Auto Care Association Announces Final Keynote Lineup for 2026 Auto Care Connect

Colin O'Brady and David Kwong join Jay Baer as keynote speakers at this year's Auto Care Connect event.

BETHESDA, Md. - April 28, 2026 - The Auto Care Association today announced the complete lineup of keynote speakers set to present at the 2026 Auto Care Connect ("Connect") event, which will take place next month on May 11 - 14 in Atlanta, Georgia. Colin O'Brady will close out the event's keynotes on Wednesday, May 13, preceded by David Kwong earlier in the day, with Jay Baer kicking off the first keynote on Tuesday, May 12. These three speakers will explore how shifting your perspective-through creativity, data and mindset-can unlock stronger thinking, better decision-making, and the ability to push beyond perceived limits in business and life.

Colin O'Brady
Colin O'Brady is one of the world's most recognized endurance athletes and explorers. He is a 12-time world record holder, two-time Everest summiteer, Yale University graduate, and highly sought-after public speaker. In 2018, he became the first person in history to cross the landmass of Antarctica-solo, unsupported and completely human-powered. The New York Times wrote O'Brady's Antarctic crossing "joined some of the most remarkable achievements in polar history." Guinness World Records called O'Brady's 2019 world first human-powered ocean row across Drake Passage from South America to Antarctica, "...one of the most significant human-powered adventures ever undertaken..." Colin is an Executive Producer of The Impossible Row, and Survivalists, and is the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary.

He's the New York Times bestselling author of The Impossible First, a memoir recounting his 54-day, 930-mile journey across the landmass of Antarctica, and he's considered to be one of the foremost experts on mindset. His TED talk, "Change Your Mindset and Achieve Anything," has been viewed over 3 million times and his non-profit work-to inspire kids and communities to live active, healthy lives and achieve their biggest dreams-has global impact. Colin's story and endeavors have been featured on leading media platforms including The Today Show, Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, The New York Times, The Washington Post, among many other global outlets. His most recent world record breaking expedition saw him survive alone for 100 days in Antarctica, crossing a farther distance than any solo, and unsupported expedition in history, and surviving for longer on the frozen continent alone than any other human in history. This expedition is the subject of the upcoming Netflix documentary directed by Academy Award winning director James Reed ("My Octopus Teacher").

David Kwong
David Kwong, an acclaimed illusionist, New York Times crossword puzzle constructor, published author, and sought-after keynote speaker, brings his signature blend of illusion, science, and storytelling to the stage. A Harvard University graduate, Kwong approaches illusion as "the science of fooling the brain," helping audiences and organizations better understand perception, influence, and decision-making. His keynote presentations are designed to be both highly entertaining and deeply informative, often tailored for corporate messaging and team engagement.

He is also the author of Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success (HarperBusiness), which explores how principles of magic can be applied to influence, communication, and leadership. A four-time TED speaker with millions of combined views, Kwong is widely recognized for his viral talks exploring the intersection of psychology, creativity, and illusion. His acclaimed one-man show The Enigmatist has sold out in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., earning praise for its unique fusion of mentalism, puzzles, and theatrical storytelling.

Jay Baer
Jay Baer is a globally recognized business growth and customer experience expert who brings more than three decades of experience helping organizations grow by improving how they serve and engage customers. Over the course of his career, he has advised more than 700 iconic global brands, including Nike, Oracle, Salesforce, Bentley and The United Nations, on strategies to earn customer loyalty and drive sustainable growth.

A seventh-generation entrepreneur, Baer is the author of seven best-selling books focused on marketing and customer experience and has founded five multimillion-dollar companies. He is an inductee in the Professional Speaking Hall of Fame and travels worldwide delivering practical, data-driven insights to business leaders across industries. Known for blending sharp insights with an engaging, relatable style, Baer brings a unique perspective shaped by his passion for cutting through red tape and focusing on what matters most to customers.

Next month's Auto Care Connect will bring together aftermarket leaders, innovators and decision-makers for education, collaboration and forward-looking discussions on the future of the industry.

View the full schedule of events and register for Auto Care Connect at autocare.org/connect.