As each new year begins, industry conferences and auto shows kick into high gear, and I attend a flurry of events in rapid succession.
But the one that I enjoy most each year, and learn the most from, is the annual CADA Summit. I, along with Canadian auto dealer editor Todd Phillips take part in the event planning committee meetings throughout the year, and the CADA Summit is always a special day.
I have also been fortunate enough at these events to act as moderator for some of the high-profile keynotes and panel discussions, and have thoroughly enjoyed being able to pursue lines of questioning that I believe dealers would be interested in — while also satisfying some of my own curiosities.
It’s truly an honour to meet the industry’s brightest lights and leading thinkers, and capture their perspectives on how the future of the auto retail industry is transforming.
The purpose of the CADA Summit is to look ahead — not to gaze into the rear-view mirror at where we’ve been — which suits me fine, because that’s what I’m always most interested in. Our industry is in a fascinating time of transition, and it is what makes publishing Canadian auto dealer so varied and interesting.
But when people ask me what part of the event I like best, they are often surprised by my answer. It’s not meeting industry legends like GM’s Bob Lutz, or the industry’s “rock star” CEO Sergio Marchionne, or this year’s incredible keynote speaker Mike Jackson, Chairman, CEO and President of Autonation.
Don’t get me wrong, those are incredible memories, and are near the top of my list. But my favourite part is always hearing from the cream of the crop of Canada’s dealer community — the CADA Laureates. These are the men and women that are taking risks, investing in our industry, trying out new innovative ideas, donating countless hours and resources to charities and supporting their communities, and they are the group that are setting the standard for what auto retailers ought to be, and can aspire to be.
Their creativity, entrepreneurial zeal, and their management skill would stand up against the best business people in any industry, and that’s why they are such good company. They are also, to a Laureate, some of the finest people you’ll ever meet. They freely give their time, share their ideas and insights with fellow dealers, and selflessly give back to the industry whenever they are called upon to do so.
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank TD Auto Finance for once again for their incredible support as the CADA Summit’s exclusive sponsor. It’s a winning team that I’m awfully proud to be a part of.
