NADA University Reports Sharp Rise in Attendance at Educational Workshops Held During 2012 NADA/ATD Convention

2013 NADA Convention Call for Workshops Issued

McLean, VA--March 14, 2012: – NADA University, the education and training arm of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), reports that attendance at its educational workshops held during the 2012 NADA/ATD Annual Convention in February skyrocketed by nearly 40 percent over last year’s convention totals.

NADA U has also issued its Call for Workshops for the 2013 NADA Annual Convention, to be held February 8-11, in Orlando, Florida.

Sharply Higher 2012 Convention Workshop Participation

In all, 18,302 auto and truck dealers, and other automotive industry professionals, attended educational workshop sessions at this year’s convention, compared to last year’s total of 13,220 – an increase of 38.4 percent.

“This shows that the industry is renewing its commitment to quality training and education, especially as the market picture brightens and attention turns toward growth,” said John Lyboldt, vice president of dealership operations at NADA. “There’s no better one-stop opportunity to gear up than our convention workshop program.”

The workshops drawing the highest attendance at this year’s convention were: • “Five Simple Strategies to Sell More Cars Now,” by Alan Ram, Proactive Training Solutions; • “How to Fulfill Your Customers’ Unexpected Wishes,” by Jeff Hargett, Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company; • “Walk Softly So You Can Listen: The Art of Leadership,” by John Powers, Powers of Motivation Institute; • “The Five Most Important Digital Reports for Dealers,” by Jared Hamilton, Driving Sales University; • “A Business Plan to Boost Traffic Sales,” by Joe Verde, The Joe Verde Group; • “Top Game Changes That Will Make You Money,” by Jeff Sacks, Jeff Sacks & Associates

For those who didn’t attend the convention or couldn’t get to every workshop they wanted to attend, all the sessions are available for purchase online at NADA University or via DVDs from the online NADA U store.

By purchasing a NADAvt subscription package, all dealership employees have 24/7 access to the convention workshops, as well as an extensive collection of online interactive courses and webinars on a wide variety of topics.

Call for Workshops at 2013 NADA Convention Issued

The Call for Workshops deadline is Friday, May 11, 2012 (5:00 pm ET) to submit a workshop proposal for the 2013 NADA Annual Convention, February 8-11, in Orlando, Florida. The 2013 American Truck Dealers (ATD) Convention will be held as a separate event, April 19-22, in Tampa, Florida.

NADA U is seeking speakers on cutting-edge topics and a balanced overall educational program that will provide auto industry professionals with the information, tools and strategies they need to succeed in a competitive market.

“The workshops are designed to offer top expertise and insight on all aspects of the auto retailing business, with real ‘take-home’ value for participants,” said Lyboldt.

To submit a workshop proposal and two-minute video clip covering the main focus of your session for Board review, go to: NADA Convention.

Candidates should be aware that there are some new requirements and procedures this year and that it’s important to carefully review the instructions so that the submission is complete and can be considered.

The Workshop Review Board will meet in June. All candidates will be notified of their standing in August.