The Western Canadian Dealer Summit will be back at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise from Nov. 13–16, bringing together dealers from across the region for three days of learning, networking, and supplier interactions in one of Canada’s most scenic venues.
Hosted by the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta (MDA), the event is tracking ahead of last year and could set a new attendance record. “We declared sponsorships sold out almost a month ago,” said Gerald Wood, MDA President. “We made a conscious decision to limit the number of sponsor delegates to keep the experience manageable in a slightly smaller venue.”
Dealer attendance is also on pace. “Our target is 200–220 dealers,” said Wood. “We’re already well ahead of where we were a year ago. This will likely be our biggest event ever.”
With that growth comes a message for would-be attendees: register and book your room now.
“Once you fill up the Chateau at Lake Louise your next option is not ideal, and Banff is 45 minutes away. We’ve got a generous room block, but we still need dealers to click the button and complete registration so we can manage space.”
Register here: Western Canadian Dealer Summit 2025
The agenda consists of keynote sessions covering AI, fraud, cybersecurity, fixed operations, and leadership.
A live cybersecurity demonstration will show how easily a phone can be compromised, which will be an eye-opener for dealership teams.
Fixed operations will receive added attention this year, including a dealer/staff panel focused on process improvements and retention.
A returning session, the “Panel of Peers,” will feature second-generation dealers discussing succession, governance, and the day-to-day issues that keep owners up at night.
Keynote highlights include:
- W. Brett Wilson: entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Dragons’ Den investor, delivers the gala keynote, sharing candid lessons on redefining success, balancing ambition with values, and building partnerships.
- Brian Benstock, dealer principal of Paragon Honda and Acura in New York, returns with a solo session. “Brian is always thinking about the business,” said Wood. “He’s not afraid to try something new or to admit when something didn’t work. Expect real-time insights on what he’s seeing today and what’s coming.”
- Charlie Vogelheim, long-time analyst at J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, and Motor Trend, will step back and frame global retail trends and digital transformation for Canadian audiences.
- Mathew Growden, founder of The Change Optimist and former Google Canada automotive lead, will examine evolving customer journeys, the rise of new entrants, and practical digital strategy.
- Maddy Murray, National Director at LGM Financial Services, will explore the practical application of AI inside the dealership—where technology and people complement one another.
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) team participates with a dealer-only meeting Friday morning and then CADA’s Ottawa’s team will take the stage Saturday morning to update dealers on key economic and political issues.
Evening events remain a signature draw. The Welcome Reception returns on Thursday, Nov. 13.
On Friday, the popular Western Barn Party, presented by partners including SiriusXM, iA Dealer Services, and Lubrico Warranty, will be a dealer-only event sure to be a hit.
“We’re working through logistics to make sure we can accommodate as many as possible,” said Wood.
Supplier participation reflects a mix of national partners and innovative entrants. Newer faces include FliteHouse and Lexan (digital used-car evaluation), alongside returning firms such as Autograph Analytics, with several sessions touching on AI and data-driven retailing.
“We ask sponsor speakers to deliver content, not commercials,” said Wood. “It works. When dealers hear something useful, they follow up after the event. We get that feedback every year.”
The venue remains part of the story. Lake Louise offers unmatched scenery and an all-under-one-roof environment, but it also places a premium on early planning.
“We’re thrilled with the momentum,” said Wood. “But if you’re planning to attend, please register and book your room now so we can make the best possible experience for everyone.”
Registration is open now on the event website: Western Canadian Dealer Summit 2025.
