“Yeah, I Said It” ... Another Bobservation

In recent years, automotive conferences have shifted from being dealer-centric forums to what often feels like vendor expos. The essence of these gatherings seems to have been hijacked by commercial interests, leaving many of us wondering: Are these events truly beneficial for dealers, or have they become just another sales pitch?

The Vendor Takeover

It’s no secret that automotive conferences today are largely controlled by vendors. They sponsor, they speak, and they often set the agenda. While vendors play a critical role in the industry, their dominance in these forums has skewed the focus away from the real challenges dealers face.

• Panelists and Keynotes: Too often, these sessions are filled with vendor representatives promoting their latest products. The content is less about addressing broader industry issues and more about fitting dealer problems into their solutions.

• Lead Generators: These conferences have become thinly veiled lead generation tools. Dealers attend, but are they there for genuine insights, or because it's become a social norm or just an excuse to party?

How Did We Get Here?

The shift towards vendor dominance has been gradual but insidious. Over time, what should be a platform for dealer-centric discussions has turned into a marketplace for vendor solutions.

• Insidious Takeover: Vendors have progressively taken over, turning dealer summits into sales pitches.

• Lost Focus: At a time when dealers face unprecedented challenges, conferences should prioritize strategy, education, and broad industry perspectives—not just vendor-driven narratives.

The Need for Change

It’s time to rethink how we structure and run these conferences. We need a forum where the voices and needs of dealers are at the forefront—a dealer-led summit. Here’s what it could look like:

• Dealer Panelists: Imagine panels featuring successful dealers sharing their real-world experiences and strategies, rather than vendor reps.

• Keynotes from Manufacturers and Top Dealers: Let’s hear from those in the trenches, navigating the same waters as we are.

• Broader Topics: Discussions should cover market trends, operational efficiencies, and strategic planning, free from the confines of vendor-driven narratives.

A New Vision for Dealer Summits

The future of automotive conferences should be one where dealers are the focus, not just the backdrop. Vendors are welcome, but as audience members eager to understand and support dealer needs, not control the narrative.

• The Dealer Summit: A conference where dealers are the main topic. Vendors can participate, but the main stage is for dealer voices.

• Mackinac Policy Conference for Dealers: Think of it as a dealer version of the Mackinac Policy Conference—focused on policy, strategy, and the future of the industry.

• Networking in Sponsored Rooms: Vendors can sponsor and engage in networking rooms, but the main discussions should be dealer-led and vendor-supported.

Imagine the Impact

Such a summit would elevate the conversation, providing actionable insights and fostering real change. Dealers would leave these events empowered, not just with a bag full of swag and business cards from vendors.

Let’s Make It Happen

If you’re a dealer, a vendor, or anyone in the automotive industry who believes we can do better, let’s start the conversation. Let’s push for a Dealer-First, Vendor-Supported, Industry-Empowered approach to our conferences.

Share your thoughts and let’s make this vision a reality.

(And yes, this should be done in Detroit!)