The 2023 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo was a great success for our Dealer Teamwork team. Showcasing in Las Vegas last week alongside many industry-leading retailers, our team was proud to demonstrate first-hand what we are built for: driving the digital transformation of automotive retail, and equipping our dealers with the tools and resources they need to gain the most competitive advantage in today’s market. 

From the game-changing educational sessions and informative keynote presentations, to the in-depth workshops and the conference-supported Hosted Dealer Program (HDP), the Digital Dealer Conference & Expo offered a wealth of opportunity for our team to further expand our expertise and continue offering the most cutting-edge solutions to attendees and the industry at large.  

If you missed out on this year’s event, or simply want to relive some of the highlights, we’ve got you covered.

DAY ONE

With a focus on showcasing our latest advancements: Total Search™, Precision Spending, and our patented MPOP® technology, we were ready to take day one by storm; not only demonstrating, but proving the unique value that Dealer Teamwork offers its dealers and how we can help our future dealers achieve the same success.

Demonstrations of Total Search™, the undisputed future of digital marketing in automotive, was the star of the show, highly sought for its efficiency and effectiveness. Mobilizing the power of AI, Total Search is the place where PPC and SEO are unified and become one. A consolidated analytics-led approach that aligns unique markets, inventories, and goals into a progressive and dynamic strategy. The result is an online omnipresence that puts the consumer first. This approach drives more quality traffic, better engagement, and increased sales and service opportunities while striking down costs. Read more about Total Search in our blog.

Precision Spending™, another highlight of Dealer Teamwork’s proprietary solutions; where budget and pacing strikes the perfect balance for exacting consistency and efficiency.  Captivating dealers with its ability to optimize advertising budgets through the power of AI-optimized pacing and historical data, Precision Spending makes real-time adjustments according to performance and consumer demand — all with zero waste. It’s a no-brainer for automotive dealers demanding more transparency and control over spend at a daily and individual campaign level. Precision Spending gives dealers the chance to take back control of agency over- and under- spend and tired of month-end budget stuffing, source overrides, and paying too much for cars that sell themselves!

Continuing our presence at the conference, we engaged in meaningful conversations, exchanged ideas, and gained valuable insights at the Women’s Meet-Up Luncheon. Having the opportunity for the women on our team to reconnect with familiar faces, forge new connections and drive a sense of community with other influential women in the automotive industry is an ever-rewarding experience that we look forward to continuing being a part of. 

Wrapping up the first day inside the conference hall, our team was invigorated with new ideas and opportunities to bring back for our dealers. The positive reception and enthusiasm from the dealers we conversed with regarding our new innovative solutions not only validated the dedication our team has put into developing these tools, but also reinforced our belief in the integral role they play in helping dealers achieve success.

Eric Miltsch, Dealer Teamwork Co-Founder and VP of Search, also took the stage to participate in the NEW ‘AI Hackathon’ where he was invited to lead a group of dealers in a hands-on, high-impact workshop on how to leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Led by Brent Wees, the NEW ‘AI Hackathon,’ was designed to allow dealers to brainstorm, design, and showcase concepts for innovative solutions, aimed at overcoming challenges and enhancing various aspects of the automotive retail experience. With an hour to enact an AI-driven concept, Eric and his team brought to life a concept that utilized a combination of machine learning and Natural Language Processing to build out a plethora of virtual ads for a campaign that would be targeted to the right audience – all through the power of artificial intelligence.

Spoiler: based on unanimous votes, Eric (& team) took home the grand prize.

The excitement from day one did not falter, as it carried from the conference hall to OTORO, where we had the pleasure of hosting a dinner with many of our dealer partners. Connecting with our dealers beyond a conference setting is something we take great pride in, and we are always eager to celebrate our shared success together. Thank you to those who were able to join us!

Last, but certainly not least, we would like to thank all of those who attended the classic Karaoke night at Dino’s Lounge, hosted by Shaun Raines, Joe Webb, and Arnold Tijerina. This event has become a Digital Dealer tradition, and we were honored to be a part of it this year as a sponsor. From our dynamic DUO, Olivia and Drew’s soulful rendition of ‘Summer Nights’ from the movie Grease, to the exchanges of laughter and excitement for day two, the night was filled with applause, camaraderie and a true sense of community. 

DAY TWO

After a successful day one, our team was back on the Mirage floor bright and early to kickstart the second day of the event.

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Starting off strong, our CEO and Co-Founder, Sean Stapleton took the stage to discuss the future of automotive retail alongside Paul Caldwell, Co-Owner of Wood Motor Auto Group and Wood Motor Powersports, to discuss how to easily utilize powerful tools like Pmax, Google Vehicle Ads, video, and more to generate more quality leads while driving down spending.

In today’s digital landscape, it’s more important than ever for automotive dealerships to have a strong lead generation strategy. SEM, SEO, and social media are three of the most effective channels available, but they can be even more powerful when used together through a Total Search™ strategy. Through placing emphasis on the pillars of Data, Search, Merchandising and Reporting, Sean, in support of Paul’s dealership expertise, presented the keys to a full-room of dealers.

