Our dedicated sales representatives, Mike Poelzer and Bob Paterson recently had the privilege of attending the West Coast Dealer Summit in beautiful Lake Louise, Alberta, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
Engagement in Isolation
Having attended the event before, Bob highlighted the unique factors contributing to the high level of dealer engagement. The isolated location at Lake Louise provided the perfect environment to foster meaningful interactions without distractions. The audience's average age skewed younger, signaling a shift in the industry, accompanied by a notable increase in female representation. This shift, brought on primarily by younger generations taking over the management of major dealerships and auto groups,
Content that Resonates
The presentations and content featured at the Western Canadian Dealer Summit were incredible. Some of the most talked about presentations during the event covered AI and the next phase of technology. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) presentation on Friday morning left a lasting impression, as did insights from representatives from Google and Tiktok. Topics spanned from the future of AI to the potential arrival of flying cars and drones, with Alberta positioned as a test site for Amazon's innovative delivery options. One of the biggest themes from the presentations was based on the dynamic nature of the automotive industry, emphasizing the need for nimbleness and responsiveness to survive. With limited inventory, selling vehicles hasn’t been an issue, and pricing vehicles to increase the deal became the norm. With a noticeable change in availability, the shift from excessive models to transparent business practices becomes essential. Transparency creates long-term gains over short term payouts. The event wasn't just about technology and business; it also featured inspiring speakers like former hockey player Jeremy Roenick. An auction was held, raffling off a number of signed jerseys and raising an impressive $51,000 for Alberta education, showcasing the power of industry collaboration for a noble cause.
A Western Country Experience
Friday night at Brewsters Barn provided a unique, Western-themed banquet, complete with a country band and authentic western feast. With prime rib pulled from the smoker outside and momentously brought in on pitch forks, and dinner plates bigger than either of our reps could believe, the meal was just as impressive as it was delicious. The speed at which the staff operated that evening left a lasting impression. They promptly fed 200 people in just 20 minutes. As Bob stated, “It was amazing, just like a cattle drive!” Truly, a sight to see and a testament to the dedicated staff operating the event.
Networking Beyond Borders
One of the highlights for Mike was the opportunity to meet with all our dealers, receiving positive feedback on DealerMine, Autovance, Accessible Accessories, and our flagship product, Quorum DMS. The atmosphere was markedly less sales-oriented this year, focusing instead on learning and interaction. The event added a creative approach by stamping passports to encourage engagement, adding an element of fun to the networking experience.
Final Thoughts
Mike and Bob praised the well-organized nature of the event. The collaboration across Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta showed the strength of industry partnerships. The Western Canadian Dealer Summit proved to be not only a learning opportunity, but also a source of inspiration and connection for our team.
If you want to know more about any of the experiences from this event or would like to learn more about the products we featured, please contact us today.
