LAS VEGAS (Feb. 5, 2026) – Day three of NADA Show 2026 and the concurrent ATD (American Truck Dealers) Show 2026 powered ahead with an array of motivating and inspiring presentations, as well as opportunities to learn, network and strengthen relationships within the industry.
Former sports agent, author and podcaster Molly Fletcher drew a crowd at the Main Stage on Thursday morning, as she shared personal and professional stories that drew parallels between the world of sports and automotive retail. “It’s about relationships; it’s 24/7,” she told attendees. She also shared seven keys to success that she calls “Dynamic Drive:” mindset, energy, discipline, curiosity, resilience, connection and confidence.
Immediate past NADA Chairman Tom Castriota was also present to hand the torch over to Rob Cochran, the organization’s 2026 chairman. Cochran struck a positive tone even as he acknowledged the challenges facing the industry.
“In time of profound change and transition, as we look at our business law today and years ahead, we are managing more barriers, more uncertainties and more transformation than at any point in our history,” Cochran told attendees, noting formidable issues including geopolitics, governmental control and technology. “These are just a few variables that are reshaping our world. With that in mind, the importance of NADA, and your involvement — all dealers’ involvement — has never been greater than it is right now.”
Cochran highlighted some of his goals in his new position — including addressing policy, regulation and OEM engagement, as well as strategic issues “so that we can shape the collective future we seek, rather than simply reacting to it.”
Also drawing much applause in the morning session was the ceremony for the 57th annual TIME Dealer of the Year Award, conducted in partnership with Ally. Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME, and Doug Timmerman, Ally’s President of Dealer Financial Services, praised nominees for their support of a variety of programs and causes.
The coveted award went to David Wright of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru in Hiawatha, Iowa.
“This is the best business in the world,” said Wright, who supports organizations including Goodwill of the Heartland, To The Rescue, the Boys and Girls Club of the Corridor, Heritage Area Agency on Aging, and the Iowa Giving Crew.
Thursday also marked the final day of ATD Show, rounding out a productive week focused on innovative products, emerging trends and networking opportunities for truck dealership professionals.
Education and Giving Back
Attendees found myriad opportunities to gain a competitive advantage through learning — with events including Live Stage sessions, Dealer Learning Lab and EV Solutions Center. Sessions at the Live Stage included presentations by StoneEagle and Podium, as well as a full presentation by DAS Technology, winner of Wednesday’s Exhibitor Pitch Competition.
The Dealer Learning Lab, meanwhile, staged informative sessions including “The Fraud & Fine Prevention Playbook” and “Developing High-Impact Back-Office Teams.” Attendees also gleaned survival skills from their collective history during Thursday’s Spotlight Series session, titled “The Resilient Dealer: Past Proof, Future Promise” and witnessed demos of new products at the Product Discovery Stage.
For the 15th consecutive year, OPENLANE’s booth (#1511W) played host to the NADA Foundation Auction benefitting Canine Companions, an organization that provides specially trained service dogs for adults, children and veterans with disabilities. NADA Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of more than 20 years, and attendees were able to meet some of the dogs at the Live Stage and also witness a demonstration of how service dogs help hearing-impaired people.
Franchise meetings on Thursday included Alfa Romeo, BMW, Buick-GMC, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mini, Mitsubishi and Subaru.
Looking Ahead to Day 4
The fourth and final day of NADA Show provides an especially rewarding finish to the week.
Alex Rodriguez, world-famous former baseball player and entrepreneur, will take to the Main Stage on Friday morning. Arriving early is a must (doors open at 8:30am) to attend what promises to be a fascinating presentation. Rodriguez is chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, an investment firm that backs world-class startups and partners with leading global companies across real estate, sports and entertainment.
The Friday agenda is also chock full of workshops and Exchanges about compelling topics like the nonmonetary benefits to retaining employees and sourcing pre-owned inventory in creative ways. The day’s Super Session, “Fueling the Future: What’s Next in Vehicle Sales,” will feature a panel of industry experts discussing the changing landscape of auto retail. And the Product Discovery Stage will yet again introduce attendees to a variety of interesting new innovations.
Franchise meetings on Friday include Acura, Genesis, Honda, INEOS Grenadier, Kia and Mazda.
Didn’t make it to Las Vegas this year? Don’t worry, you may still tune in to the NADA Show Livestream through midday. Missed any of the Show highlights from yesterday? Read a recap of day two.
