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Automotive

NADA Convention Wrap Up: Day 1

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5 min read

We could not be more excited to be in New Orleans for the 2014 NADA Convention and Trade Show. This year’s conference, marking the 97th NADA convention, promises to be the largest –if not also best—automobile convention all year. With Steve Forbes and Hillary Clinton as keynote speakers, NADA 2014 attracts people from all over the world involved in every part of the automobile industry. Just to add icing on the cake, the convention is in New Orleans (something us northerners particularly appreciate). This post will touch on Day One’s key insights and a summary of what you need to know about the convention’s first day. For more in depth information about specific presentations, make sure you check out our premium content. Also, you can follow #NADA2014 or #NADAtips

Key Insights

Dealers NEED to use Social Media well

The ubiquitous nature of smart phones means reviews are quite literally at the fingertips of any potential customer that knows how to use Google (read: EVERYONE). Meredith Oliver’s The Fan Factor seminar stressed the importance of social media. Her advice? Make social media sell for you by properly using and implementing social media strategies.

The importance of social media doesn’t just end with sales; social media helps brand recognition and helps introduce your brand to potential customers.

While implementing a comprehensive and effective strategy may be easier said than done, it is important to keep your potential customers in mind. What social presence do you have? What kind of reviews or pictures are potential customers seeing when they access your Facebook or Twitter account? What do YOU want your potential customers to see?

Some demographics, as speakers noted, respond to social media more than others. An important demographic that is particularly savvy with social media is the Millennials, or generation Y. For specific strategies to implement to best target Millennials, check out our blog post: Rethinking Millennial Advertising: 3 Trends Dealers Should Notice

Overall, social media seemed to be on everyone’s mind. The challenge is now up to dealers to implement these strategies.

 

Excitement

Attendees’ excitement was almost palpable; people knew how much information they were going to learn from industry thought leaders.

On top of the quality of information, attendees saw NADA 2014 as a great way to network with other people in their industry or #carpeople as we sometimes refer to ourselves over twitter.

The location also contributed to the overwhelming feeling of excitement in NADA’s conference. New Orleans, or “The Big Easy” as it is sometimes called, is known for its vibrant nightlife, its delicious food and its laid back culture. While the name raises questions, #carpeople appreciated the convention’s location.

 

If you are at the convention DO NOT leave New Orleans without trying their oysters.

Even after only one day at the convention, attendees were already excited to put their new knowledge to work.

Weather

Another talking point at the convention was the weather. Unfortunately, our high expectations for warm weather were unfulfilled. Flight cancelations at the Houston airport even caused some of our staff to miss the first day of the conference. In New Orleans, the weather was cold (although not for our Indianapolis standards) and the showroom was cold as well. However, some people made the best of it.

Overall, the first day of the conference was a huge success. We can,t wait for the remainder of the conference. Again, make sure you check out our notes of workshops you weren’t able to attend!

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