain, and product planning. He holds a degree in Automotive Marketing & Management from Northwood University and has built a career driving growth and operational excellence at top-tier automotive brands, including Volvo Cars USA and American Honda Motor Company. Aleck now serves as President of Wolfsburg West, the premier manufacturer and distributor of authentic restoration parts for vintage air-cooled Volkswagen Beetles and Vans. Succeeding respected industry leadership, he oversees day-to-day operations, manufacturing, and global sales. In this role, Aleck blends decades of OEM-level rigor, supply chain discipline, and executive strategy with his lifelong passion for classic automobiles. An active builder and restorer, his hands-on dedication to vintage vehicles—from vintage air-cooled VWs to custom classic builds like his 1960 Cadillac Coupe de Ville—gives him a direct, authentic connection to the enthusiast community and the classic car culture he serves.

2026 SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

ASCEF Logo.png
CNCDA Logo.png
Klien Logo Square.png
DACTIK Logo Square.png
TV-Education-Logo-K-Web.png
Electude logo.png
Valley Can Square Logo-01.png
Matco Tools Logo.png
AAG.jpg
EV West Logo.png

CATEA MEDIA

EVENTS

What to Expect

01

Professional Development

Whether you're in the classroom, running a program, or on the shop floor, gain valuable insights from leading OEMs and Independent Repair experts. Stay ahead with hands-on training, emerging tech, and strategies to strengthen instruction and administration alike.

02

Support

New to teaching or working with limited resources? Find real solutions, fresh ideas, and a strong network to help you build confidence and make a bigger impact—starting now.

03

Service Drive Compliance

Hear from industry pros on how to stay compliant without sacrificing customer experience. Walk away with clear, actionable strategies to protect your shop, boost retention, and strengthen trust at every stage.

04

Industry-Educator Collaboration

Join forces with leaders in automotive education, industry, and government to tackle workforce challenges together. Build real partnerships and spark ideas that last beyond the conference

05

Student Support

Unlock resources that open doors for your students. From scholarships and internships to practical engagement tools, walk away with ways to support every learner’s path forward.

2025 SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

AUDIENCE

Who Should Attend

Instructors

Teaching in K–12, college, or a training program—or hoping to? This conference offers hands-on training, fresh resources, and meaningful connections to help you grow your program and your impact.

Admin & CTE Leaders

Get the latest on industry trends, explore strategies to support your programs, and build partnerships that strengthen your pipeline and improve student outcomes.

Industry

Dealers, independent shop owners, and industry partners—this conference brings you face-to-face with educators, administrators, and government leaders. Learn best practices, share what’s working, and play a key role in building the next generation of skilled technicians.

STAY
UPDATED

bottom of page