BY MARK SCARPELLI, NOVEMBER 2017

The upcoming NADA Show, March 22-25 in Las Vegas, is an experience you can't get anywhere else.

NADA's is the only four-day event that houses a sold-out expo with more than 500 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services just for dealers. When you're not shopping the latest and greatest, you'll have every opportunity to learn about our ever-evolving business with our revved-up digital programs and a show-wide focus on today's - and tomorrow's - technology. The enrichment continues with more than 100 educational workshop sessions and dynamic lifestyle programs. And our exclusive dealer-franchise meetings are your chance to meet with your OEMs' top executives and plan for the future.

Most of all, allow me the opportunity to thank all of you in person for this amazing year in which I've been honored to serve you as NADA Chairman. I've been humbled to visit many of your states and metro areas while meeting thousands of fellow dealers and employees. I look forward to seeing you at the Friday general session, where we'll welcome Nick Saban, the five-time national championship head football coach at The University of Alabama. On Saturday, I will pass the torch to 2018 Chairman Wes Lutz and we will introduce CEO of Waymo, John Krafcik. Our Sunday inspirational session will feature Robert O'Neill, former SEAL Team Six leader and New York Times best-selling author.  

If you haven't booked your trip yet, I urge you to do it immediately. Rooms at the most popular premiere hotels are filling up quickly and six hotels are already sold out. 

The U.S. auto industry-made up of 16,500-plus dealers, manufacturers, customers and allies-is strong. And your presence at our NADA Show says we are Vegas strong. Just like in any challenging time in our history, the U.S. auto industry must band together and move forward with resilience. We didn't survive 100 years without our members' support. If you are an invested, engaged and passionate member of our industry, support it! And celebrate it with us in Las Vegas.

This is your celebration, your show, and I will proudly be there. On behalf of everyone at NADA, we'll see you at the 2018 NADA Show!

Scarpelli is 2017 NADA chairman and a multi-franchise dealer near Chicago.