NIADA Hosts 76th Convention & Expo, Las Vegas

NOAH MELAMED, PRESIDENT MIDATLANTIC REGIONAL IADA

OWNER, TICKET TO RIDE AUTO SALES FINANCE, LANCASTER, PA

For the first time in three years, the used vehicle industry’s premier event was in Las Vegas, June 20 - 23. More than 1,600 independent vehicle dealers and exhibitors gathered for the four-day event.

Attendees gathered to honor the best in the business, meet and network, find the latest products and services, and learn from the most comprehensive dealer education in the independent space. The education program included more than 60 workshops, panel discussions, micro-sessions and general sessions led by some of the used vehicle industry’s top names.

The keynote address was delivered by Jon Taffer, the creator, executive producer, and star of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue. He kicked off the event on Tuesday with a hardhitting approach to those in attendance.

Scott Allen, owner of Auto Land in Haltom City, Texas, began his term as president of the NIADA for 2022-23 by accepting the President’s Ring and summed up his goal for his term in one word: Execution.

NIADA Hosts 76th Convention and Expo, Las Vegas

“With the help of three boards, 11 committees, a commission and two councils, I believe we can reach our goals this year. In addition, there will be input from 53 at-large dealers on those committees.”

“We, as the NIADA board, are focused on members first and our state associations next – their growth and success – all while maintaining the viability and sustainability of your national association...while also maintaining the best member benefits, the best advocacy in D.C. and the states, and the best education, conventions and training we can give you.”

Dare Saul, owner of D3 Auto Sales in Des Arc, Ark., and winner of Arkansas’ State Quality Dealer winner, won a sparkling white 2018 BMW 330i SPT with just 22,000 miles on the odometer in an auction held on Thursday, the final day of the Convention.

Manheim donated the vehicle and the bid was the highest in the benefit auction’s 10-year-history. Over the past 10 years, benefit auctions at the NIADA Convention have raised $252,000 for the NIADA Foundation. All sale proceeds go directly to the NIADA Foundation, which coordinates the association’s commitment to charitable giving and education.

In addition to making numerous donations to charities nationwide and providing matching funds for local charitable projects, the Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist members of the automotive community affected by hurricanes and other disasters. In addition, it has established endowments that fund university scholarships for students pursuing careers in the automotive industry.

Tommy Gregory, owner of Abilene Used Car Sales in Abilene, Texas, was named the 2022 National Quality Dealer of the Year by the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, the Association’s highest honor at the close of NIADA’s 76th annual Convention and Expo.

Gregory was chosen from 12 State Quality Dealer finalists for the highest honor awarded among NIADA’s dealer members. He is deeply involved with Texas IADA, serving as a leader in legislative advocacy and a top contributor to the association’s political action committee. n