Over the past few months, we have spotlighted the individual and panels who will be leading the sessions that will be held at 2024 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo (#DDCE2024)!
#DDCE2024 brings together automotive dealers, OEMs, thought leaders, and solution providers to power business growth and connections. The 2024 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo is your chance to discover innovative solutions and gain cutting-edge strategies, actionable insights, and new ideas to implement for maximum impact.
To help you navigate the 2.5-day event at MGM Grand in Las Vegas from Oct. 8-10, 2024, below is the schedule for sessions geared to dealer ops and leadership attendees.
Tuesday, Oct. 8
Keynote: Modern Sales Tactics and Strategies to Navigate the New Normal
08:50 AM – 09:40 AM Keynote Hall
The keynote session Modern Sales Tactics and Strategies to Navigate the New Normal will kick off the event on Oct. 8. Brad Lea, global entrepreneur and host of “Dropping Bombs” podcast, Nelson Lyles, managing partner and GM, Withers Automotive Group, and Sean V. Bradley, president, Dealer Synergy, will be together on stage to equip attendees with the strategies needed to thrive in today’s competitive market.
Bradley, Lea, and Lyles will reveal top sales tactics and best practices to help you dominate today’s evolving automotive market. From innovative recruiting and onboarding strategies to the unconventional yet powerful use of international call centers and BDCs, this session will give you proven blueprints for success you can implement right away.
Overcome Three of the Biggest Data Challenges
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM Expo Stage – Booth 101
VinSolutions/Dealer.com’s Robert DeGeorge will detail how to overcome three of the biggest data challenges using omnichannel experiences, intelligent automation and predictive insights. Session attendees will leave with actionable next steps for improving processes throughout their dealership operations to drive results.
The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Enhancing Dealership Operations and Customer Experience
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM Fireside Lounge – Booth 801
Kevin Frye, marketing director, Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, and Barbie Brand, national account executive, Car Wars will explore the transformative impact of technology on automotive dealership operations and customer experience and understand how AI and machine learning can assist with customer needs and behaviors, allowing your dealership staff to focus on tasks with higher functional needs to streamline and organize interactions within your dealership.
Next Generation Strategies for Dealers
02:00 PM – 02:50 PM Boulevard 169
Dealer Teamwork‘s Anissa Collins, vice president of sales and marketing, and Olivia Stapleton, marketing specialist, sales enablement, will offer their take on a changing industry and as the next generation emerges, how the transformation is occurring. In this session, you will learn how to 1) streamline processes and automate inventory management to enhance your bottom line, 2) determine optimal timing for implementing emerging technologies in response to ever-evolving industry trends and 3) decipher the next wave of challenges, people, processes, and technology that are emerging into our industry.
Accelerating Automotive Excellence: Unveiling the Future of Dealership Dynamics
03:00 PM – 03:50 PM Boulevard 169
Alan Ram’s Proactive Training Solutions’ CEO Michael Renaud’s session will address how the traditional car buying experience is undergoing a dramatic shift. Today’s customers expect a seamless, omnichannel journey that extends far beyond the showroom walls. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the evolving automotive landscape and equip them with innovative strategies to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace while still keeping the traditional dealership principles in place.
Enhancing the Customer Journey: Mastering Online Payments and Digital Partnerships
04:00 PM – 04:20 PM Expo Stage – Booth 101
Adam Fedak, national sales director, S&P Global Mobility, will host a talk titled Enhancing the Customer Journey: Mastering Online Payments and Digital Partnerships. In the presentation, attendees will explore the intricacies of the customer journey, with a special focus on maintaining consistency in online payments—a critical factor in driving customer satisfaction and retention. Discover practical tips on how to select the right digital partners to streamline your operations and enhance your service offerings.
Solve Woeful CSI and Grow Your People Through Phone Operations
04:30 PM – 04:50 PM Fireside Lounge – Booth 801
In an increasingly competitive automotive retail environment, customer satisfaction and effective phone operations are pivotal. Car Wars’ Cassie Broemmer and Gee Automotive Companies’ Jake Hales will talk at a session titled Solve Woeful CSI and Grow Your People Through Phone Operations. This session will explore proven strategies and actionable tips to transform your dealership’s phone operations into a powerful tool for improving Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) scores and cultivating a culture of accountability and growth within your team.
Tales of Scurvy, Mutiny, and Chasing Gold… And Some Car Stuff
05:00 PM – 05:20 PM Expo Stage – Booth 101
How does one of the most ill-fated expeditions across the Atlantic, as their crew searched for Spanish gold, and how that strangely correlates to selling cars? Tales of Scurvy, Mutiny, and Chasing Gold… And Some Car Stuff offered by Joe Dallas, CMO of TradePending, will connect the two in a session that explore the effects of starvation on the mind and body, how starving your customers for information is equally as bad and learn how to trust the local experts, and what that means for trusting your partners.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Keynote: GA4, EVs & AI, Oh My!
09:30 AM – 10:10 AM Keynote Hall
Join panelists “Big” Al Gillespie of Mark Wahlberg Automotive Group, Kevin Frye of Jeff Wyler Automotive Family, and April Simmons of Horne Auto Group for an engaging conversation moderated by Eliana Raggio from Dealer eProcess. Attendees will hear how this team of automotive marketing wizards is evaluating marketing effectiveness with GA4, developing initiatives for greater EV sales success, and the plans they are making to survive in a cookie-less world, and so much more. Click your heels together three times and join us—because there’s no place like a live presentation filled with innovative strategies, actionable insights, and industry wisdom!
