The Digital Dealer Conference 2023 in Tampa, Florida, USA brought together automotive industry professionals from around the world for an immersive and enlightening experience. Our CEO & Founder, Collin Davis, and our Director of Business Development, Rick Valenta, had the privilege of participating in high-energy networking, thought-provoking conversations, and gaining valuable insights into the latest trends in automotive marketing. In this blog post, we will recap the memorable moments and shed light on the industry trends that took center stage during the conference.
Networking and Energizing Conversations
The conference began with a slow start but evolved into a burst of energy and excitement as the day rolled on. Attendees were greeted by a small but vibrant atmosphere as they entered the venue, with ample opportunities for networking. Engaging in conversations with fellow attendees, a strong sense of camaraderie and passion for the automotive industry filled the air. The picturesque Tampa waterfront location added charm, creating an ideal setting for forging new connections and strengthening existing relationships.
Insightful Sessions and Captivating Keynote Speakers
The conference schedule was packed with insightful sessions and captivating keynote speakers, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from topics such as AI, Google Analytics, and overall strategy. One session that stood out was the automotive mastermind, focusing on inventory management and used car acquisitions. Dealerships openly shared strategies for optimizing staff allocation to maximize contributions. Witnessing these industry leaders sharing their wisdom left a lasting impression, emphasizing the importance of agility and adaptability in dealership operations.
AI-Driven Technologies and Industry Trends
The pervasive influence of AI and ChatGPT was prominent throughout the conference. Dealers and vendors showed keen interest in harnessing the potential of these cutting-edge technologies to transform content creation and streamline processes. Discussions revolved around the integration of AI in customer service, sales and content creation. It became evident that AI-driven solutions have the power to revolutionize how automotive businesses create and distribute content, positioning them at the forefront of innovation.
Cartender Takes Center Stage
As an exhibitor, Cartender had the opportunity to showcase their suite of products on the keynote stage, generating a positive response from our ability to increase content production and reduce turnaround times. Our Publisher, Player, Page, and Developer APIs garnered significant interest, with dealers eager to learn how these solutions could enhance content creation processes and drive business growth. The spotlight, however, was on Cartender’s AI voiceover solution, which captivated dealers with its ability to generate remarkably human-like narration tracks for videos. Dealers were impressed by the prospect of saving time while maintaining a high-quality customer experience. Cartender’s voice cloning capability, which allows dealership staff to overlay their own voices onto video ads via “voice cloning”, also garnered attention, enabling dealers to connect with customers on a more personal level while reinforcing their brand.
Memorable Moments Beyond the Show Floor
Digital Dealer Conference in Tampa was not just about sessions and exhibitions; it created cherished memories and fostered connections. The kickoff party at American Social against the backdrop of the waterfront provided an intimate space for industry folks to forge new relationships and reconnect with old acquaintances. The camaraderie among industry veterans celebrating their shared experiences and triumphs was heartwarming and energizing.
Nurturing Relationships and Industry Connectivity
Reflecting on the conference, we were reminded that the automotive industry is an interconnection of relationships and shared journeys. From meeting individuals Rick and Collin had known for years to them making new connections, the event solidified the sense of community within the industry. Conversations with professionals who had witnessed our growth and success over time brought a sense of pride and reinforced the importance of nurturing relationships in this family-like industry.
Looking Ahead and Embracing Future Opportunities
The conference left participants excited and optimistic about the future of the automotive industry. The insights gained and connections forged invigorated their commitment to innovation and partnerships.
Looking forward, participants eagerly anticipate future Digital Dealer conferences and shows, as these events continue to serve as platforms to showcase innovations, collaborate with industry leaders, and learn about emerging trends. The event not only showcased the latest trends and innovations but also served as a reminder of the passion and dedication that drives the automotive industry. Moreover, these events serve as catalysts for growth, pushing attendees to continuously evolve and adapt to the ever-changing automotive landscape.