By: Charmaine Berina, Events and Social Media Coordinator
After months of preparation, the largest automotive industry event, NADA, has come to a successful completion. The 2016 National Automobile Dealers Association Conference & Expo has required the most extensive logistics-planning and marketing execution that I’ve seen in my years of events coordination. All of that hard work paid off, since NADA is also the most impressive onsite from the creative high-tech booths, sexy cars, to the highly engaging educational workshops.
This was my first-ever NADA event, so I wasn’t familiar with the landscape and the cadence of the show vendors’ processes. Initially, it was stressful because of all the unknowns. But the excitement was definitely palpable. We have a great story to tell and are well-poised to deliver products and services to answer dealers’ needs. Our Solutions for Success help dealers target qualified leads, reach interested shoppers and sell more cars. Because really, at the close of business day, dealers are interested in technologies that drive efficient processes to grow their dealerships.
This year, we had many exciting product announcements including Dominion Recon, a solution to effectively track and manage the used car reconditioning process, ACCESS integration with F&I Express, My Payment, ACCESS Integration with RouteOne eContracting, and new enhancements to the Digital Dashboard to include real-time analytics to name a few. Our promo special of ZeroHassle – zero upfront cost, zero 1st month, and zero hassle proved to be successful as both current and new dealers signed up to try products that they didn’t currently use. Coincidentally, this promo is still ongoing until May 15. So even if you missed NADA this year, this savings special is still available.
NADA Main.
More than 25,000 new-car and -truck dealers and their managers, auto industry executives and exhibitors from over 30 countries attended the 2016 NADA at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Some of the guest speakers were Jeff Foxworthy, comedian and entertainer; Karl Rove, former Deputy Chief and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush; and Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
Our kiosks and conference rooms at booth 2123C were bustling with activity. We encouraged our sales staff to pre-schedule their demos and offered incentives to those that met their team goal. We made it fun with a friendly competition. We also made it fun for the dealers, offering promo specials of #ZeroHassle and prize give-aways. More importantly, we welcomed the chance to visit with existing customers and showcased our solutions to newcomers wanting to learn more.
Despite the long hours, I’m proud of our Dominion team. Everyone worked cohesively and in high spirits.
Post-NADA.
Let’s get real. After NADA, it’s OK to take a staycation. Yes, it’s an exhilarating experience but also exhausting. Everyone needed to regroup and recharge. I have no shame in admitting that I pretty much rested during my two comp days that extended through the weekend. NADA2016 proved to be a rewarding, learning experience. No matter how small the gesture, it goes a long way when management recognizes their staff’s hard work and effort. I truly appreciated the positive feedback from everyone and the nice “Thank You” note from our president.
Two weeks after NADA, I laughed when I saw the email from the organizers asking for workshop proposals for NADA 2017, which are due on May 16. Wow! They don’t waste any time. And so, we begin again…but this time, I’m armed with the knowledge of what to expect ahead!