Appreciation Marketing in the Automotive Industry
09:00 AM – 09:20 AM Innovation Lounge – Booth 927
This session, being led by DealerCards.com’s Aladdin Kazrans and Chris Mcallister, is for dealership managers, dealer principals and automotive marketers. This session will provide you with valuable insights and practical tools to foster a culture of appreciation that not only delights your customers but also keeps them coming back for more. Review industry success stories from leading dealerships and service centers that have successfully employed appreciation marketing to build lasting relationships and drive repeat business
How to Turn a Vendor Into a Partner
10:20 AM – 11:10 AM Boulevard 163
Jake Hales, digital operations manger, Gee Automotive Companies, will show there are many benefits of having a partner, including networking opportunities, more fun/less grind, investment opportunities, new business opportunities, ideas that really improve your business and theirs, and relationships that extend deep into your career. The session will define how to assess vendors and identify whether they can be a partner.
Enhancing the Customer Journey: Mastering Online Payments and Digital Partnerships
11:20 AM – 11:40 AM Expo Stage – Booth 101
Adam Fedak, national sales director, S&P Global Mobility, in his presentation will detail to attendees the intricacies of the customer journey, with a special focus on maintaining consistency in online payments—a critical factor in driving customer satisfaction and retention. Discover practical tips on how to select the right digital partners to streamline your operations and enhance your service offerings.
Building a Team of Sales Leaders in 2025
01:20 PM – 01:40 PM Fireside Lounge – Booth 801
The session will be conducted by Car Wars’ Broemmer and Dennis Gingrich, sales & finance director, The Niello Company. This session will delve into the key aspects of sales leadership and best practices for managing a high-performing sales team as attendees will learn how to set clear goals and expectations, motivate their team through performance-based incentives, and foster a positive and productive work environment.
Elevating Your Dealership’s Reputation Through Exceptional Customer Care
01:50 PM – 02:10 PM Fireside Lounge – Booth 801
Dennis Gingrich, sales & finance director, The Niello Company, will join with Barbie Brand, national account executive, Car Wars to delve into strategies that extend beyond the transaction, ensuring your dealership maintains a personal connection with clients throughout their sales journey and beyond. Learn how detailed documentation, personalized follow-ups, and exceptional post-sale support can enhance customer loyalty, foster repeat business, and elevate your dealership’s reputation in the community.
Leveraging Customer Intelligence and Intimacy: Revolutionizing the Automotive Customer Experience with Data
02:20 PM – 03:10 PM Boulevard 169
CallRevu’s CEO Ben Chodor will deliver a presentation that explores how leveraging data to deliver actionable comprehensive insights leads to outcomes, redefining the customer experience in the automotive industry.
Stop the Daredevils at Your Dealership
03:20 PM – 04:10 PM Boulevard 163
Informativ’s Curtis Knievel will share how daredevils at your dealership are putting you at risk for ID fraud, FTC fines, and class action lawsuits. Something as simple as taking a photo of a customer’s driver’s license on your cellphone to even the more complex issue of storing EVERY dead deal securely for five years—could result in $100,000+ in fines and even more in class action lawsuits. This session will share the simple guardrails you can put in place to control your process, your compliance risks, and even your costs.
Thursday, Oct. 10
Get Home in Time for Dinner: AI Tools for YOUR Success
09:00 AM – 09:50 AM Boulevard 169
Ian S. Cruickshank, president and CEO of Leadbox, will lead a session isn’t just about adding technology to your toolkit; it’s about reimagining your day to day activities and finding ways to get help from the AI tools we hear about most – but can’s seem to get what we need. Discover how leveraging AI across your dealership can streamline day-to-day operations and afford you the elusive work-life balance you’ve been seeking.
Data Detox: Cleansing Your Dealership’s Systems for Peak Performance
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM Boulevard 164
Authenticom’s Michelle Phelps in her role as director of sales, uncover the pitfalls in your data alongside Asbury Automotive’s John Belen Phelps, director of DMS Fixed Operations, exploring how he navigates the murky waters of “dirty data.” Learn firsthand about the warning signs of compromised data, its negative impacts on his dealer group, and the strategic steps taken to cleanse their data ecosystem.
Navigating the Gears of Success: A Roadmap to Rising in Sales in the Automotive Industry
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM Boulevard 163
Vanguard Dealer Services’ Jamie Tax and Western Fidelity Insurance Services’ Kristin Jones will co-present a session thast seeks to empower leaders and managers with actionable strategies and insights to navigate and succeed in automotive sales by harnessing the unique strengths of female and diverse professionals and fostering supportive networks. The session will provide a presentation that details a roadmap for advancing diversity to the sales side of industry and prove how much more successful a dealership can be.
DDCE2024 Events
Digital Dealer Conference & Expo will include:
- Enhanced networking: more meetups and fun ways to connect throughout the event
- A Speed Networking program, which offers dealerships and vendors a relaxed yet efficient way to explore a variety of innovative solutions
- An expo hall with 120+ cutting-edge auto retail solutions
- 75+ actionable sessions
- Masterminds and interactive labs
- And more!
Digital Dealer offers full conference and expo badge options, as well as an expo hall-only option for Dealerships/OEMs. Digital Dealer Conference & Expo attendee badge types include:
- Dealership (exclusively for dealers and employees of a dealership)
- OEM (exclusively for vehicle manufacturers)
- Allied (anyone that supports, services, or sells solutions to dealerships falls under this category)
Click here to register now.
