Proposals for the January 2009 NADA convention workshop program in New Orleans are now being accepted.
All proposals will be due to NADA no later than April 25, 2008.
Each year NADA’s Management Education department solicits proposals for workshop topics that would be of educational value to our members who attend the annual NADA convention. On this page you will find links to the forms you need to submit a workshop proposal and the answers to some of the most frequent questions we get!
Workshop Speaker Forms
In order to submit a workshop proposal, send a completed application form along with the items as listed in the application instructions to workshops@nada.org. All forms and instructions can be downloaded below.*
Form for Proposal Submission:
• Application Form WSAP09.doc
Optional:
• Biographical Information Form
* You will need MS WORD in order to open the DOC files.
FAQs
Who is eligible to be a workshop presenter?
Any industry specialist is eligible to propose a workshop topic. We encourage new speakers and new topics in order to keep our topics current, fresh, and relevant. Past participation in the workshop program does not guarantee that you will be selected again. Experience as a speaker for 20 Groups, Management Education seminars, or prior NADA convention workshops facilitates the evaluation process. A new speaker, or a speaker with a new topic, is required to submit a video (DVD only) that shows a sample of his/her presentation and will be asked to do a live workshop audition at the NADA headquarters in McLean, Va.
How do I apply?
You must provide us with all the information about yourself, your company and the topics you are proposing on the forms provided by NADA. All information must be complete in order to be considered.
Is there a deadline for submission?
Yes. All the required documents, information and enclosures must be submitted no later than April 25, 2008, in order to be considered!
How many topics can I propose?
You may only submit one topic per speaker. You may submit up to 2 speakers per company.
Why do I need to submit a video demo with my application?
Any speaker who has not previously presented an NADA or ATD educational session, or who has not presented in the past three years, is required to submit a 15-minute demonstration video (DVD only) with his or her proposal. The video can be as short as 15 minutes but should demonstrate your presenation skills. We would prefer the content to be related to your proposal, but is not necessary. We use this video as a pre-screening device. If your demo is acceptable we will ask you to come to NADA headquarters to do a complete workshop audition for our staff. Applications without videos will not be considered.
Can I demonstrate my company's services or products?
No! Any proposal that appears to promote one's own product or service will not be considered. Our workshops are educational in nature and your proposal should clearly outline the learning objectives of the session.
Can I submit a proposal if I am available only one day of the convention?
You are expected to present your workshop 3 or 4 times during the convention. Do not submit a proposal unless you are available to be scheduled for any or all of the four workshop days (Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday).
When and where is the 2009 Convention?
The 2009 NADA convention will be held in New Orleans, LA, January 24-27. Before you submit a proposal, make sure you will be available for all of those dates.
How do I select a topic to propose?
Topics should be of current and relevant concern to automotive dealer principals and their managers. A workshop’s purpose is educational, and marketing any product or service is prohibited. The topic is our primary criterion for selecting workshops. Once a well rounded program is built on a balance of topics, speakers are reviewed. Each session is 75 minutes long. Your presentation should run no longer than 60 minutes, with the last 15 minutes reserved for questions from the audience. We run on a tight schedule and workshop sessions must end on time.
How is the speaker selected?
All proposals are reviewed by NADA Management Education. Submissions meeting basic criteria are then presented to NADA’s Workshop Review Board, which is composed of up to 20 dealers who are members of NADA’s Board of Directors. The board examines each proposal in detail in order to design a balanced program that provides a broad and comprehensive educational experience. If you have presented a workshop in the past, the Workshop Review Board will consider your attendance numbers and evaluations. Past participation does not guarantee acceptance of your proposal.
Will I be paid for my presentation?
No. Speakers are not paid to present workshops, but they are given a per diem to cover hotel and meal expenses, and reasonable airfare will be reimbursed after the convention. The per diem amount is determined by our housing office based on the rates of the hotels in the city hosting the convention.
Can I pass out company brochures or flyers at the workshop?
The NADA workshop program is not a commercial forum. Individuals should refrain from the use of brand names and specific product endorsements. A workshop may not be used for direct promotion of a speaker’s product, service, or monetary self-interest. Speakers must refrain from overt statements or pointed humor that disparages the rightful dignity and social equity of any individual or group.
What are the study tracks?
We organize workshops into six major areas of study.
Track 1: Strategic Business Management and Succession Planning
The workshops in this track are geared toward the chief decision makers in the dealership. Past topics have focused on:
Dealership ownership options and estate planning;
Keeping up-to-date with legal issues; and
Preparing individuals and the business for the future.
Track 2: Business Development - Finding and Keeping Your Customers
Teaches how to develop an effective relationship with customers in all dealership departments. Past topics have focused on:
New and updated options for advertising and marketing;
Creating quality traffic; and
Communicating effectively with customers.
Track 3: Vehicle Sales - Performance and Profitability
Teaches sales and F&I managers how to achieve maximum performance from their teams and themselves. Past topics have focused on:
Training and maintaining an effective sales force;
Competing in today’s used car market; and
Understanding the intricacies of the finance office.
Track 4: Fixed Operations - Advantages of Unity
Trains service, parts, and body shop managers to increase service sales and efficiency. Past topics have focused on:
Employee development (career paths and communication skills);
Inventory systems and controls; and
Increasing productivity and efficiency.
Track 5: Human Resource Management and Development
This track highlights workshops for every member of your dealership management team. Past topics have focused on:
Recruiting, education, and retention of quality employees;
Leadership and change management skills; and
Effective pay plans.
Proposals must be postmarked by midnight, April 25, 2008. We cannot accept proposals submitted past this date.