A record number of first-time dealer attendees were at this year’s convention, 270 in total.
NIADA held a first-timers reception on the opening day of the 2023 convention. First-time attendees were greeted by members of the association, including the board of directors. Many were given the opportunity to sit down and ask questions of the veterans in the auto industry and the association.
Gordon Tormohlen was elected unanimously to the post of President of the Board during the General Membership Meeting.
“We are going to have a great year,” said Tormohlen after being elected. “We have a terrific team and terrific leadership. Progress will occur. With the current economy, our dealers are going to face some tough times this year, and they are going to need their association. We are going to be there for them.”
Tormohlen is the owner of Good People’s Automotive in Freeport, Ill. Tormohlen is a past Illinois Quality Dealer of the year.
More than 700 dealers from across the nation spent four days networking and learning to grow businesses during NIADA Accelerate 2023 at the beautiful Wynn Las Vegas before the close of the annual convention and expo. This year’s event featured 77 education sessions, including sessions on marketing, sales, artificial intelligence, operations, BHPH, and more.
“The education sessions were really good. They are always spot on with the education,” said Scott Welch of Lock 20 in Newcomerstown, Ohio.
Legendary boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard shared his inspirational story of trials and tribulations in and out of the ring, belief in oneself no matter the failure, and learning how to adapt our ‘game plan’ inevitably leading to success.
Dealers got to experience the largest expo hall in NIADA history, with over 200 vendors and exhibitors offering the latest tools & services for independent auto professionals.
Jason Berry didn’t mind opening his wallet to help support the NIADA Foundation to score a nice ride. The owner of Action Auto Sales and Finance in Lehi, Utah, captured a beautiful 2016 BMW X1 with a bid of $21,200.
NIADA Convention and Expo included the auction for 11 consecutive years benefiting the NIADA Foundation with a front-line ready used vehicle.
Maxxim Kullis of White Lake, Michigan, was the 17th recipient of the $10,000 NIADA Foundation/Northwood University Scholarship during the Leadership Awards Luncheon.
2023 National Quality Dealer of the Year, Dan Johnson of LiteHouse Auto from Lakewood, N.Y., was this year’s honoree.
“What an absolute honor. I’m humbled. Everyone who was a finalist deserves this award,” Johnson said. “I’m truly humbled to be the recipient.”
Dealers got to learn from and ask questions to official representatives of the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Internal Revenue Service.
How the Federal Trade Commission will enforce the Safeguards Rule, which went into effect June 9, was one of the main topics.
Independent auto dealers got to take home more than just practical and actionable lessons learned.
Putting close to 800 dealers under one roof, once a year, is what NIADA Convention & Expo is all about: the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals faced with the same challenges and opportunities.
“We learned some new things and met new people,” said Adam Abduli of Autos of Chicago.
Upcoming Events:
2023 National Policy Conference – Ritz Carlton Pentagon City (Washington, DC)
2023 BHPH Dealer Forum – JW Marriott Indianapolis
2024 NIADA Convention & Expo – Wynn Las Vegas
