As I reflect on the recent NADA Show and look forward to the VADA Annual Convention in June, a thought persists: the power of the dealer body and the importance of staying connected to our industry’s pulse.
This year’s NADA Show in Las Vegas was a reminder of the collective strength and innovation within the auto industry. It was a place to get inspired, recharge, and learn about emerging trends, such as electric vehicles and the latest tech shaping our operations.
As I looked around the room at our reception with the Maryland and Washington area associations, I saw many familiar faces. But I also noticed those of you who were not there, and it’s apparent that more Virginia dealers should take part in these events — especially senior management.
A few Virginia groups had numerous leaders in attendance. For example, Carter Myers Automotive brings a huge delegation to these shows, and it shows in their forward-charging dealership operations.
The NADA Show isn’t just an opportunity for learning; it’s a venue to contribute to our industry and our association’s collective wisdom and strength. It is disheartening when I hear short-sighted views that perceive attendance at these gatherings as a loss of valuable time back at the dealership. I truly believe it is your loss and that of your dealership organization.
With 45 years in the industry, I’ve learned that our success is intertwined with the contributions of those who came before us and the collective effort of our peers. No dealer is an island, and the future of our industry depends on our shared engagement and willingness to learn from one another.
Consider the benefits of active participation in industry events. It’s about more than just the immediate takeaways; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and advocacy that will propel our industry forward.
Let’s build our presence at the NADA and VADA conventions, not just for the sake of attendance, but to actively contribute to and shape the future of the auto industry in Virginia.
So when these events come up, show up. You can start with the VADA Annual Convention June 9-12 in South Carolina. Details at vada.com/convention.
