A great day was in the cards as more than 23,000 attendees rolled the dice for day two of NADA Show 2024. The concourse of the Las Vegas Convention Center was packed as dealers and managers, OEM execs, allied industry and international guests got ready to learn, network and discover the latest trends and technology solutions at the “Automotive Industry Event of the Year.”
Friday’s theme was “motivation” and renowned hospitality industry expert and “Bar Rescue” producer Jon Taffer opened the Main Stage with an exciting session designed to ignite the fire within while sharing some of his best practices and experiences. “I don’t want to change what you do, I want to change what you think today,” Taffer said.
Geoffrey Pohanka reflected on his year as NADA Chairman, which included an important policy speech at the New York Automotive Forum in April and going to China to attend an event with the China Automobile Dealer Association in November. Pohanka called on auto dealers and NADA to continue efforts to preserve affordable vehicle transportation. “In a very real way, by supporting the freedom of mobility, America’s car dealers support freedom itself,” he said.
Pohanka and Taffer joined Bobby Sight, NADA Show Committee Chairman, for a ride in a Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe to the official “seatbelt unbuckling,” or ribbon cutting, ceremony that marks the opening of the NADA Show Expo. A drumline threaded its way through 700,000 square feet of exhibition space that for the next three days is the home of the auto industry’s premier marketplace, with more than 500 companies offering products, solutions and services specifically designed for dealerships.
Knowledge Powered by Experts
From the Live Stage sessions to the Dealer Learning Labs and EV Solutions Center, there were plenty of opportunities to get the latest news and information on emerging trends and technologies, no matter what your preferred learning style. Friday was jam-packed with workshops, educational sessions, peer-to-peer Exchange roundtables, and speeches from business world all-stars.
There was no shortage of collaboration, questioning and knowledge-sharing as NADA experts and industry leaders stopped by throughout the day for super-fast, fun 20-minute sessions. Friday’s Live Stage programming included a surprise visit from U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, the second annual NADA Show Exhibitor Pitch Competition, an inspiring discussion with two trailblazing African American dealer principals, and an overview of Fisker Inc.’s innovative new Dealer Partnership Model.
Look Ahead to Day 3
Don't miss day three of the Show! The theme for Saturday is Community Action and the generosity and giving spirit of NADA and America’s auto dealers will be woven throughout the day’s programming.
Former racecar driver, author, broadcaster, podcast host and entrepreneur Danica Patrick will open the Main Stage events with a special conversation on lessons learned throughout her barrier-breaking career.
Get to know incoming NADA Chairman Gary Gilchrist as he makes his first remarks to the NADA membership. Finally, NADA, Ally and TIME will recognize about 50 of the best and brightest car dealers for their tireless efforts to improve their communities and the world around them, but only one will be named the TIME Dealer of the Year.
The NADA Show action continues with more Workshops and Exchanges (including the Twilight Exchange sessions from 4-5pm), Live Stage sessions, the Spotlight Series, and Dealer Franchise meetings throughout the day. BMW, Buick-GMC & Chevrolet, Cadillac, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Lincoln, MINI, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo are all on the schedule. Check the NADA Show app for locations and times.
And be sure to join us at the OPENLANE Booth (3741W) at noon where we’ll hold our annual auction to benefit the NADA Foundation and Canine Companions for Independence. This year, bidders will compete for a Harley Davidson Low Rider S or Pan America 1250 Adventure Touring.
Didn’t make it to Las Vegas this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got live coverage all weekend from the NADA Live Stage. Missed the first day? Read a recap of day one.
