Well, the 2012 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo is almost here. In fact many of you are probably reading this at the convention right now. If you are at the convention and see me walking around, say “hi” and let us know how the convention is going—it certainly is going to be a busy one.

There is a lot happening at NADA this year. With speakers ranging from George W. Bush, 43^rd President of the United States, to Aron Ralston, who cut off his own arm with a dull pocketknife to free his arm from being pinned by a dislodged boulder, which pretty much makes him the toughest person in the world, and workshops on everything from tax planning to social media, it will be tough to decide what to attend and which exhibitor booths to visit. Which workshops and booths you plan to attend will vary depending on the needs of your dealership, but no matter what you want to focus of for your dealership, NADA 2012 will have something for you.

Last month I wrote about some of the workshops available for dealers at this year’s convention—everything from “Ten Digital Marketing Strategies That Work Now” with Brian Pasch of PCG Digital Marketing to the “2012 Update on Federal Regulations” with Doug Greenhaus and Paul Metrey of NADA Legal and Regulatory. If you want to learn more about these sessions or any of the other educational opportunities at this year’s convention, just visit www.DealerMarketing.com/NADAWorkshops or check out last month’s issue of Dealer Marketing Magazine.

This month I would like to recommend a few vendors for you to visit while you’re in Las Vegas. This is by no means a complete list, but with so many booths at the convention, we wanted to point out some that dealers we’ve spoken to have found success with—this year’s NADA VIPs.

AVA—Automated Virtual Assistant

A lot of new technologies have become available to dealers in the last few years, but one of the most impressive we’ve seen is artificial intelligence. AVA the Automated Virtual Assistant, takes it to the next level with their military grade AI. This incredible technology carries on a two-way conversation with leads and gathers information, verifies customer intent to purchase, and even schedules phone appointments for sales people—all without any human intervention. Visit them at booth #1315 to learn more.

cDemo

cDemo Mobile Solutions Ltd. is a leader in mobile apps for auto dealers. Their technology platform has been developed over the last decade. They have streamlined the process for dealers with their easy-to-use process with an app called “Mobile Inspector.” Now all dealers have to do is follow simple step-by-step, on-screen instructions to make sure that each of their vehicles is properly merchandized, with text, images, and video. If you would like to learn more, or check out their app, visit booth #3378.

Dealer.com

Dealer.com is one of the leading suppliers of auto dealership websites. They have set a new standard for online presence in the automobile industry and continue to be on the cutting edge of online technology for auto dealers.

At this year’s convention, Dealer.com will have on-demand presentations and product reveals at their booth, including what’s new with their Digital Website Solution, their easy-to-use social media platform, Social Relationship Manager, Inventory Management, and Digital Advertising. If, you aren’t fortunate enough to attend the convention this year, you can still see their latest product releases and hear from some of the innovators at 11am PST on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5 on their website at www.dealer.com/nada. Check them out online or at their booth #3301.

Dealer eProcess

Dealer eProcess has received some of the highest rewards in the industry for their websites and platforms, far too many to list here. The automobile marketplace is rapidly changing and a partner like Dealer eProcess can help guide you through. No matter what aspect of internet marketing you’re looking for, Dealer eProcess can help. Their products include customer websites, custom mobile websites, proactive live chat, facebook management, a virtual service consultant, live website repair orders, SEO, SEM, video, eBay/craigslist tool, inventory management, and virtual tours of your dealership. Stop by booth #3622 if you would like to learn more.

Digital Air Strike

Digital Air Strike is one of the fastest growing social media and reputation management companies in the automotive industry for a reason. Their complete solution provides a complete platform for auto dealers to connect with their customers through social media. Their solution has over 50 social media sites and they can protect and enhance a dealerships reputation by responding to reviews and engaging customers and prospects on forums, blogs, review sites, and other social media. Not only that, but they have the industry’s most successful program to help dealers grow their reputation with new, positive reviews. Visit booth #3388 to learn more about them.

PCG Digital Marketing

PCG Digital Marketing is one of the top digital marketing firms in both the US and Canada. As a top digital trainer for the auto dealership industry, they teach dealers to use SEO, online reputation, and social media to create custom strategies that boost online visibility and bring customers into the dealership.

PCG’s Third Annual Automotive Marketing Boot Camp will be held in Las Vegas at the Monte Carlo hotel on May 15-17th, 2012. Car dealers seeking hands-on training, mentoring, coaching, and assistance with creating the structure, process, and innovative marketing plans should invest in sending key staff to the Boot Camp. The Boot Camp Experience includes keynote speakers, roundtable discussions, workshops, labs, and technology showcases. The programs will be lead by industry leaders, subject matter experts, and leading dealership employees.

Join us at NADA booth #3659

Those are just a few of the many booths that will be on the floor at this year’s convention. Once it’s all over, we would love to hear your thoughts on these exhibitors and any others you found useful or interesting. Please email your thoughts and ideas to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We might just put them in our next issue. Have a great show!

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