Dealers from across Western Canada gathered at the Fairmont Banff Springs Thursday evening as the Western Canadian Dealer Summit got underway with a lively welcome reception. With two days of sessions ahead, there was plenty of buzz about an agenda that tackles some of the issues facing dealerships.
From Chinese automakers and the technician shortage to artificial intelligence and changing retail practices, the program offered dealers and suppliers plenty to discuss as they reconnected with colleagues from across the West.
The annual event is presented jointly by the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta (MDA), Saskatchewan Automobile Dealers Association (SADA) and New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA). It brings together dealer principals, dealership managers and industry suppliers from across the region.
With the opening reception behind them, delegates turned to two days of conference sessions on Friday and Saturday. Friday begins with a dealer-only industry affairs update from CADA, followed by a breakfast keynote from Patrick Janes of Cox Automotive.
One of Friday’s headline discussions is a panel titled “China in Canada’s Future,” exploring the implications of Chinese automakers entering the Canadian market. Gerald Wood, President of the MDA, will moderate the discussion, which will bring dealer perspectives to questions about new brands, competition and what these changes could mean for existing dealerships.
A separate Friday panel, “Technician Shortage — What’s the Plan?”, will take on another persistent challenge for dealers: attracting and retaining the skilled workers needed to keep service departments operating. Workshops and informal networking round out the day.
Saturday continues with more workshops and a “Power Hour” dedicated to artificial intelligence, another topic prompting considerable discussion across the industry.
Darci Lang will present “Invest in Yourself,” before delegates gather for the closing gala, where Olympic curling champion Brad Gushue is scheduled to deliver the keynote.
The supplier exhibits and social events are also central to the summit. They give dealers an opportunity to compare notes with peers from other provinces, discuss ideas they can bring home to their stores and catch up with industry partners outside the conference sessions.
Canadian auto dealer is covering the event in Banff and will publish more detailed reports from the sessions on Tuesday, November 17.
