As brothers looking to grow their business, Adam and Omar Abduli found nuggets they could take back to Chicago during the four days of NIADA Accelerate 2023.
“We learned some new things and met new people,” said Adam Abduli of Autos of Chicago. “The expo had a lot of companies and good options.”
Omar Abduli pointed to their last class led by Steve Roessler, “Are You Dating Your Internet Leads?” leaving a lasting impression.
“It was about internet leads and marketing. It was the best,” he said. “I learned a lot from him.”
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 with representatives of the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Internal Revenue Service.
“The education sessions were really good. They are always spot on with the education,” said Scott Welch of Lock 20 in Newcomerstown, Ohio.
A record number of first-time 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 about the industry and the association.
“I’m here to learn as much as I can about the business and help with online sales and marketing,” said Brandon Davis of Good Deal Car Sales in Florence, S.C.
The convention provided dealers with an opportunity to find solutions from a record more than 200 vendors.
The convention closed Thursday with the National Quality Dealer ceremony.
Keynote speaker Michael Cirillo, the host of the Dealer Playbook podcast and the CEO of FlexDealer, sent dealers home with a reminder of the importance of taking care of their people and helping them grow.
“When we care about our people, they care about our customers,” Cirillo said. “It’s our responsibility to create an environment where happiness can exist.”
The largest convention and expo for the independent dealer ended with the naming of the 2023 National Quality Dealer of the Year. Dan Johnson of LiteHouse Auto in 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.”
As NIADA CEO Jeff Martin told dealers during the opening general session, “It’s time to get to work.”
