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Quotes From Past Attendees: I've always had some interest in what the conference could do for my store. Now having finally gotten the opportunity to attend, I look forward to attending the Digital Dealer Conference and Exposition for years to come. Dealer Jansen Chevrolet Germantown, IL
I came with our owner, GM and service director, so it was good for them to get a better sense of the impact of our evolving business. It is nice to have the "experts" explain the digital world to them. Internet Director D'Arcy Buick Pontiac GMC Volkswagen Hyundai Joliet, IL
The speakers and the information at the conference were so relevant to everyday business at the dealership. There is so much presented that an individual can't possibly take it all in. You can only absorb so much at each conference. I attended my first conference in April and everything was so new I know that I missed a lot. I went back this fall to build on what I had already learned. I was amazed that not only did I build on the foundation I had learned before, but so many things had changed that I was learning the new trends of the last six months. Wow! Internet coordinator Brown Motors Petoskey, MI
This conference was one of the best learning experiences I had in many years. The sessions were great and I was able to pick up a lot of best practices. I could not wait to get back to the store and start using some the techniques that I had learned. Internet Manager Tri State Nissan Winchester, VA
Exceptional. Learned more in two days than in two years. I appreciate the gathering of true professionals in this field of automotive retail. Can't say enough about the sheer power of this conference. Internet Manager Draper Chevrolet Toyota Saginaw, MI
I really appreciated looking into the future. Each session looked ahead into 2010 and gave tremendous tips, advice, and realistic ideas. My business, once I implement all the new ideas that I have brought back to the store, will be leap years ahead of my competition...now and in the future. I gained tremendous insight on practical ideas to grow my store...not just the Internet department. The conference is 100 percent worth my time and money. I will attend again! Internet Manager Jenkins & Wynne Inc., Clarksville, TN
The conference provided a good introduction on how to use social media effectively at our dealership. President The Faricy Boys Colorado Springs, CO
On a scale of 1-10, a 10! President Ron Bortnick Ford Upper Marlboro, MD
Our management team didn't know how to improve our Internet department. Now we know what we did not know. We now understand how to get this done, and to excel at this is our next big challenge. Vice president Kelly Automotive Allentown, PA
It was a great opportunity to meet professionals in the industry and share knowledge and experience achieved in these last few years of changes. Marketing and sales sessions were excellent with solutions that can be applied immediately to help raise performance level. Direct Sales Manager Brickell Motors Miami, FL
I was able to network with some of the larger dealers and pick their brains about what they were doing and how. I also was able to meet with some of the top consultants and learn from them. I have been able to implement two to three things right off the bat that have already been profitable, and they were free to use! Internet Sales Manager Classic Southeast Texas Beaumont, TX
I like to think I'm pretty smart and well informed, but this conference gave me a lot of ideas that I wasn't doing and was able to implement immediately. Director of Internet and marketing Papas Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Inc. New Britain, CT
9 on a scale of 1 to 10. Sales manager Ray Skillman Ford Greenwood, IN
Thought we were "ahead of the game" because our Internet numbers are on top with Ford. By the second day I realized that we need to be proud of those successes...but not let them get in the way of us improving on so many other levels. There are many new things to add, incorporate and improve upon! Came back to the dealership ready to dig in and apply as many of the new ideas as possible! Internet coordinator Seekins Ford Lincoln Mercury, Inc. Fairbanks, AK
Huge value. I thought we were ahead of the curve only to find out we were light years behind. Internet & BDC manager Joyce Buick GMC of Mansfield, Mansfield, OH
I gathered invaluable information about many of the available products that I can use to increase traffic to me and my dealership. It also made me realize that this industry is changing so rapidly, it will be hard to keep up with all of the innovations coming out weekly. For someone who has been in the business for 26 years, it is hard to imagine how the process of selling and marketing a car has changed. Internet Manager Dan Young LLC Tipton, IN
It was great; I learned a lot about processes that we need to put into place to be competitive. There was such a wealth of knowledge that I learned from. It was exciting to talk and learn from people who have been in the business and know what it takes to be successful. Internet manager Guess Ford Mercury Carrollton, OH
