Imagine attending an event that allows you to network, learn, and market your brand all in one place. Conferences allow you to do all of this, and more. These meetings enable you to see how others in your industry are managing their business operations, while also hearing about the trends that are defining the automotive industry. While these events will require a financial investment and a plane ride, the rewards they afford can pay dividends. So, what upcoming automotive conferences should you keep an eye out for, and how can you make the most of these opportunities? Read on for our listing of future events and conference tips below.
Digital Dealer 27 Conference and Expo
August 19 – 21, 2019 Las Vegas, Nevada
The Digital Dealer 27 Conference Expo is the premier event for automotive dealers looking to improve their approach to applying digital tools and processes to their operations. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a variety of innovative speakers and digital technology experts through various 50-minute concurrent sessions, as well as participate in digital tool product demos.
Mobility|California
September 17 – 18, 2019 San Jose, California As the automotive industry begins to evolve, automotive professionals have to address the growing emphasis on mobility. This Mobility conference is set to help relevant stakeholders understand the future of this concept. Professionals in the automotive and mobility industries will come together to guide attendees through the ins and outs of autonomous cars, the impact of AI on drivers, and how the industry can prepare for emerging technology trends. This conference can provide dealers with the tools and information to get ready for the growing influence of technology on car buyers and the automotive industry.
DrivingSales Executive Summit
October 6 – 8, 2019 Las Vegas, Nevada The DrivingSales Executive Summit covers ways to improve and optimize crucial areas in dealership operations. Attendees can expect to learn about digital retailing, proven digital marketing strategies, leadership tactics, and next-gen operations methods. From large-scale keynote speeches from leading automotive professionals to smaller workshops, this conference looks to offer the tools dealers need to attract audiences.
Automotive Cybersecurity Conference
October 28 – 30, 2019 Silicon Valley, California Information is being exchanged online and through digital tools more than any other time in history. As a result, unique security challenges have emerged. The Automotive Cybersecurity Conference is for attendees looking to understand a new digital landscape that requires cybersecurity strategies. Automotive industry leaders will discuss emerging trends in cybersecurity as well as methods of incorporating digital security solutions to protect customer data.
How to Maximize Your Automotive Retail Conference Experience
Whether you are planning to attend the events above, or have other conferences on the calendar, here are a few ways to make the most of attending automotive retail conference events.
Access the Agenda Before You Attend
One of the best ways to start your conference experience is by creating a strategy before you, and your team attends. The way to begin this process is by looking at the agenda before you step foot in the event space. You can plan out the events you want to attend and better maximize your time. It is also a great idea to download any apps associated with the conference. This step allows you to access the agenda and a list of attendees. You can then plan for whom you want to meet during the event.
Network with Speakers
While you will likely be concerned with networking with your peers or even trying to gain new contacts, connecting with conference speakers should be a priority. These individuals are industry experts that may have access to more in-depth information that can help your dealership. They can help provide you with insight into how to improve your business operations and may know individuals that can help you grow your dealership’s reach. Conference speakers are well-connected, so be sure to network with them and plan to stay in touch.
Don’t Skip the Social Events
Yes, you should attend the workshops, product demos, and keynote speaking sessions. However, be sure you do not forget to participate in social events. Many of these conferences above will likely have social events, many of which will be connected to brunches or dinners. These happenings are a great way to network with other dealership professionals in a more toned-down setting. Many times, the more informal atmosphere of these events make it much easier to make connections and forge lasting business relationships.
Final Thoughts
Conferences are an excellent one-stop-shop for learning, development, and networking. You can discover new and helpful products, gain insight into how you can optimize what you are doing, and connect with others who can relate to what you do. Again, while conferences can be a substantial financial investment, they can provide long-lasting benefits to you and your team.
