It’s the end of the year and we turn our attention to family and perhaps a holiday, but 2017 will soon be upon us, with one of its major events coming right at the start.

Our American sister organisation, the NADA, is celebrating its centenary with an exciting Mardis Gras flavour at its annual convention to be held in New Orleans from January 26-29.
Most of you would be aware that AADA runs an annual study tour to the world’s largest auto industry convention. Many of you have joined us on previous tours and appreciated firsthand just what an incredible event this is – like the AADA Convention on steroids!

Hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of Dealers and some of the automotive and entertainment industry’s leading speakers and performers make NADA one of the world’s premier business events in any field.

Keynote speakers in 2017 are comedian and best-selling author Jim Gaffigan; 2016 NADA chairman Jeff Carlson; vice-chairman Mark Scarpelli, and inspirational adaptive snowboarder, Amy Purdy, who overcame the loss of her legs, spleen and kidneys to rise to the top of her field, become a best-selling author, fashion designer, model, actress, and the first-ever double amputee contestant on Dancing With The Stars.

Mr Carlson will also be the special guest speaker at the third annual AADA International Industry Relations Dinner. A highlight of the tour, AADA will play host to this acclaimed gathering of leading industry figures from the International Dealer Association Working Group.

The Dinner will be held at Galatoire’s Restaurant, world-renowned Bourbon Street institution dating back to 1905. Specialising in French Creole cuisine, the restaurant is run by the fourth-generation descendants of founder, Jean Galatoire. In 2004, esteemed culinary organisation the James Beard Foundation lauded Galatoire’s as the “outstanding restaurant” in the USA.
AADA delegates will enjoy magnificent food, fine wine, outstanding company and the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the leading minds in the retail automotive world.

Another event to look forward to is the Official NADA 100 Year Celebration Party. Delegates from all over the world will celebrate 100 years of the world’s largest auto industry association. Held at the fabulous Mardi Gras World, with special guest band Foreigner, this is a chance to network or just let your hair down and enjoy the ‘all you can eat, all you can drink’ buffet.

AADA delegates will also celebrate Australia Day at the NADA100 Welcome Breakfast, at the acclaimed Court of the Two Sisters restaurant which features one of the most famous courtyards in one of the French Quarter’s most historic buildings. This will be followed by an exclusive AADA NADA premier auto dealership tour.

All this is in addition to the inspiring workshops, Super Sessions and hundreds of new products and services on display on the expo floor of the Convention.

Together with our travel partners Corporate Blue, AADA has compiled an exciting program for this business-centric tour, with ample time devoted to enjoying NADA’s celebrations in one of the world’s great party cities.

During the four days of the convention, delegates will be exposed to the latest news, ideas and innovations in the retail automotive world, gaining a cutting-edge advantage over competitors who don’t attend and thus don’t benefit from this fabulous opportunity.

Delegates will also enjoy an exclusive range of premium add-on benefits that no other organisation can match. AADA tour participants will stay at the 5-star Omni Royal hotel in the heart of the famous French Quarter.

Finally, AADA at NADA100 will conclude with a Farewell Cocktail Party at the famous Pat O’Brien’s Briar Suite. Renowned as one of the most fun establishments in the world, Pat O’Brien’s was established in the early 1900s and combines 18th century Spanish architecture with French European style. The elegant double parlour features a full bar, copper grand piano and a private Bourbon Street balcony.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event! If you’ve ever thought of joining us on one of our NADA Study Tours, this is the one!