It was valuable to network with industry professionals and very valuable to learn about some of the social media applications and best practices. Marketing manager Burns Chevrolet Cadillac, Inc. Rock Hill, SC
It gave a good perspective of where we are and where we need to be regarding e-biz. President South County Dodge Chrysler Jeep St. Louis Co., Missouri
It had tremendous value. There is so much information and products involved with dealership Internet sales that it gets overwhelming. The seminar helped to break the information down so our team could grasp the processes and utilize them to our benefit. Internet sales manager Bleecker Buick Pontiac GMC Red Springs, NC
The value of the Digital Dealer Conference is huge. The conference provides the forum to pick up best practices, to be reminded of the basics and to be aware of the latest technologies and trends. In addition, it gave the ability to network with peers, vendors and other industry professionals. e-Commerece director Village Automotive Group Norwood, MA
It reiterated a lot of the things that we are already doing and it also gave us several ideas of things to try or tweak! Valuable information that I am so thankful to have! Internet sales manager Davis-Moore Auto Group Wichita, KS
Excellent conference. Picked up several great ideas from vendors and peers alike! Keep it up and I look forward to the next one! Internet Sales Manager Lowe Chevrolet-Buick Waynesville, MO
The conference was incredible. Well planned, perfectly staffed – it was very professional and informative. Internet Sales Manager Continental Automotive Group Austin, TX
I thought there was a lot of value. I plan to attend at least one a year. Director of Marketing Uftring Auto Group Peoria, IL
The networking was valuable – hearing what others are facing and how they are handling the situations and challenges. Internet Director Kemna Auto Group Fort Dodge, IA
The immense value this conference will have for Homer Skelton Ford of Millington cannot be measured yet. There were initiatives, processes and directions given that the store hasn't been able to implement yet, however, I'm certain the ROI is guaranteed attendance at Digital Dealer conferences in the future. Internet/BDC director Homer Skelton Ford of Millington
I found it to be a great selling training tool! I brought back a lot of information and passed it on. Sales, Bird Chevrolet Dubuque, IA
I found valuable new tools and data to formulate my business plan. President Steve's Auto LLC San Marcos, CA
It opened my eyes to the available resources. Internet Sales Lynn Layton Cadillac Nissan Decatur, AL
Showed me a different light to see and analyze my department for long-term success. Internet Sales Director Hampton Chevrolet Mazda Hampton, VA
It was nice to talk with people that were in the same boat as me, and did not look at me like I had three eyes when I talked about work. Internet Sales Manager Ron Hopkins Ford Elgin, IL
Internet Sales Peter Koch Chrysler Dodge Jeep Seneca Falls, NY
Internet sales consultant Glockner Enterprises Portsmouth, OH
Internet director Marion Ford Hyundai Marion, IL President Tomkinson BMW Fort Wayne, IN
It has helped me to understand how much weight we need to give SEO for our website. Business development manager Superior Honda of Omaha Omaha, NE
This conference was a huge value to me. I learned lots of stuff and it helped to verify some of the things I was doing are right. Internet sales manager Bemidji Chrysler Center Bemidji, MN
Internet sales manager Lynn Layton Cadillac Nissan Decatur, AL
Internet sales manager Bob Poynter Chevrolet-Buick-Pontiac-Cadillac-GMC Inc. Seymour, IN
Very eye opening on how behind we are in the online participation. Systems administrator/IT manager South County Dodge Chrysler Jeep St. Louis, MO
This was a great chance to network with other dealers and vendors. Digital Marketing Director Bob Hurley Ford Tulsa, OK
I have improved my practices because of it. Internet Manager Rapid Chevrolet-Cadillac Rapid City, SD
General sales manager WC Motor Company dba Suntrup Volvo O'Fallon O'Fallon, MO
Internet Sales Manager Meginnis Ford Lincoln, NE
Very high-value sessions. Internet Manager Hewlett VW Georgetown, TX
Internet Management Jim White Toyota/Scion Toledo, OH
Customer relations/ Internet sales Basil Resale Sheridan Williamsville, NY
Internet manager Mike Shaw Buick Pontiac GMC Colorado Springs, CO
This conference was an eye-opening experience, as it was the first that I have attended. This conference shed light on things I need to look into and implement at our dealership. It was great to be able to compare notes with others in the same position and I made some great connections/friends during the three-day period! Internet sales manager Kelly Nissan Oak Lawn, IL
Internet Manager Toyota of Danville Tilton, IL
Internet Sales Manager Hosick Motors Vandalia, IL
Internet sales manager Gates Automotive Group Martinsville, IN
The conference confirmed that we were on track with our digital marketing. It also provided ideas to further increase our sales and service business. Internet manager Chevrolet Cadillac of Goldsboro Goldsboro, NC
Best vendors to use per dealers’ referrals. Chairman Coos Bay Toyota Coos Bay, OR
