Automotive Update: 2026 Events
Auto shows are a great place to get your hands on new models and new technologies, and locksmiths usually can be found looking at the locking systems. Here is a listing of events on the calendar over the next two months.
- Toledo Auto Show: Jan. 30–Feb. 1
- Chicago Auto Show: Feb. 7–16
- Oregon International Auto & Motorcycle Show: Feb. 19–22
- Cleveland Auto Show: Feb. 20–Mar. 1
- North Texas Auto Expo: Feb. 25–28
- Columbus Auto Show: Feb. 26–March 1
- Atlanta International Auto Show: March 20-23
- New York International Auto Show: April 3-12
Save the Date: 2026 Locksmith Pro Expo
Join Key Innovations and UHS Hardware March 4-6, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 Locksmith Pro Expo. Get hands-on training, connect with industry leaders, explore the latest tools and tech, and win thousands in giveaways. Don’t miss this chance to grow your skills, network, and take your locksmith career to the next level!
Registration is now open at https://locksmithproacademy.org/.
Classes include:
Intro to OEM Software, NASTF, & Ethics with Brian Suggs
Class description: Start your journey with this essential overview! Gain a solid understanding of OEM programming basics, including hardware options, subscription access, and ethical considerations. Learn how and where to access OEM websites and get familiar with NASTF resources. This session is perfect for newcomers or anyone looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge of OEM software and programming.
- J2534 Technology and OEM software – What it is, why it matters, and how it fits into modern locksmithing.
- Proper driver installation and configuration for seamless operation.
- Using J2534 tools for diagnostics and programming.
- Understanding NASTF and Ethics
Mastering Volvo Key Programming: 1999–2025 with Jonathan Issa
Class description: This comprehensive course is designed for locksmiths who want to master Volvo and Polestar key programming. Covering vehicles from 1999 to 2025—including Volvo’s electric Polestar line—this class combines theory with hands-on practice. You’ll learn EPROMming, OBD aftermarket programmers, VIDA subscriptions, and how to troubleshoot common programming challenges.
- Understand Volvo key types from 1999 to 2025 and Polestar electric vehicles
- Be proficient in using VVDI PROG, VVDI2, ACDP, and TM Pro tools
- Know how to use Smart Pro with or without the dongle for OBD programming
- Be able to confidently purchase, install, and troubleshoot VIDA subscriptions
- Gain practical knowledge of how to use VIDA for Polestar key programming
- Complete the full key programming process on a live Volvo vehicle
Building & Scaling a Successful Automotive Locksmith Business with Eric Lambert
Class description: Stop letting your business run you—start running your business. In this high-impact workshop, industry expert Eric “The Beast” Lambert shares over 15 years of real-world locksmithing experience to help you take control of the business side of automotive locksmithing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this class is packed with practical strategies, insider tips, and proven systems to help you work smarter and more profitably.
Designing an efficient and profitable van setup
- Inventory management methods to boost margins and reduce waste
- Choosing the right POS and payment systems
- Navigating insurance and liability protection
- Marketing strategies to attract and retain customers
- Eliminating time-wasting admin tasks
- Setting up for long-term growth and scalability
Subaru Key Generation & Programming: 2006+ with Justin Suedel
This hands-on course equips locksmiths to generate and duplicate keys for all transponder-equipped and proximity-start Subaru models (2006–2026). Subaru’s G and H immobilizer systems are challenging, especially in all-keys-lost situations, where dealership solutions are costly and slow. Learn proven methods and tools to provide faster, more affordable key programming solutions.
AKS Auto Locksmith Training Blitz
American Key Supply’s popular three-day Auto Locksmith Training Blitz is scheduled for March 26-28 in Las Vegas. Register at https://www.americankeysupply.com/product/auto-locksmith-training-blitz-3-days-thursday-friday-saturday-march-26-28-21139
“Take your automotive locksmithing skills to the next level! Our intensive 15-CLASS TRAINING BLITZ is the ultimate opportunity to excel in this dynamic field. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive curriculum that delves into the intricacies of key programming technologies. With a perfect blend of theoretical insights and hands-on demonstrations, you'll gain a deep understanding of the craft like never before,” AKS says.
Classes include:
- Making Non-Transponder Motorcycle Keys
- ODIS Setup & Key Programming for VW/Audi
- New GM Key Programming with SPS 2 & CARDAQ PLUS 3
- Tesla Key Programming with TOOLBOX 3
- BMW BDC 2 Add Key with ACDP
- BMW G/U Chassis Vehicles: BDC3 /BCP ADD KEY
- New Jeep Key Programming with WITECH 2.0
- Polaris Slingshot All Keys Lost
- JLR Key Programming with LOCK50
- New Mazda Key Programming
- New Ford Key Programming with FDRS/AutoProPad
- 2022+ Subaru Prox with ABRITES (SB002)
- VW/Audi/Porsche MLB Vehicles
- NASTF Setup and Workshop
- Volvo Vida Key Programming
Southern Lock 2026 Trade Show & Learning Expo
Save the Date! Join Southern Lock in St. Petersburg, Florida, next May for hands-on training, networking, and special dinner banquet to celebrate their 80th year of business!
More details & course schedules coming soon at www.SouthernLock.com
UHS Hardware On-Demand Courses
The following recorded, on-demand training sessions can be purchased from UHS Hardware. For more information, visit https://www.uhs-hardware.com/collections/online-education
Auto 101 - Complete Automotive Locksmith Course
This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the Automotive Locksmithing process from start to finish using a variety of key cutting and programming tools like the Xhorse Dolphin XP-005, Xhorse Key Tool Max and KeyTool Plus, Autel IM508, KEYDIY KD-X2, and more.
Automatic Edge-Cut and High-Security Lishi
This self-paced course is made up of a series of lessons designed to familiarize participants with the anatomy and use of edge-cut and high-security Lishi tools.
The course can be completed in 3-4 days but you will have unlimited access to the materials.
Toyota System 2019+ Key Programming With Autel, Lonsdor & Key Tool Plus Course
This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the 2019+ New Toyota System Key Programming on a variety of different models using a few different programming machines. You will be covering adding a key using a dealer code, another key or an emulator in all keys lost situation.
BMW Key Programming Using Xhorse Key Tool Plus
This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the BMW Key Programming on a wide variety of different models using VVDI Key Tool PLUS Tablet - All In One Key Tool. You will be covering a few different systems like EWS, CAS, ISN and FEM/BDC. Depending on the model and year BMW you are working on you will run one of these systems. Learning how read them, unlock them and add keys to them whether through soldering or the use of adapters will allow you work on a multitude of models starting from the first EWS System in 1993 to modern CAS 4/4+ today.
Automotive EEPROM And Advanced Key Programming
This EEPROM course teaches locksmiths key programming and immobilizer bypass for modern vehicles. Through video lectures and demonstrations, students learn to use a wide range of tools and software like the VVDI Key Tool PLUS Tablet, Xhorse VVDI PROG, TANGO, and VVDI Mini PROG to read immobilizer data from vehicle ECUs and program transponder keys.