If you didn’t have a chance to see it live, here are some of the takeaways:

• Data is the ultimate currency. Learning how to collect, manage, and leverage the right data in real-time is the key to finding success in today’s automotive market. 
• Search is the most important channel to own, driving consumers to your dealership’s website, inventory and service pages. After all, consumers can’t buy what they can’t find. If you are not showing up in search, you are missing out on sales.
• Merchandising is more than just inventory. It is the ability to set your dealership apart from the competition and showcase your dealership’s value proposition for consumers. Ensuring that the prices, pictures and vehicle descriptions are fully-optimized and correct is an integral part of maximizing your strategy. 
• Reporting is the cornerstone of a successful dealership. Through utilizing a platform that provides real-time analytics, tracks key metrics, and provides actionable insights, dealers can better allocate resources and identify areas of opportunity.

Sean kicked the day off right and early, sharing his expertise on all things search, social and everything in between…and he didn’t stop there. He continued on stage as part of an elite panel of fellow industry experts, dealers, and thought leaders in a session titled “New Tech? New Problems? Well This is the Session of Solutions!”  moderatred by the incredible April Simmons of Horne Auto Group. He presented his own unique take on Website Conversions and the importance of maintaining an ROI-focused approach to all of your digital initiatives as we wrap up 2023 and head into the new year. 

After all, if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it – from your website, to your social media, to your SEM, SEO, marketing campaigns, and beyond. Check out our SEO Audit and contact us to get your own website inspection here!

With a day filled with so many engaging and informative sessions, our Dealer Teamwork team left the conference floor feeling more energized than ever, ready to host another celebratory dinner with our clients, partners and friends at the infamous Stack Steakhouse. 

To cap off night two, we were thrilled to continue exchanging ideas and collaborations at the Capri Lounge for the annual Digital Dealer Party. Filled with chats, connections and even more dancing, the event always provides the perfect way to end an eventful day of learning and networking!

As the music played and conversation filled the air, it was clear that the Digital Dealer Party was not only a celebration of the conference’s success, but also a testament to the strength and passion within the automotive community. With a renewed sense of inspiration and enthusiasm, our Dealer Teamwork team left the party ready to take on new challenges and continue driving results in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

DAY THREE

The LAST day of Digital Dealer 2023! After two successful days on the showroom floor and beyond, our team was still reeling with excitement and ready to put our energy into action. 

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Representing Dealer Teamwork, Sean was honored to participate in the fast-moving, Hosted Dealer Program (HDP), where he was able to meet with dealers and those in authoritative upper-management-level roles 1:1 to showcase WHAT Dealer Teamwork is built for, and how it can revolutionize their digital marketing strategies. The HDP provided a unique platform for Sean to not only demonstrate the features and benefits of our innovative solutions but also to understand the specific challenges and pain points that dealerships face in today’s competitive landscape. Through discussing dealer pain-points and showcasing exactly how Dealer Teamwork can solve them in a personal conversation, Sean was able to establish strong relationships, foster growth for participating dealers and industry professionals, and further solidify Dealer Teamwork’s reputation as the trusted partner in driving dealer success.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Now that you are all caught up to speed on what went down in Vegas at this past Digital Dealer, we can NOT wait to share all of the exciting and revolutionizing advancements that Dealer Teamwork is CURRENTLY employing:

CALLING ALL SUBARU DEALERS!

Dealer Teamwork is excited to announce it is a Subaru Certified Paid Search Program Provider. Thanks to dealer demand we’ve been vetted and found to drive SUPERIOR results. Harness the power of our patented MPOP® technology together with our 100% GA4 certified, Google Premier Partner expert team, and start building on YOUR Subaru dealership’s success. Read the full announcement here, then contact us to find out why more OEM brands are turning to Dealer Teamwork as their trusted digital advertising partner today. 

Premier Subaru Certified Paid Search Program Leadership: We’re Built for That.

TOTAL SEARCH™

Total Search™ is just one of the game-changing innovations, enhancements, and improvements that we were proud to showcase and unveil at Digital Dealer. 

With an overwhelmingly successful response, we are ready to show YOU why more progressive dealers are joining the unified future of digital marketing – where SEO and SEM become ONE: Total Search™ brings it all together. Smarter planning, expert execution, and seamless data sharing.

Set up your preview here, TODAY!

PRECISION SPENDING™

Tired of month-end budget stuffing, source overrides, paying too much for cars that sell themselves, or paying too little on top-performing campaigns with efforts that are spread too thin?

Introducing Precision Spending™ – Dealer Teamwork’s latest game-changing technology that is built to ensure that digital advertising budgets are aligned to meet your dealership’s unique inventory, market, and business goals more efficiently. Precision Spending™ automates daily budgeting by campaign, optimizes ad performance, and maximizes ROI with zero waste; going beyond traditional methods with AI-informed pacing and historical data to make real-time adjustments according to performance and consumer demand. Consistency is the key, and dealers deserve a strategic and fully transparent approach. 

Here at Dealer Teamwork, We’re built for that.

Demo today to see how Precision Spending can revolutionize YOUR approach!

NEW NEWS!

• SUBARU OF AMERICA PARTNERSHIP: With the roll-out of our Subaru Certified Paid Search Provider Program, our Dealer Teamwork team is not taking the foot off the gas.
• MORE OEM PARTNERSHIP COMING SOON: As a provider for every current industry OEM, we are anxious to announce our next addition very soon… stay tuned!
• DEALER TEAMWORK IS HIRING! Looking to join one of the fastest-growing Digital Advertising companies in its space? Take advantage of the opportunity to join our successful team, and apply here today.

We will see you all at NADA February 1-4th, 2024!