Business/Internet manager Tom Wright's Two Paws Ford Paw Paw, MI
BDC manager Feldmann Imports Bloomington, MN
I came back with a great deal more knowledge on YouTube, SEO and SEM. Internet manager Linwood Motors Paducah, KY
Internet/BDC administrator Mathews Nissan Suzuki Clarksville, TN
Learned so much about how we could improve our digital presence. I loved hearing best practices from around the country. Director of Special Operations Lakewood Fordland, Inc. Lakewood, CO I took home valuable information regarding SEO and learned of available tools in the market to assist in SEO. Randall C. Menter e-Commerce director Browning Automotive Group Cerritos, CA “It was invaluable. We are already implementing some of the things I learned at the conference.” “This conference provides the BEST forum for networking with your peers, exposure to vendors relative to your business needs, and avenues to learn the latest and most relevant ways to improve your way of doing business. Attendees come away armed with a plethora of ideas that can be used immediately for each department within the dealership. It's up to each individual to take advantage of everything available - from the sessions attended, vendors, and networking. Definitely a MUST attend event!” “VSEO was just one of the topics that we found to be of interest. We are using more and more video to get our message and branding out to the public.” “First you have to crawl, then you can walk, before you can run with a full scale Internet department. The whole Internet thing can be so overwhelming and the Digital Dealer conference helped us focus on what we need to do to get started!” “The Digital Dealer conferences give our dealership the opportunity to learn from the best of the best in the business. Regular attendance keeps us on the cutting edge of the Internet automotive business.” “It opened my eyes to the rapidly changing marketplace and how to best reach those customers. I took away too many things to list that are in place in our dealership right now.” “Who should attend? Any and all managers, decision makers, and personnel that are involved in improving the dealership's business should attend. There is still so much skepticism and lack of involvement from the decision-makers about the Internet and how it can be used more effectively to improve opportunities for each department and reduce expenses. This event is a real eye-opener! Attendance by the department heads, dealer principals, and decision makers would help them “get it” and allow for business growth in all departments.” “I think it is extremely important for GMs and dealer principals to attend. Our industry is changing so fast that if these people don't at least have some idea what is driving people to their showrooms, ISMs will get little help and support that they will need to stay one step ahead of the competition.” “Anyone who does not see a need for the Internet in their dealership should attend to open their eyes to what is needed. Also anyone who does see the need for the Internet in their dealership but doesn't know where to begin! And anyone who thinks they have a good web site and they are all set with the whole Internet thing, go and see what you are missing out on!” “Any manager who is looking to improve his or her game can gain an advantage by attending the Digital Dealer conference. Only the best in the business attend this conference. If you are just looking to get through the next year, please don't come. Leave the best to us. The conference has outstanding opportunities to network with managers from every department who are on top of their game and looking to learn more.” “Internet manager, GSMs, GMs, and dealer principals all need to attend. Ultimately, everyone brings home something different, however I think everyone that attends realizes how quickly Internet marketing dynamic is changing.” “The networking and the ability to bounce ideas off others who understand the challenges we face from an Internet director’s perspective.” “Hands on practical advice on how to set up different Internet tools. We have so much to learn, you can't absorb everything at one conference.” “Collecting the best practices of the leading practitioners, vendors, and industry leaders so we can put them to use here at our dealership.” “It was a tremendous conference. Our team got a ton of great ideas. We met innovative vendors. And best of all some amazing practitioners, both speakers and attendees, who were just full of talent, enthusiasm, and knowledge. Thank you for putting on another great event.” “Congrats on an outstanding show. It was my first and I enjoyed it tremendously and found it very valuable. I took notes and shared with the teams back at the dealerships I manage. Really great stuff." “Priceless! I thought I knew something, however, found out I didn't. We are completely changing the way we have been doing things.” A good opportunity to see what's going on in the industry, as well as what is working and not working for others.” “High value. I have been attending automotive related events since 1980. This easily ranks among the highest.” “While we are way ahead of most dealers, we are way behind the best e-commerce practitioners. We