ARC Conference sticks to expanded content formula for 2018

TORONTO, ONT. – Canada’s used-car conference is coming back to Toronto this year, bigger and better than ever.

Auto Remarketing Canada Conference (ARC) 2018 is set to run at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto Mar. 27 and 28. Its companion show, Women & Automotive Canadian Leadership Forum, will again take place the following day on March 29.

This year’s ARC will also follow the same format as the 2017 instalment, which broke from tradition and expanded beyond used cars with three different content tracks – retail, remarketing and auto finance.

“We found that the expertise and desire for great content and training within each of those areas is deep in the market,” explained show host and chairman Bill Zadeits.

“We believe the tracks add additional value and greater business opportunities to the event and to the various executives and professionals we serve. Plus, the feedback from last year was terrific.”

He said the expanded content also brought together a larger faculty of experts to share more specific data, analytics and best practices, which led to significant takeaways for attendees.

“Our experts added incredible value and that’s important when you have an audience that includes all the key players with franchise and independent dealers, remarketers, auto finance, suppliers, fleet execs and more,” he added.

The March show will see speakers who are focused on emerging technology and intelligence that’s impacting the auto and auto finance industry.

One of the speakers will be Dennis Ephlin, an expert with IBM’s Automotive Centre of Competence. His presentation will reportedly focus on revolutionary ideas and technology that will reshape the retail environment.

“I believe it will cause everyone to think in ways that will be eye-opening and healthy for the industry,” Zadeits said.

Of course, despite the added content, the show is still firmly rooted in the used-car business. With an exclusive focus on the profitable pre-owned business, organizers said franchise and independent dealers will see new technologies, strategies and practices that will help them profit and improve pre-owned operations.

“Once again, event sponsors have teamed-up to offer franchise and independent dealership employees a VIP/comp ticket to the event. If you’re selling used cars, this is an opportunity to be around and learn from the very best in the business,” he said.

Running the day following ARC will be the 2018 Women & Automotive Canadian Leadership Forum. The one-day event shares and discusses practical approaches for advancing women into leadership roles in the Canadian automotive industry.

Zadiets said former Manheim Canada executive Cheryl Munce originally suggested the idea a few years ago.

“She knew that in the U.S., we have events and franchises like Women in Remarketing, Women in Auto Finance and more. We agreed that it was a great idea and we’ve been very impressed with the growth and interest in the event,” he noted.

“It’s unique for our company in that it’s not strictly focused on the used-car side of the market, but for women automotive and auto finance executives across Canada. Based on the early returns, this year’s event will once again experience exponential growth.”

And given the recent climate surround the #MeToo movement, there will likely be a lot to discuss.

For more information, visit arcanada.autoremarketing.com