It’s February and besides cold weather and somewhat slow sales for some in the car business, the shortest month of the year also brings with it some of the greatest opportunities as well. This includes the annual National Automobile Dealers’ Association Convention and Expo (NADA) which this year, takes place in Las Vegas, Nev. from Feb. 3-6.
The 2012 event, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, also marks the first time that the NADA and the ATD (American Truck Dealers) have joined forces, so this year’s convention promises to be one of the most significant ever. In fact, at post time, Expo floor space had sold out, with some 570 vendors registering for the event.
With some 20,000 dealers scheduled to attend, including 1,500 from 36 different countries, the NADA/ATD Convention offers a great opportunity to network with others in the industry, as well as the chance to meet top automaker executives at some 26 different franchise meetings. There’s also an impressive array of workshops and seminars designed to help dealers improve their business. One of the major topics at this year’s convention will be the findings of the NADA’s first study into factory image programs, a topic that’s proved highly controversial among many new car dealers.
Keynote speakers are always a major attraction of the NADA Convention and this year, guests include Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, who will deliver 2012’s Industry Message on Saturday, February 4; Aron Ralston, mountain climber and inspirational survivor, who will be guest speaker during the Inspirational Program on Sunday February 5, plus former President George W. Bush, who will deliver this year’s keynote address, on Monday February 6.
For more information on the 2012 NADA/ATD Convention, including the schedule of events, visit www.nadaconventionandexpo.org
