The third event to highlight in this series evaluating automotive events is the Auto Intel Summit + National Remarketing Conference hosted by Cherokee Media Group. It will be held April 23-25 in Cary, N.C.

This annual event focuses on financial and business trends and attracts about 300 automotive leaders each year. A combination of executives attends to learn, network and relax. Situated in the Research Triangle area in North Carolina, event attendees are literally surrounded by some of the finest innovation firms on the East Coast.

Plus, West Coasters get a nice taste of the kind of beautiful Spring landscape that only coastal North Carolina can provide.

So, should you go? Let’s answer the tough questions.

Who will attend this event?

Attendees include executives representing dealership groups, fintech companies, investors, venture capitalists, valuation providers, lenders and credit bureaus. Leaders use this conference to gather the information needed to make good business decisions.

“It’s not just the number of attendees. It’s the quality of the attendees and the ability to meet with them in such an intimate setting that allows meaningful conversations and collaborations to occur,” says Tarry Shebesta, CEO of Automobile Consumer Services.

What is the format of the event? 

The Summit is an education-focused event with workshops and keynote speakers. The topics vary, but largely focus on innovation and business trends.

According to Tom Kline, founder of Better Vantage Point, “the event lives up to its ‘Auto Intel’ name by attracting some of the most intelligent people in the industry.”

The small footprint of the workshop area means that it is easy to meet and talk with fellow attendees. Tom adds, “It’s a good show for dealers to attend if you are interested in engaging on a 1-on-1 basis with industry investors, lenders and entrepreneurial leaders.”

Who from a dealership will get the most benefit from attending?

Dealership group executives, owners and general managers will get the most from the high-level presentations and interactions.

According to Chris Vester, COO and visionary of Hubert Vester Automotive, this event is for active dealership owners and all general managers.

“AIS provides exposure to new ideas, processes and trends,” Vester says. “Last year’s event allowed me to spend time really digging deep into the CDP landscape and convinced me to begin building one for our group.”

What should attendees expect to happen at the event?

Attendees should expect to learn and have time engaging with fellow attendees. Presentations and panels are the highlight of the event.

Trent Broberg, CEO of ACERTUS says that he found, “AIS to be uniquely positioned to offer access to an abundant amount of new information devoid of the noise of a selling environment.”

Additionally, Mike Benavides, founder of iFuel Automotive, says “the presentations here are not like other events. Vendors aren’t pitching their solutions. The presentations are about trends that are shaping our industry’s future.”

What is my most important business need?

For dealers, it’s about exposure and learning. Vester noted, “the exposure to new ideas and trends has made good business sense for us. I call it a ‘Return on Ideas’ – and it makes this event a worthwhile investment.”

For sponsors and other attendees, business development and networking seem to be the big draw. Benavides says “AIS draws a different crowd than you find at many other automotive shows. This variety gives me access to new ideas, software and trends.”

Vester added, “This event is important to get out of the echo chamber and expose your business leadership to new ideas.”

For vendors, it’s about business and partnership development.

Broberg notes this event offers “highly insightful material from a wide-range of industry perspectives. Our company is intricately involved in multiple functions throughout several industries including automotive, and it is critical that we are aware of important partnerships and also that companies are fully aware of the broad extent of our services. At AIS, I’m able to readily accomplish both.”

What do you find most valuable about attending the AIS event?

Conferences and expos are only as good as the people they attract.  AIS/NRS attracts high quality leaders.

According to Laurie Foster, founding partner of Foster Strategies Group and FORWARD Executive Career Services, “The attendance is the great differentiator. A growth mindset and a spirit of drive, persistence and collaboration are not owned by companies, but by the individual leaders.”

Shebesta adds, “If you’re looking for new and innovative components or solutions that touch the customer deal, this is the event to attend.”

Overall, the intimacy of the AIS + NRC event makes it an attractive and affordable investment. Large retailers, especially those operating in multiple markets, will find value from the analytical approach. Entrepreneurs can make connections on the lender side, vehicle and customer data providers.

And, lenders and VCs interested in identifying new trends and entrepreneurs will get a good view into the future technology shaping the industry

About the author: Jennifer Sanford is an experienced SaaS marketing leader passionate about the retail automotive experience. Jennifer is the founder of Sanford Marketing Group, an agency specializing in B2B marketing strategy and project management.