Are you revved up and ready for this year's NADA Show? Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-timer eager to absorb all the automotive industry has to offer, preparation is key. From networking with industry leaders to exploring the latest innovations in auto technology, the NADA Conference promises a high-octane experience that can redefine your dealership's roadmap to success. But let's pump the brakes for a second; a conference this comprehensive requires a strategy. That's where this blog comes in.
Calldrip attends the NADA conference every year, and we’ve learned a lot about how to make the most of this fantastic event. So, buckle up and let's get started!
The National Automobile Dealers Association is one of the industry’s leading trade groups. This powerhouse group advocates for US dealerships, researches the trends shaping retail auto today, provides support for owners and employees of dealerships, and even supports the industry with workforce development - not to mention hosting this incredible annual trade show!
Here are a few key links:
This year, the show is back and better than ever in beautiful Las Vegas! This year’s theme is “Driving the Future,” and we’re excited for all the innovation and energy that will be on display. Here are some key details to know:
Kicking off with a welcome reception under the Sphere, this NADA Show is sure to be a blast. Prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring evening at the Sphere in Las Vegas, where the lines between live entertainment and immersive experiences blur spectacularly. Mingle with fellow dealers, OEMs, exhibitors, and industry insiders, enjoy delicious gourmet food and top-shelf beverages, and traverse the cosmos - all without leaving the venue!
If you’re a woman in the automotive industry, you may be interested in attending the Women Driving Auto Retail event, happening at the luxurious Wynn Las Vegas. This event brings together education and networking to help you build your career.
Here are a few important details about travel:
Learn more on the Travel and Transportation page.
This is a huge conference with thousands of attendees, experts, and automotive brands! To make the most of it, you’ll need a little bit of planning and a little bit of strategy. Here are a few tips.
Don’t just wing it! Check out the conference agenda beforehand to research speakers, sessions, exhibitors, and events so that you make the most of your time - and investment. Make sure to prioritize those sessions that align with your interests and professional goals. Some events may require pre-registration; unless you check the agenda, you could be left behind!
Elevator pitches aren’t just for salespeople; they’re a high-impact tool to quickly and intelligently connect with strangers. The key is to be natural and engaging, and help people remember you.
Likewise, it’s helpful to supplement in-person connections with digital ones. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with speakers and attendees before, during, and after the conference.
A big trade show like the NADA is a marathon, not a sprint! Be prepared for long days - and even long nights - by packing smart.
You’ll want to bring:
Don’t forget to set your Out of Office for both calendar and email, especially If you’re taking an extra day off to recoup. Using a calendar link to make it easier for folks to book meetings? Setting your calendar is doubly important!
Exhibitors spend thousands of dollars each to create a beautiful in-booth experience. If you’re not spending time with exhibitors, you’re probably missing out on an opportunity to learn about key innovations, see cutting-edge technology and services, and even win prizes! Check out the exhibitor list and make a list of your must-see booths.
Not sure who to visit? Think about the challenge(s) you’re currently facing or the factors that are preventing your growth. Then, explore exhibitors who help solve these challenges. After all, the right partner can transform your professional career.
Hundreds exhibitors will be on-site! Chances are, you won’t be able to meet all of them in just a few days. Take a moment to review the exhibitors so that you can plan the ones you want to meet with - and make sure Calldrip is on your list.
In fact, the NADA recommends that you go ahead and book meetings with exhibitors before the show even starts! We agree - it ensures that you’ll have a dedicated person available to answer any questions you may have.
Book a time to chat with our team about converting more leads with rapid lead response via call and text!
If you have a question, don’t be shy! The Q&A segment is a great time to get direct insights and 1:1 attention from industry leaders. In fact, if you have time, it can be helpful to prep a few questions in advance.
The NADA is one of the largest gatherings of automotive industry professionals. There’s truly no better place to connect and learn. If you skip sessions or don’t participate, you’re missing an opportunity that only comes around once a year!
We say it every year, but it bears repeating: download the NADA app! The NADA has worked hard to create a digital home while you’re on-site. This is the source of truth for session details, and a place to connect. The app will help you plan your schedule, connect with other attendees and exhibitors, and download handouts from the session.
If you’re on social media, seek out and follow the dedicated hashtags for real-time updates, session changes, and networking opportunities.
You’ll forget more than you think. Take the time to jot down key data points and learnings during sessions. After the event, you can share your thoughts with your prospects, customers, and colleagues to spark a conversation. Sharing on public channels like social media can help you connect with like-minded individuals and even get noticed by industry leaders.
After the conference, make sure to send out LinkedIn invites or emails to new contacts. It’s best to do this within a week of the conference, so that the connection is still fresh.
The NADA is more than just another industry event—it's an opportunity to revitalize your career, expand your network, and gain invaluable insights into the automotive world. But, as with any opportunity, the returns you get are directly related to the preparation you put in. By researching the speakers and sessions in advance, crafting your networking strategy, and engaging fully with both the educational and exhibitor aspects of the conference, you can set the stage for a successful and enriching experience.
As you build your plans for this year's conference, remember that your preparation today lays the foundation for tomorrow's successes. Make sure to download the conference app for real-time updates, and don't hesitate to engage on social media to maximize your networking opportunities and make the most of every moment.
After all, every sale starts with a conversation. If you’d like to go ahead and book a time to talk with our team, you can do that here: