Las Vegas, NV – June 23-26, 2025 The Fontainebleau Hotel was buzzing with energy as more than 800 independent auto dealers, tech innovators, and industry veterans gathered for the annual NIADA Convention & Expo, the flagship event hosted by the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association. This year’s edition reaffirmed NIADA’s role as a central force in shaping the future of independent automotive retail.
A Marketplace of Ideas and Innovation
Over four days, attendees immersed themselves in a dynamic mix of educational panels, strategic workshops, and hands-on tech showcases. From AI-driven sales tools to legal compliance and customer retention strategies, the sessions reflected the evolving landscape of auto entrepreneurship.
Among the standout themes:
- AI integration in lead management and customer engagement
- Predictive analytics for inventory and pricing decisions
- Team-building frameworks for scalable dealership growth
- Customer experience metrics as drivers of repeat business
- Legal updates impacting independent dealer operations
Voices That Moved the Room
The speaker lineup featured a blend of industry heavyweights and fresh disruptors. NFL legend and entrepreneur Joe Theismann, invited by CARFAX, delivered a keynote on resilience and reinvention. Other notable voices included:
- Joe Keadle, SVP at Kinetic Advantage
- Ross Tinkham, VP at Podium
- Sean Toussi, CEO of Glo3D.com
- Cory Mosley, founder of Mosley Strategy Group
- Mark Metry, attorney at Hudson Cook LLP
- And Brent Carmichael, Director of Education at NIADA, whose insights resonated deeply with attendees.
Expo Floor: Where Business Meets Possibility
Beyond the sessions, the expo hall offered a panoramic view of the industry’s future. From digital retail platforms and financing solutions to parts suppliers, the floor was a hub for discovery and deal-making. Companies showcased tools designed to streamline operations, enhance customer trust, and drive profitability.
Leadership & Learning: A Shift in Dealer Development
This year’s NIADA Convention featured a wide range of educational sessions – from tactical workshops to strategic leadership panels – reflecting a clear shift in how professional growth is being approached across the industry. More than ever, training is seen not just as a requirement, but as a competitive advantage.
Brent Carmichael, Director of Education at NIADA, observed that dealer education is evolving rapidly. “Today’s leaders aren’t just checking boxes-they’re actively seeking learning that adapts to market changes and helps shape the future of automotive retail,” he said.
Building Connections That Last
For many attendees, the convention wasn’t just about knowledge – it was about connection. Networking lounges, education breakout sessions, and informal meetups created space for collaboration across regions and specialties.
We spoke with Mykola Ruiev, an active NIADA Association member, who shared his perspective on some of the convention’s key themes.
Joe Theismann, NIADA Keynote Speaker and Super Bowl Champion (right) with Mykola Ruiev, NIADA Association member
“I was struck by the openness and collaborative spirit here. You can sit down with someone from an entirely different market and still uncover shared goals. This kind of dialogue propels us forward—not just as individual businesses, but as a unified industry. The educational sessions stood out for their practicality, tackling the most pressing issues dealers face today,” Ruiev said.
He continued, “The discussions around AI integration were particularly eye-opening. In today’s market, response time is critical—most buyers choose the dealer who replies first. Traditional lead-handling methods are falling short. I’m convinced that AI-powered tools, which accelerate communication while delivering precision and personalization, are the future of our industry,” Ruiev added.
NIADA Convention & Expo 2025 proved once again that independent dealers are not only adapting to change – they’re driving it. With bold ideas, shared expertise, and a renewed focus on education, the road ahead looks more connected than ever.
