A full program of emerging trends, networking opportunities and innovative solutions were on the agenda at NADA Show 2023, as the Automotive Industry Event of the Year cruised into its second day at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas on Friday, Jan. 27.
Day two began with the official “seatbelt unbuckling” ceremony that marks the opening of the NADA Show Expo. “The atmosphere was popping,” as outgoing NADA Chairman Mike Alford described it. A drumline threaded its way through 700,000 square feet of exhibition space that for the next three days is the home of the auto industry’s premier marketplace, with more than 500 companies offering products, solutions and services specifically for dealerships.
Keeping it Lively on the Live Stage
The Live Stage was a buzzing hive of energy throughout the day as 14 innovative companies slugged it out to be declared the winner of NADA Show’s first ever Pitch Competition. The competition was fierce and the judges were funny yet fair, but a winner was chosen: 1Micro Key Management received the coveted glass trophy and a 30-minute spot on the Live Stage at 1:00 pm on Saturday to further pitch their product to the NADA Show audience of dealers, decision makers and buyers.
Women Driving Auto Retail sponsored three Live Stage sessions throughout the day, with inspiring and dynamic panels of women and people of color sharing their personal stories and career paths in the automotive industry.
"How to Bolster the Number of Women of Color in the Auto Retail Industry" was a wide-ranging discussion on the importance of promoting and supporting women of color, while the panelists on "Women at the Wheel: Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Talent in Auto Retail" offered tips for dealers on where to find talent in unexpected places.
The final WDAR-sponsored session on the Live Stage provided an exciting update on the partnership between NADA and the National Urban League announced at last year’s NADA Show—a new pilot program rolling out in Baton Rouge, La. this month.
Lessons in Leadership on the Main Stage
The excitement continued on the NADA Show Main Stage as 2022 NADA Chairman Mike Alford took to the stage for a final time to reflect on his time leading NADA. Alford highlighted the progress made on his priorities as chairman, included working on NADA’s Guiding Principles, improving the relationship between auto dealers and auto manufacturers, and supporting and strengthening the franchise system.
“My message to all of you is this: Continue to be entrepreneurs, be risk takers,” Alford said from the Main Stage on Friday afternoon. “Be ever present in your communities and be the fearless owners the world needs you to be.”
Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke, Mass., was announced as the 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year by leaders from TIME and Ally Financial. Rome was recognized for his credo of treating both employees and clients like family and his commitment to embracing new technologies that will move the industry forward, including his investments in EV infrastructure and inventory and his solar field which fuels his state-of-the-art Hyundai store.
Finally, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley sat down for a one-on-one discussion with Alford and reflected on her background and experiences as a woman in leadership.
The inspiring and entertaining programming on the Main Stage is just one of the reasons thousands of automotive industry professionals come to NADA Show every year. Hear from your fellow dealers on why they come to the NADA Show in the video below.
Look Ahead to Day 3
Don't miss day three of the Show! Get to know incoming NADA Chairman Geoff Pohanka as he makes his first remarks to the NADA membership from the Main Stage at 2:30pm.
The NADA Show action continues tomorrow with more Workshops and Exchanges, Live Stage sessions, the Distinguished Speakers series and Dealer Franchise meetings throughout the day. Acura, BMW, Buick-GMC & Chevrolet, Cadillac, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Infiniti, Kia, Lincoln, MINI, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo are all on the schedule. Check the NADA Show app for locations and times.
Women Driving Auto Retail will also announce the winner of its 6th Annual Video Contest Award at the Live Stage at 10:30am. And, join us at the BacklotCars Booth at 1pm where we’ll auction off a Harley Davidson LiveWire One, a 100% electric motorcycle to benefit the NADA Foundation and Canine Companions for Independence.
Missed the first day? Read a recap of day one.
Don’t forget: we’ve got livestream coverage all weekend of the Live Stage.
Stay up to date on sessions, recaps, photos and videos with our official daily show recaps and be sure to follow all things NADA Show on social media using the hashtag #NADASHOW on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
