With more than 30 years of experience, the owner of Carolina Auto Sales of Myrtle Beach, Kevin Pendergrass, loves the opportunity to network and get tips from his fellow dealers.
It’s what brings Pendergrass to the NIADA Convention and Expo each year.
“I won’t miss a convention. It’s the highlight of my education each year,” Pendergrass said. “The networking is key, meeting dealers from around the country, and also getting to visit with the vendors. The networking helps with the vendors. You can talk with people using a service.”
While attending this year’s convention, Pendergrass will be enjoying a luxurious stay. Pendergrass won the Feb. 7 drawing for an upgraded stay in a suite at the Wynn during the NIADA Convention and Expo June 17-20.
“It’s a delightful bonus,” Pendergrass said.
NIADA is now announcing a second drawing for a suite upgrade on March 13. All paid dealers registered by midnight March 6 will be entered into the drawing.
Early-bird registration is underway at niada.com/convention. The early-bird registration is $545 for members through May 20. The early-bird discount is $200 off the standard registration. Non-member early-bird registration is $845 and non-member standard registration is $1,045.
Registrants can also take advantage of the discounted rooms at the beautiful Wynn hotel, starting at $174 per night, plus taxes and a reduced resort fee of $25 per night.
The 2024 NIADA Convention and Expo will feature more than 50 hours of education led by experts in retail, buy-here pay-here, management, marketing and compliance. Members of every area of the dealership will be able to find valuable training. Each of the five tracks offers multiple sessions led by dealers and industry experts, including several panel discussions. More sessions are being added to the current lineup.
In addition to the dozens of breakout education sessions, the convention will feature three general sessions, including the crowning of the National Quality Dealer of the Year at the close of the convention.
Throughout the convention will be opportunities to visit the largest expo hall for the used vehicle industry and network with more than 800 dealers from across the country.
Pendergrass, who was a finalist for the 2023 NQD award, still loves the industry after more than three decades. He looks forward to seeing his fellow dealers in Las Vegas.
“I thoroughly love the business. I love helping people get into their next car. It’s still a joy,” Pendergrass said.
