Tuesday, 07 April 2009 10:35
AIADA's Auto Summit Offers Unique Opportunity to Dealers
With both the automotive retailing and manufacturing industries in flux, it is more important than ever that dealers act as informed and vocal advocates for their businesses. On May 13th and 14th, AIADA's 3rd Annual International Auto Summit will offer dealers an exceptional opportunity to come to Washington, D.C. and do just that while interacting with fellow dealers, manufacturer executives, and elected officials. The challenges facing us can only be solved through cooperation between all three of these distinctive groups, and so any opportunity to meet is a valuable one.
After a reception held Wednesday evening at the historic St. Regis Hotel, Summit attendees will gather for dinner and witness the announcement of our first Legislative Action Network Advocacy Award winner. Best-selling author and political satirist Christopher Buckley will speak to the group, sharing his original take on the Capital's idiosyncrasies.
The next day, dealers will network over breakfast, and hear from keynote speaker Fred Barnes, executive editor of the Weekly Standard and Fox News political contributor. In addition, elected officials from both sides of the aisle will update us on the politics impacting our businesses.
A number of activities will follow, including a legislative update from AIADA and a distinguished industry panel. The panel features the heads of four major international brands and offers dealers a unique chance to hear directly from their manufacturers, and even guide the conversation by posing questions. Johan de Nysschen, Audi of America president; John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda; John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's chief executive; and Jim Lentz, president of Toyota's U.S. sales will all sit on the panel.
Finally, the day will wrap up with dealers traveling a few blocks to Capitol Hill to meet with one of their legislators in his or her Washington office. If you are interested in having a meeting, call 1-800-GO-AIADA and let us know. AIADA will provide dealers with facts, figures, and talking points all designed to hammer our message home: auto dealers are an integral part of this nation's economic recovery.
Like many of the dealers I have spoken to this week at the Honda dealer meeting in Las Vegas, I can see a retail recovery on the horizon. The challenge now is to ensure that international nameplate dealers are fully represented as a part of that recovery, and enjoy the same benefits as our domestic counterparts. AIADA's Auto Summit is truly a ‘can't miss' event. Come to Washington, be heard, and be prepared to listen. This two-day event will change the way you run your business.
Click here to register.
Russ Darrow, AIADA Chairman
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