Talk show host Jay Leno and veteran news anchor Tom Brokaw to speak; reporter Bob Woodruff and wife, Lee, to deliver inspirational address
McLean, Va., Oct. 10, 2007 – The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has assembled a lineup of leading television and news personalities to speak at its 91st Annual Convention and Exposition in San Francisco, Feb. 9-12, 2008. They include:
- Comedian and host of “The Tonight Show” Jay Leno;
- former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw; and
- ABC News reporter Bob Woodruff and his wife, Lee.
“NADA is offering informative, entertaining and inspiring perspectives from some of the most recognizable names in news and entertainment,” said NADA Convention Chairman Peter Blackstock of Victory Toyota, Seaside, Calif. “This year’s speaker lineup has something to offer everyone.”
Television talk show host and comedian Jay Leno will speak to attendees on Sat., Feb. 9, following the industry keynote address by General Motors Corp. Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner. Host of the Emmy Award-winning “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” for the past 15 years, Leno has earned millions of fans worldwide. One of the country’s premier comedians, Leno has appeared in hundreds of comedy shows around the country and abroad. A well-known car enthusiast with a vast collection of classic automobiles and motorcycles, Leno will deliver an entertaining perspective of the auto industry and life in general.
Legendary television news anchor Tom Brokaw will deliver the keynote address during the general session on Mon., Feb. 11. Brokaw is best known as anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News” for 21 years. Since stepping down from that post in 2004, Brokaw has continued reporting, providing expertise during breaking news events and producing long-form documentaries for NBC News. A highly awarded journalist with an impressive list of accomplishments in the news industry, Brokaw will share his views on the world and the 2008 presidential election.
Husband and wife team Bob and Lee Woodruff will deliver the inspirational address on Sun., Feb. 10. Mr. Woodruff joined ABC News in 1996, and was named co-anchor of ABC’s “World News Tonight” in Dec. 2005. On Jan. 29, 2006, while reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces, Bob was seriously injured by a roadside bomb that struck his vehicle near Taji, Iraq. In Feb. 2007, Bob and Lee released the book In an Instant: A Family’s Journey of Love, Courage, and Healing, detailing the ordeal. The Woodruffs will speak to convention attendees about the personal journey that changed their lives forever.
Visit NADA’s Web site, www.nada.org/convention, to register or for more information.
The National Automobile Dealers Association, founded in 1917 and based in McLean, Va., represents approximately 20,000 new car and truck dealers holding nearly 43,000 separate franchises, domestic and import.
Contacts:
David Hyatt
Vice President, NADA Public Affairs
(703) 821-7120
dhyatt@nada.org
Charles Cyrill
NADA Public Relations Director
(703) 821-7121
ccyrill@nada.org