The 2024 Western Canadian Dealer Summit at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel was a resounding success for Quorum. This event provided an incredible opportunity to connect with dealership professionals from across Western Canada, especially those in rural and remote areas. Here’s how it went from our perspective, along with the key takeaways and insights we gathered.
Building Connections and Strengthening Relationships
One of the highlights of the show is its focus on meaningful networking. Both Mike and Bob emphasized how this event allowed us to engage face-to-face with a wide range of dealers. This year, we spoke with more than a dozen Quorum customers, specifically on the DMS side, many of whom were eager to discuss their challenges and explore how our products could help. Bob noted that it was particularly valuable to connect with dealer groups from areas we don’t often get to visit. The rural focus of this event gave us the chance to have in-depth, relationship-building conversations that simply wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
Productive Conversations and Insights
Mike described the conference as "extremely productive," with significantly more booth traffic than other recent events. He had great discussions about several Quorum products, and even training opportunities. Bob was equally busy, securing follow-ups with several new contacts. One unique features of the Western Canadian Dealer Summit is its more intimate atmosphere, which allows for extended conversations. Dealers shared insights into their strategies, concerns, and market dynamics. A few recurring themes stood out:
Digital Retailing: Dealers are focusing on how to integrate digital strategies into their operations.
Video Engagement: Video remains a powerful tool for customer interaction.
Inventory Control: With inventory balancing out and high-ticket items moving slower, dealers are navigating how to adjust their strategies.
EV Adoption: Sales have plateaued, with most interested buyers having already made their transition.
Bob highlighted how conversations with competing dealers also provided valuable market intelligence. Understanding how others operate and comparing approaches gave us fresh perspectives on the industry landscape. And let’s not forget the cookies! Our branded treats were a hit among attendees, adding a fun and memorable touch to our presence at the summit.
A Standout Show
The event kicked off with a gala dinner, setting a warm and welcoming tone that allowed us to start building connections even before the workshops began. Over the subsequent days, keynote speakers like Jon Montgomery and industry leaders shared their insights, sparking engaging discussions. Mike summed it up best: "Out of all the shows I’ve done, I’ve gotten the most out of this one." We are leaving the show with renewed energy and valuable leads. We’re excited to continue helping dealers navigate their challenges with innovative tools and strategies. The Western Canadian Dealer Summit is an incredible show that is well worth attending for Dealers, vendors, and anyone centred in the automotive industry, and we’re already looking forward to next year!
