{"id":7386,"date":"2026-06-24T14:54:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T19:54:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/niada.com\/dashboard\/?p=7386"},"modified":"2026-06-24T16:10:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T21:10:27","slug":"2026-niada-convention-expo-highlights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/niada.com\/dashboard\/2026-niada-convention-expo-highlights\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NIADA Convention & Expo Highlights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2019t join us, take a few minutes and check out the official 2026 NIADA Convention & Expo Highlights!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education & Networking<\/strong>
50 Hours of Education | 7 Hours of Expo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 but whatever the reason, we’re just glad to have gathered everyone together in Denver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Celebrating the Industry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m humbled, I\u2019m honored. Standing here to today as the recipient of the National Quality Dealer Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful,\u201d Stark remarked. \u201cMore 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\u2019s faith, guidance and support made it possible.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keynote Address by Rocky Bleier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2019t, ultimately reminding the crowd that it comes down to choice. Making the choice to become what we want to become.

\u201cWe have two choices,\u201d Bleir said. \u201cTo be less than we could be\u2014or to be more.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kicking up Dust on the Rocky Mountains<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting the Cause<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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An Informative Close<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeff Martin thanked attendees and invited everyone back next year in Nashville, Tennessee!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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