Luck is always in the air at NADA Show, and this year is no different as tens of thousands of automotive retail professionals come together in Las Vegas this week for the newly revamped NADA Show 2024 and the concurrent ATD (American Truck Dealers) Show 2024.
NADA Show 2024 brings an entire industry together for the world's largest automotive retail conference and expo. Thousands of dealers and managers, OEM execs, allied industry and international guests connect with their peers and learn about the latest industry innovations. Over the course of four days, attendees will find 500-plus exhibitors, more than 100 workshops and education sessions, dealer franchise meetings and an impressive list of keynote speakers.
With over 3.2 million square feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space, the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) is once again the homebase of NADA Show 2024, taking place Thursday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, Feb. 4. In addition, ATD Show 2024 programming is taking place concurrently at Wynn Las Vegas through Feb. 3.
Women Driving Auto Retail 2024
NADA’s ever-popular annual Women Driving Auto Retail (WDAR) event got a serious glow-up this year. The now all-day program took place at Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday, and featured structured and informal networking, inspiring speakers, and expanded educational sessions.
More than 500 attendees heard from renowned speaker and social psychologist Dr. Amy Cuddy and Shelley Zalis, founder and CEO of The Female Quotient. After lunch and networking, attendees headed to the convention center to attend WDAR-focused workshops and the Super Session, “Unleashing the Combined Power of AI and Human Capital Featuring Female Leaders.” The day’s programming concluded with a special WDAR happy hour.
WDAR’s expanded programming was made possible by sponsors Ally, CarGurus/CarOffer, Epsilon Automotive, Group 1 Automotive, RouteOne and Solera.
Education That Goes Beyond the Classroom
With more than 100 workshops and education sessions, mini sessions in the Dealer Learning Lab and the EV Solutions Center on the Expo floor, and two Super Sessions, NADA Show attendees are diving into every trend, issue and update affecting dealerships today.
Thursday’s educational programming got off to a roaring start with sessions and workshops on leadership, business essentials, digital and marketing, fixed ops and human capital.
NADA Show has expanded — and rebranded — the popular Distinguished Speaker Series. Now called Spotlight Series, this new educational offering includes high-profile industry speakers sharing their best leadership advice and tips. Thursday’s Spotlight Series sessions covered how to thrive in a family auto group, reimagining the customer journey, and the lifecycle of an EV battery.
Over at the Live Stage, top industry experts joined NADA hosts throughout the day to offer solutions to build dealership success. Highlights from Thursday’s sessions included the second edition of NADA Show’s Pitch Competition (featuring students from Northwood University), a quick overview on ENERGY STAR certification for dealerships, and the ever-popular economic forecast from NADA’s Chief Economist Patrick Manzi.
NADA Show Welcome Reception
After a full first day of learning and networking, it was time put the pedal to the metal and be transported into the future with NADA Show’s Welcome Reception: A Night Under the Sphere.
“A Night Under the Sphere” took NADA Show attendees on a jaw-dropping journey through the realms of immersive live entertainment at Las Vegas’ hottest new venue, Sphere. Attendees enjoyed delicious gourmet food and top-shelf beverages while interacting with one-of-a-kind technology created specifically for Sphere, including AI robots and the world’s largest hologram.
The multi-sensory cinematic experience continued with a showing of Academy Award-nominated director, Darren Aronofsky’s “Postcard from Earth” in the venue’s main bowl, which made for a truly unforgettable night.
Looking Ahead to Day 2
Jumpstart Day 2 of the Show with the new morning session at the Main Stage. Renowned hospitality industry expert and “Bar Rescue” producer Jon Taffer will get NADA Show attendees motivated with engaging storytelling and real-life anecdotes that emphasize self-honesty and focusing on what truly matters at the dealership. Doors open at 8:30am, so get there early to get a good seat.
Following the Main Stage session, the NADA Show Expo will officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony and exclusive Expo hours. More than 500 exhibitors will be on hand to showcase the hottest products and coolest technologies specifically targeted to franchised new-car dealerships.
Expo floor education programming at the Dealer Learning Lab and EV Solutions Center will get underway on Friday. Franchise meetings for Lexus, Ford U300, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, and Toyota, and Stellantis are also on the schedule. Check the NADA Show app for locations and times.
Finally, NADA Show’s new “Cocktails and Connections” happy hour will take place from 4-6 pm in the North and West halls. Stock up on business cards and practice that elevator speech because the networking and connecting opportunities will be limitless.
Didn’t make it to Las Vegas this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got live coverage all weekend from the NADA 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.
