The 2017 AADA National Dealer Convention returns to Sydney in September. AADA is expecting record numbers to attend at the brand new, billion dollar ICC Sydney on Darling Harbour.

Under the theme ‘Advancing Innovation, Technology and Engagement’, we have compiled a program of workshops and guest speakers designed to help Dealers and key staff adapt to the rapidly changing pace of technological advancement and its impact on our industry.

We’re thrilled to be hosting this year’s event at the ICC Sydney, a world-class business and function facility right in the heart of Sydney’s gorgeous Darling Harbour precinct.
We encourage all Dealers to attend and bring along key members of staff in their Sales, Service, Aftermarket and Marketing departments.

The 2017 AADA Convention will feature ACCC Chairman Mr. Rod Sims at the AADA Auto-IT Opening Breakfast. This significant address will enlighten and educate delegates about the roles of advocacy and the regulator. Following the Opening Breakfast the AADA General Session will feature an important keynote address by The Hon. Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Urban Infrastructure. These two addresses will outline the importance of the work that AADA does on behalf of Australian automotive dealers.

As usual we have put together an outstanding program of compelling and inspiring speakers – experts in all aspects of dealership operations, marketing, new technology and media, business and the world at large. The AADA Keynote Address will be delivered by The Hon. Peter Costello AC. Mr. Costello will give his take on how the world is changing. The AADA Convention program also includes an address on innovation by former Telstra CEO Mr. David Thodey AO. Our social program is always a highlight, and this year we welcome Ella Hooper as the latest in a long line of Australian and international stars to entertain delegates.

The 2017 Expo is the largest yet, showcasing the latest and greatest products and services designed to give your dealership the cutting edge. The pace of technological change is so rapid these days, the Expo is a one-stop shop to ensure you are fully abreast of all the challenges and opportunities in this area.

As your industry association, AADA does a power of work behind the scenes advocating for Dealers’ interests with governments and regulators. Having a strong association is crucial to the future success of our industry, and a well-attended Convention is a major component of that.

AADA does its best to keep Dealers informed of our projects and priorities, but the Convention represents the best means of coming face-to-face and engaging in a two-way dialogue that conveys our message while listening to your needs.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together with your peers to inform yourself and your staff about everything going on in our industry.

The challenges for the retail automotive industry are significant. Whether it be autonomous vehicles, electric cars, ride-sharing or social media, there is no escaping the fact that we are well into the transition to the digital age. The old ways won’t work anymore and those who cling to them will fall behind. On the other hand, those who arm themselves with the knowledge and aptitude to grow with this new world should continue to thrive. That’s what we aim to provide with this year’s convention, through every department of the modern dealership.

Dealers who actively engage with both technological progress and the consumer desires that drive it are the ones who will profit. They must engage on all sides: with manufacturers experimenting with new technology; with customers, to ensure we are helping them get what they want from this brave new world, and with governments, so they are abreast of planning and legislative developments likely to impact their business models.

The next decade is likely to see more change in the retail automotive industry than in any before. It is an exciting time to be involved in our industry, but also a challenging one. The aim of the 2017 AADA National Dealer Convention and Expo is to inform and equip our members to best cope with that change.

To this end we are developing a three-track program of workshops, featured guests, keynote speakers and policy sessions to comprehensively cover the myriad issues and challenges facing Dealers now and into the future.

The AADA Super Session

Jared Hamilton, the award-winning entrepreneur and technology leader, was such a hot ticket at the 2015 AADA National Dealer Convention that we have invited him back to conduct this must-see session.

This presentation is the glue that binds together the rest of the 2017 AADA National Dealer Convention program. Do not leave without seeing it!

Mr Hamilton will detail how a customer’s choice of dealership is influenced by social media such as Facebook and Google reviews. He will explain why it is crucial for Dealers to invest in maintaining and promoting their online presence, and how powerful positive and negative reviews are in influencing how potential customers feel about buying from a dealership.

The AADA General Session and AGM

Following the Opening Breakfast, the AADA General Session brings you a variety of speakers covering a range of issues pertinent to all aspects of the modern dealership. The General Session also features the Annual General Meeting of AADA, so it is important you attend to have your say in the running of your association.

This session is designed for not just Dealer Principals (although we strongly recommend they attend!) but also leaders and managers in the Sales, Finance, Marketing and Service departments. Basically, if they are an important leader in your business, they should see this session!

The address by Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure, Paul Fletcher, comprises part of this session, with the balance made up of talks from some of AADA’s leaders and key policy and advocacy thinkers.

Tuesday Team Events: ‘Engine’

Designed for middle managers, service personnel, sales personnel and support staff inside dealerships, this program will feature workshop subjects such as Business Development Centres, Customer Loyalty in Sales & Service, Relationship Management, Service Department Competition, Sales Skills, Team Leadership and more.

Some of AADA’s favourite visiting speakers will lead your team through these invaluable and educational sessions. International speakers Tom Stuker and George Dans will give your sales teams an invigorating session on vehicle sales. Markee Group’s David Martin and leading USA dealer Tully Williams will give service teams real valuable take-back to the dealership with information that will benefit all who attend. We can’t emphasise enough just how important it is that not just your managers, but entire teams are on hand to gain first-hand the benefits of the wisdom of some of the retail automotive industry’s most successful trainers and leaders.

The AADA Expo

Our biggest Expo ever! Now open day and night to ensure you have time to see everything on display.

The AADA Expo has always been a popular destination for delegates between sessions, but this year we’re taking it to another level with the news that you will now also be able to explore the vast array of innovative products, services and new technologies after the sun goes down.

The AADA Expo will be reinvigorated for 2017, with more exhibitors than ever before and a new exhibitor-friendly layout. The AADA Expo will be open between 6:30am through to 10pm on the Tuesday, and 6:30am to 5pm on Wednesday.

As always, the AADA Expo will showcase new products and services designed to improve your bottom line. Whether it be after-market, insurance, finance, marketing, software, customer retention or any other aspect of dealership operations, you can bet there will be something for you.

AADA Central

AADA Central is the hub of all catered functions and plenary sessions for the 2017 AADA National Dealer Convention. Located inside the Expo this will create a focused energy, and having everything centrally located is great for convenience.

The Venue: ICC Sydney

The venue for the 2017 AADA National Dealer Convention takes us to another level. The brand-new, outstanding ICC Sydney is Asia Pacific’s premier integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct.

Featuring a striking contemporary design, leading technology and multi-purpose spaces, the $1.5 billion ICC Sydney is located in the heart of the active, prime waterfront precinct of Darling Harbour on Cockle Bay.

The venue boasts sweeping views from an external event deck, a spectacular new ballroom and a red carpet entertainment complex.

ICC Sydney incorporates world’s best practice technology throughout, including wireless connectivity across the precinct.

The external event deck of 5,000 square metres includes a bar and lounge featuring spectacular city views. The exhibition halls link seamlessly with the rest of the venue. Over two floors, they provide a massive total of 32,600 sqm, making it Australia’s largest exhibition space. Added to the 2,400 sqm of multi-purpose event space in the convention area, this makes for a total of 35,000 sqm internal exhibition space.

ICC Sydney is the centrepiece of its very own Sydney Harbour waterfront precinct, set amongst restaurants, retail and a vibrant public domain on Darling Harbour yet only a moment’s walk to Australia’s largest CBD and surrounding university and cultural quarters. It is the fulcrum of a broader AU$3.4 billion revitalisation of Darling Harbour.

Don’t miss the 2017 AADA National Dealer Convention & Expo. You’re going to love it! See you there!