NIADA 2026 — General Sessions
General Sessions

The week opens, peaks, and closes here.

Three main-stage moments when the whole convention is in the same hall at the same time. Here's what's on deck in 2026.

3 · General sessions
01
Opening Session
Mon · 9:00–9:30 am

Welcome. Here's what's in store.

A quick gathering before the week kicks off — leadership remarks, the state of the association, and a look at the education ahead.

Two industry stalwarts open the convention as incoming President Darla Booher and outgoing President Don Griffin greet attendees and offer brief remarks.

CEO Jeff Martin follows with a state-of-the-association update, and Director of Education Brent Carmichael gets you teed up for three days of the best education in the industry.

On Stage
Darla Booher Darla Booher Incoming President, NIADA
Don Griffin Don Griffin Outgoing President, NIADA
Jeff Martin Jeff Martin Chief Executive Officer, NIADA
Brent Carmichael Brent Carmichael Director of Education, NIADA
02
Featured Keynote
Mon · 3:00–4:00 pm
Rocky Bleier, 2026 NIADA Convention keynote speaker

From the rice paddies of Vietnam to four Super Bowl rings.

Rocky Bleier — four-time Super Bowl champion, Vietnam combat veteran, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient — takes the main stage.

A late-round NFL draft pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968, Rocky Bleier's path to greatness was anything but guaranteed. Shortly after joining the team, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and shipped off to Vietnam, where he was seriously wounded in combat. Through sheer will and relentless determination, he fought his way back to not only reclaim his roster spot but earn a starting position alongside Franco Harris in one of the most dominant offenses in NFL history. The result: four Super Bowl championships, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart — and a story so remarkable it became a bestselling book and an ABC television movie, both titled Fighting Back.

Super Bowl Champion
11
NFL Seasons
3,865
Career Rushing Yards
2
Drafts — Steelers & U.S. Army

A message built for this industry.

Running a dealership tests resilience, leadership, and adaptability every day. Bleier speaks to what it takes to compete when the odds are stacked against you — how to lead through adversity, stay the course, and forge habits under pressure. Whether you're a dealer principal, a GM, or on the sales or finance floor, his perspective offers something every member of your team can take back to the lot on Monday morning.

03
Closing Session
Wed · 11:00 am–12:00 pm
Ryan Copacia, Automotive Principal at TikTok

TikTok's role in the new auto buying journey.

Ryan Copacia — Automotive Principal, TikTok — closes the convention.

Short-form video is a key component in today's marketing, and for many dealers, the TikTok audience is entirely unique. Join Ryan for an in-depth look at the automotive side of the platform — featuring creative video samples and analysis, plus a deep dive into the modern consumer's automotive buying behavior.