Representatives from auto dealer associations from across the country, including WANADA, gathered recently in Uncasville, Connecticut for the Annual Summer Conference of the Automotive Trade Association Executives (ATAE). The conference featured an update on the major issues of the day from senior NADA staff and prominent government and industry authorities. It also provided an opportunity for state and metro associations to swap ideas and compare notes on successful programs and services of mutual interest and to offer valuable input to the national dealer agenda.
This yearês Summer ATAE meeting featured the following highlights:
à An invaluable all-day meeting of the Auto Shows of North America (ASNA), an adjunct group formed under the auspices of ATAE several years ago. Through informative, candid roundtable discussions, the session brings together auto show producers, including WANADA which produces The Washington Auto Show, with auto show contractors to discuss the latest developments, services and products. Exhibit directors from GM, Hyundai and Nissan were on hand to discuss ways to improve auto shows. Dutch Mandel, associate publisher of Auto Week magazine, led an informative conversation on auto show public relations.
à The Executive Business Session featured overview reports from NADA Vice Chairman William Bradshaw and NADA chief executives on industry relations, dealership operations, legislative, regulatory and legal issues, such as new privacy and fax regulations. The session also included reports from the ATAE Committees on DEAC, Automotive Retailing Today (ART), and Auto Career Week, as well as separate state and metro association networking meetings.
à The General Session featured presentations by Jim Press, President of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., who spoke about his companyês retail strategies. The session also included a report on NADA 24: The Dealersê Next Day Survey and NADA Link.
à The final day included a report by Dennis Kane, Senior Vice President, Universal Underwriters Group on how binding arbitration can benefit dealers. There were also three breakout sessions to choose from: NADART: A Closer Look at YOUR Retirement; DEAC: Putting It To Work For You; and Executive Decision Making.
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