The Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) Annual President’s/Members/Vendors Conference provided holistic view of the challenges and opportunities facing automotive retailing today.
From April 17-22, automotive dealers, suppliers and industry professionals gathered in Los Cabos, Baja Sur, Mexico, for the annual TADA conference.
The event featured a whole host of guest speakers and quality content: This included a truly inspired message from Canadian Paralympian and motivational speaker Graeme Murray, who talked about focus and to never give up on your goals.
Huw Williams, President of Impact Canada and Government Relations Advisor for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, provided a detailed analysis on some of the legislative issues currently impacting the Canadian automotive landscape at a federal level and some of the programs and initiatives CADA is currently working on with regulators to ensure dealers across the country have a voice.
CADA President John White, also provided insight into some of the initiatives the association has undertaken including renewal of sales and service agreements with OEMs, education and training programs, plus collaboration with provincial associations across the country including TADA. White also provided an update on the CADA 360 benefits program and the advantages it offers to dealer members.
Chuck Seguin, President of Seguin Advisory Services, took a detailed look at some of the trends shaping automotive retailing today. Seguin talked about the need to focus ‘long-term’ on your business, including aspects such as estate planning and succession as well as market and demographic trends.
Maria Soklis, President of Cox Automotive Canada, delivered a very thought provoking and riveting session on Effective Leadership, talking about the qualities that define leadership, as well as the ability to effectively communicate across borders, cultures and different demographic groups.
Soklis noted that in today’s environment “the ability to identify and connect with others around us on an emotional level is far more effective than expecting our colleagues to support us based on logical rationale.”
Besides the keynote sessions, there were also team-building exercises, including group sports tournaments, as well as multiple networking activities.
Auto Journal had the opportunity to speak with numerous attendees during the course of the event, with many of them thoroughly enjoying the chance to find new business opportunities as well as gaining valuable information via the numerous content sessions. [wds id=”531″]