took very good notes, and transcribed them into a 22-page Word document. We have formed a continuous improvement team to study the ideas we brought back with us and to implement changes. I am the general manager, and attended with our ISM. We both found the information presented to be invaluable. We plan to attend the next conference.” “I found this conference to be quite valuable. My goal was to collect information on best practices and fundamental information on how to best sell to our customers via the Internet. We have a long way to go, but I've got a better idea of the path.” “I came on my own. Paid all my expenses. Never asked for any approval or support. What if they had said, “No, you can't go”? Taking part in the Digital Dealer Conference helps me become better at what I do... sell vehicles using the Internet. “Extremely educational.” “Was a good measure of where we stand in this area. I got some good marketing ideas.” We have always picked up new ideas that we have taken back and used unlike some conferences i've been too. The fall conference and this spring conference have made a huge difference in our operation from the moment we started to implement various procedures, programs and practices that were learned. Myself, used car, service and parts managers are already looking forward to Texas in the fall. It was an infusion of state-of-the-art best practices and the latest and greatest products in the industry. It reinvigorated this 14 year veteran of the internet industry to try new things. The conference definitely exceeded my expectations, and I plan on bringing more associates from our dealership to the next one. There were just too many great seminars for only one person to attend. It was my first and an eye opening experience. I personally received a lot of good info and best practices. Being relatively new to this side of the game - I really took a lot away with me from this conference. I would definitely reccomend this to any and all in this business. Best symposium of my professional career. Made me aware of the new changes and upgrades that I was not aware of before. We knew we were on the right track and already have most of the best-practices processes in place. The conference reaffirmed our committment to the internet medium and provided us with invaluable insight on avenues we have yet to explore (video). Great conference! Really exceeded my expectations. I went expecting to hear about 50% of the sessions to be vendor "pitch" session, but actually experienced very little of that. I was able to get all of the information I needed to come back to the dealership and implement to create an effective internet dept. Instead of trying to guess what works, we gained insight into using applications, word tracks, vendor solutions that have or have not worked for other dealers and have set processes in place that have proven themselves. This conference saved us time and money in setting up our BDC. I thoroughly enjoyed this conference, hope to attend others in the future. I found it very valuable to hear what other dealerships are doing and using to improve their business - both online and in their showroom. I've already started implementing some of the best practices I learned in our BDC. It gave me a sense of what is out there and what other dealerships are doing with internet marketing and internet sales Meeting others who are as excited as we are to conquer this new challenge we have in front of us was energizing. The speakers overall were very good and the networking opportunity with dealers and vendors was phenomenal. We'll be back! I can't put a value on the amount of person to person networking. It was great to see the folks who were at previous conferences and discuss what was and was not working for them in their particular situation. This is still the best learning experience for Automotive e-commerce folks for the now and the future. Thanks. I was able to go back and within the last 2 weeks, I have implemented multiple changes with limited restraint from sr mgmnt. It has given the confidence to pursue a more aggressive stance in the marketing of my dealership. I need to see this type of information more often. Dealership personnel in the trenches typically never have the opportunity to see what happens outside their own stores. I know now that the direction we are pursuing is the right direction. The conference was exactly what I needed. The speakers and the networking with others helped identify key areas of improvement and some new avenues to test. “The Conference was a networking gem. I met more of my peers there than I ever could at NADA.” “Having sold online for 3+ years and just transitioned to the role of ISM, the conference was a wonderful source of information.” “Wonderful experience, I have already implemented four things from the conference” “I can get back to work refocused, energized, and committed to excellence.” “The event put me in touch with vendors that I wasn't aware of, and it gave me the information to make decisions to get our Internet dept. up and rolling.” “On a scale of 1-10, the conference was a 9.9” “It was very motivating. If my GM or Owner would have been there, I would