The 2026 NIADA Convention & Expo brought together nearly 600 dealers at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado for four days of learning and celebrating the industry. We were thrilled to welcome over 150 first-time attendees many of whom were Colorado locals. If you couldn’t join us, take a few minutes and check out the official 2026 NIADA Convention & Expo Highlights!
Education & Networking
50 Hours of Education | 7 Hours of Expo
With many sessions standing room only, our education topics clearly hit the mark. Asked why they keep coming back, veteran attendees pointed overwhelmingly to the learning opportunities as a main draw. Networking and connecting with fellow dealers is always part of the pull too — but whatever the reason, we’re just glad to have gathered everyone together in Denver.
Celebrating the Industry
Cesar Stark, owner of S&S Motors in El Paso, TX, was named the 2026 National Quality Dealer of the Year during the NIADA Awards Luncheon. He was one of 11 finalists vying for the honor.
“I’m humbled, I’m honored. Standing here to today as the recipient of the National Quality Dealer Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” Stark remarked. “More than 26 years ago I began this journey with a single vehicle and no capital. But a dream I never imagined, is that it would lead me to this moment. I accept this honor with sincere gratitude and appreciate for the many people who’s faith, guidance and support made it possible.”
Randy Jones, Executive Director of the Alabama Independent Auto Dealers Association, was named the Association Executive of the Year. Mallorie Hallenbeck received the $10,000 NIADA Northwood University Scholarship presented by Cox Automotive.
Keynote Address by Rocky Bleier
Four-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier inspired the crowd during his Keynote Address sponsored by Cox Automotive. Bleier gave his thoughts on why some people succeed and others don’t, ultimately reminding the crowd that it comes down to choice. Making the choice to become what we want to become.
“We have two choices,” Bleir said. “To be less than we could be—or to be more.”
Kicking up Dust on the Rocky Mountains
Our AutoZone ALLDATA ATV Adventure raffle winners hit the trails for an unforgettable ATV adventure through the Rocky Mountains. Nothing better than fresh mountain air and a little dust to get the 2026 NIADA Convention rolling.
Supporting the Cause
District Auto Group of Temple Hills, Maryland captured the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara with 71k miles, donated by Manheim, a Cox Automotive company, with a bid of $26,500 during the NIADA Foundation Auction.
An Informative Close
The convention closed with our final main stage speakers. Elizabeth Krear, President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), shared her perspective on the potential impact Chinese vehicles will have on the used car market.
Ryan Copacia, Automotive Principal at Tiktok closed the session with a dive into how consumer’s are using TikTok as a part of their car buying process and tips on how dealers can capitalize on the features the platform offers to support the automobile industry.
Jeff Martin thanked attendees and invited everyone back next year in Nashville, Tennessee!
