As part of my role of moderator, I have had the privilege of speaking directly with many of the presenters and panel participants for the CADA Summit.
We use those discussions to ensure they understand the overall theme of the event and how they fit into that theme, and to make sure they know what to expect from my moderation role.
These planning sessions are incredibly fun and informative. The discussions give me a true sense of the depth of expertise our presenters are bringing to our attendees. They give us a chance to push the envelope a little.
I’ve had this similar role in each of the CADA Summits to date (this is the fourth annual event). Based on the dialogue with this year’s presenters, I really do believe this one is the best yet. Given how high the bar has been set by previous year’s events, that is really saying something.
We’re coming off the best year ever for new vehicle sales in Canada. As we look ahead, we see an industry that every presenter we spoke with believes will change more in the next five to 10 years than it has in the past one hundred.
Considering the range of speakers we’ve talked to, from automotive CEOs to experts on retail transformation and cyber risk, I think it’s remarkable that there is such a unanimous sense of industry transformation. No one we spoke with disagreed that massive change is coming — and fast.
Arguably the main focal point of change is expected to be the experience we offer customers (or the experience they demand from the industry — both dealers and OEMs). It’s amazing to think that the move towards self-driving vehicles may not be the biggest change coming at us.
Apple changed how we buy music. Amazon has changed how we buy lots of things. Uber is changing how we access a particular type of transportation services. For now.
I think the changes being driven by Uber have only just begun.
I hope I get to see many of you at the CADA Summit. I always like to continue the discussion threads with dealers that we’ve started with our presenters. It’s fascinating stuff. For now, I’ll leave you with a few questions:
- Do you know as much as you should about Uber, Maven, and Lyft?
- Have you ever booked a ride with Uber, just to see what all the fuss is about? If not, you should.
- Is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) going to be the most important “car” show going forward? Is it already?
Lots of food for thought for this year’s CADA Summit!
