Over the past few months, we have shared sneak previews of sessions that will be held at 2024 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo (#DDCE2024)! But the introductions we have written have left attendees wanting more.

To that end, session leaders have offered an expanded explanation of what is in store at their session in Las Vegas. Dealer Teamwork‘s Anissa Collins, Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Olivia Stapleton, Marketing Specialist, Sales Enablement, offer a deeper insight for the session titled Next Generation Strategies for Dealers.

Embracing the Future

As we approach the end of 2024 and look beyond, the automotive industry must focus on addressing next-generation dealer challenges. It’s crucial to reflect on how emerging technology, evolving processes, and, most importantly, new talent will tackle the issues.

These elements will not only address current issues but will also redefine the automotive landscape, shaping a future marked by innovation, efficiency, and success.

In the upcoming Digital Dealer session, “Next-Gen Automotive Strategies for Dealers,” Collins and Stapleton will showcase the power of these emerging dynamics. They will explore how innovation drives results, synergy enhances performance, and how partnerships with the next generation are set to shape the future of the automotive industry.

Identifying Common Challenges: Before exploring solutions, it’s crucial to identify the key challenges currently facing the automotive industry, which the next generation is well-positioned to address:

Inventory Management: Though inventory levels are returning to pre-pandemic norms, managing it efficiently remains a challenge. Dealers need strategies for quick turnover and reduced holding costs, using data analytics to understand market demand and targeted marketing to attract buyers.

Uncertainty: Rising rates and lender challenges make leveraging technology crucial for seizing opportunities. Staying informed on economic and market trends is, too, evidently essential, but it’s equally important for dealers to develop flexible, adaptive strategies that can quickly respond to changes and optimize their approach for maximum success.

Real-time insights and predictive analytics help dealers understand and respond to economic shifts, while technology enables flexible strategies through scenario planning and risk management. This agility allows dealers to manage risks and capitalize on opportunities, turning uncertainty into a strategic advantage for continued growth in a dynamic market.

People: The industry continues to face challenges related to qualified personnel and short staffing. Leaders across the sector acknowledge the difficulty in attracting and retaining top talent. The next generation becomes key in this regard. Bringing in new assets and ideas can solve current challenges and invigorate the industry. Investing in training and development programs can attract and retain talented individuals who will drive innovation and growth.

Vendor Overload: Vendor overload is a significant challenge for dealers, given the multitude of solutions available and the constant influx of new options. This abundance of choices can lead to decision fatigue and inefficiencies as dealers struggle to manage and integrate multiple systems. However, this challenge presents an opportunity to leverage next-generation solutions designed to address specific business needs while seamlessly integrating with other providers.

By focusing on specialized, next-gen solutions tailored to offer functionality that directly addresses core business objectives, dealers can reduce the need for multiple disparate systems; streamlining their operations and enhancing their overall effectiveness.

Customer Experience

In an increasingly competitive market, providing an exceptional customer experience is not just a priority – it’s a necessity. Dealers need to focus on personalized, seamless interactions across all touchpoints, both online and offline.

Next-generation technologies play a pivotal role in achieving this. AI-driven processes can deliver instantaneous automation, enhancing satisfaction and reducing pivot waiting times. These tools can also learn from customer interactions, continually improving their effectiveness and personalization.

Personalized marketing is another key component. By leveraging data analytics, dealers can create tailored marketing campaigns that resonate with individual customers. This approach ensures that customers receive relevant offers and information, increasing engagement and the likelihood of conversion.

Looking Toward Solutions

Solutions are on the horizon, largely driven by the next generation. The next generation of people just entering into the industry who bring fresh new perspectives. Partners who listen more than they talk, allowing for a collective shift in conversation and fostering a narrative change. Dealers who seek to understand more than they sell; allowing them to tailor their approach to better meet customers’ needs, positioning them to sell smarter and achieve better results.

As technology, automation, and innovation evolve, the automotive industry stands on the brink of transformation. With the next-generation at the forefront, embracing these advancements will not only address current challenges but also unlock new opportunities for growth and success.

The Role of Leadership

The session will delve into how the next generation can invigorate the automotive industry and how leaders can harness their skills and innovations. By fostering collaboration and embracing continuous improvement, leaders can fully leverage new technologies and methodologies, driving transformative change. The next generation will play a crucial role in shaping this future, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that are essential for progress.

Join Anissa Collins and Olivia Stapleton to become a part of this transformative journey. The future of our industry is unfolding now, and it’s time for us to come together, learn, and shape it collectively.

DDCE2024 Events

#DDCE2024 is a 2.5-day event, Oct. 8-10, 2024, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas that will bring 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.

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