June 21–24, 2026 · Gaylord Rockies Resort · Denver, CO
2026 Convention & Expo Recap
Over 600 dealers gathered in the shadow of the Rockies for four days of learning, recognition and connection. Here's how it all came together.
Next Stop Nashville 2027Education & Networking
The learning hit the mark.
With sessions running standing room only, the program proved why dealers keep coming back. Veterans pointed overwhelmingly to the education as the main draw — but the networking and connecting with fellow dealers is always part of the pull. We're just glad to have everyone in one place. We also welcomed 150+ first-time attendees, many of them Colorado locals.
National Quality Dealer 2026
Celebrating the Industry
National Quality Dealer of the Year.
Cesar Stark
S&S Motors · El Paso, TX
Cesar Stark was named the 2026 National Quality Dealer of the Year at the NIADA Awards Luncheon — chosen from a field of 11 finalists.
More than 26 years ago I began this journey with a single vehicle and no capital. I accept this honor with sincere gratitude.
— Cesar StarkAssociation Exec of the Year
Randy Jones
Executive Director, Alabama IADA
Northwood Scholarship
Mallorie Hallenbeck
$10,000 award presented by Cox Automotive
Keynote Address · Presented by Cox Automotive
Rocky Bleier on choice.
The four-time Super Bowl champion inspired the crowd with his take on why some people succeed and others don't. In the end, he said, it comes down to choice — making the choice to become what we want to become.
We have two choices: to be less than we could be — or to be more.
— Rocky BleierOff the Floor · Presented by AutoZone ALLDATA
Kicking up dust on the Rockies.
Our AutoZone ALLDATA ATV Adventure raffle winners hit the trails for an unforgettable ride through the Rocky Mountains. Nothing better than fresh mountain air and a little dust to get the convention rolling.
Supporting the Cause
$26,500 for the Foundation.
District Auto Group of Temple Hills, Maryland captured a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara — donated by Manheim, a Cox Automotive company — with a winning bid of $26,500 during the NIADA Foundation Auction.
Winning Bid
$26,500
District Auto Group · Temple Hills, MD
An Informative Close
The final main stage.
The convention closed with a look ahead — from the global forces reshaping inventory to the platforms reshaping how buyers shop — before CEO Jeff Martin sent everyone off with an invitation to Nashville.
Elizabeth Krear
President & CEO, CAR
Shared her perspective on the potential impact Chinese vehicles will have on the used car market.
Ryan Copacia
Automotive Principal, TikTok
Dove into how consumers use TikTok in the car-buying process — and how dealers can capitalize.
Jeff Martin
CEO, NIADA
Thanked attendees and invited everyone back next year in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Week, Day by Day
Four days, one summit.
From the opening trail ride to the closing main stage — here's how the 2026 NIADA Convention & Expo unfolded at Gaylord Rockies.
Our Partners
Thank you, sponsors.
None of this happens without our partners. Thank you to every sponsor who made the 2026 NIADA Convention & Expo possible — your support powers the independent dealer community.
See You Next Year
We're headed to Nashville
Thanks to everyone who made the 2026 Convention & Expo one to remember. The road leads to Tennessee in 2027 — we can't wait to see you there.