TADA to host new conference and expo in April

Ontario dealers need to mark April 11 and 12 on their calendars as there will be a new event on the roster next year.

The Trillium Automobile Dealers’ Association (TADA) and Consolidated Dealers have partnered to host the first ever Automotive Conference & Expo (ACE) in Niagara Falls, Ont.

According to TADA executive director Todd Bourgeon, ACE was born out of a need to consolidate the number of events dealers were being asked to attend and refine the value to the dealer from both a cost and content perspective.

In years past, the TADA has hosted two Auto Dealer Innovation Series events (one-day events in Ottawa and Toronto in February/March) along with Ontario Dealer Day in April. (The Innovation Series will continue with its fall sessions).

Couple that with the other automotive events on the winter and spring calendar – NADA Convention and Expo, Canadian International AutoShow, Digital Dealer, Auto Remarketing Canada, etc. – and it can be difficult to dedicate time to everything.

Bourgeon said the new show will be cost effective for dealers as ACE will only run $99 after the Consolidated Dealers show incentive.

“Plus, there will be local content, local vendors with show specials and speakers with topics that will be extremely relevant to current and future trends,” he said. “All without having to travel south of the border meaning more opportunity to network with Canadian dealers and vendors.”

The TADA said there is space for 80 booths but noted it is expected to sell out quickly.

“And the response from vendors has been nothing short of impressive we are sold out of sponsorship, already,” he said in early November.

He noted the association chose Niagara Falls over other locations because it has a great convention centre and plenty do for people of all ages. Accommodations are cost effective and allowed the TADA to provide a destination event without a huge cost.

As for speakers, the TADA said it has lined up successful dealer Mike Stollery and industry analyst Chuck Seguin with many more announcements to come. One of the keynotes speeches will be from Peter Mansbridge. Bourgeon also hinted at some “celebrity guests” who will be part of the expo and a surprise musical guest for the evening networking event.

For more information or to register, click here