have more money to spend.” “Like last year, I gained valuable knowledge to help increase the effectiveness of our efforts on-line.” “The conference keeps us up to date and allows us to see where we can best allocate our budget going into the future.” “Valuable networking” “Great value!” “The conference re-enforced best practices being used, allowed me to compare my BDC results to others and measure the effectiveness of my team. Got some very informative ideas and processes. Saw the new technology that is being offered by vendors. Spoke to peers and shared problems and solutions to the problems.” “The conference opened my eyes to knowing that I do a lot of things right compared to most, but there are still always new ideas and ways to do things more efficiently. My problems are not only my problems but very similar to others and being able to converse and network with other ISM's, I was able to make some decisions I otherwise probably would not have made.” “This conference was great! I am completely new to the car business and since the conference I have gained so much and I was able to bring it back to the dealership and make some great changes. We have set so many more appointments since returning from the conference and it hasn't even been a month yet! I would encourage all beginning Internet Sales Managers to attend this conference as well as GMs! The Internet is going to take over the car buying industry sooner than we think.” “Trying to get old school car guys to understand the importance of this new way of communication is very difficult. The conference provided me with lots of facts, numbers and results to present to my GM.” “Too much to write. My eyes and ears couldn’t possible take it all in and process it. It would be easier to write what I didn’t care for only because there is so little.” “The conference exceeded my expectations in that I have a broader understanding of what's happening in the US market, with regard to Internet initiatives. It was pleasing to learn that the way we currently do things in Australia could be considered on par with many US dealers, which may enable us to adopt some of the many exciting products & services available as we begin to realise the benefits of developing our online presence.” “I attend several conferences each year and for the past 2 years the Digital Dealer conference has provided me with more real-world business practice improvements than any other. In 2006 our team from Courtesy Chevrolet went back to the dealership from the conference with new techniques that allowed us to increase used vehicle sales dramatically. In 2007 we brought back several new operational processes, but one related to URL acquisition began to pay off for us before the 2007 conference ended!” “Being brand new in this business, all information I gained was extremely worthwhile. It taught me how to identify, and identify with, the Internet shopper.” “Great to get a real feel for what dealerships NOT based in my market (the Northeast) were doing” “The conference was very helpful and I look forward to attending again.” “As web manager for Columbia Sportswear for the last 9 years I had a fairly decent background regarding the web. As such, I have been struggling to get my arms around the dealership world. This conference was a great immersion tool for me to more quickly identify how I can help my dealerships in my new position as eMarketing Coordinator for the Kuni Auto Group.’ “A great conference. I went into it expecting to glean a few ideas to help me back at the dealership, yet came away with a notebook full of exciting ideas that will be systematically implemented in the upcoming year.” “I gained awareness of: tools available now, trends in Internet marketing, the intensity and techniques used by some competitors, a broader appreciation of the website as a "virtual showroom" and some hints for improving our own. Our owner is a forward-moving dealer. His investment in sending me affirmed the significance of the role I serve and challenged me toward creative and aggressive advances in how we do things both in marketing and in processing Internet-driven leads.” “I just started in this industry four months ago. I am getting my feet wet in Internet sales. I was able to understand more about Internet shoppers, woman buyers, E-Bay, and other avenues to do business.” “The conference gave me a barometer of what is being done, who is doing it, and with the right tools, what CAN be done. That was great - some great ideas for me to bring back.” “The opportunity to network with highly motivated colleagues from a wide spectrum of dealerships and first class vendors was unparalleled.” “Like last year, I came away with energy and new ideas. Also what it did was confirm plans that I already set in motion.” “The annual Digital Dealer conference has quickly become a "must-attend" event for me. Just when you think you're good - you're WOW'd by the best practices and creativity of a myriad of Internet professionals. The "cafeteria plan" that I bring back to my dealership has been an indispensable advantage. I'm selfishly glad that my competitors haven't yet attended!” |
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