Here goes, if I offend someone....sorry, up your game and I won't next time
I'll give you my schedule and what I thought, just my opinion so listen if you want to however remember they don't pick speakers names out of a hat so they all brought value to someone.
Tues......opening General session, I agree with what was said wish Chip Perry, John Holt and Mitch Golub brought different insight, didn't really take much away from their session like I hoped I would.
Went to see Todd Smith next........nice insights on how to use chat without a sales pitch, Todd is 1 of the more progressive guys in the space IMO.
From there I went to Josh Muller's cell phone class.....lots of basic info and stats......not what I was hoping for.
Skipped out on the last session and spent some time in the hallway with Tim Jennings, always seem to learn more in the hallway in these events. (Don't underestimate the value of talking to people at these events)
Wednesday.....General session with Brian Benstock (kinda) and Sean Wolfington.....though I know Sean is an extremely talented guy and what Brian has accomplished is remarkable, I don't know why Mike Roscoe approved this 2 hour salespitch?
Next was to Dale Pollak's presentation.......always a value add with a real plan on how to sell more cars, lot's of speakers lack a real plan and deliver only buzzwords......sure we're friends and a client, but valuable presentation as always.
Then I went to see Phil Zelinger......I was pleasantly surprised at how well done Phil's presentation was, sure it was filled with charts and stats but Phil also gave dealers a real strategy to go with his stats. Even with some technical issues I thought this was worthwhile.
From there I went to what was my favorite presentation of the show.......Kevin Frye of DealerRefresh fame did an excellent job of showing real world examples of what has worked, hasn't worked and some future plans. Kevin is 1 of the leaders in the space for a reason.
Wrapping up Wednesday was Joe Webb/Bill Playford and Angela Martin....... I thought I was going just to be amused by Joe Webb, who didn't let me down. What ended up happening was we were entertained, engaged and educated by a well balanced team who put lots of thought and work into their presentation. Well worth the watch.
I only got to see 1 Thursday class and then off to the airport. Although I was hoping to catch Larry Bruce speak (I read his stuff often and recommend it) I love watching Tim Jennings and his regular guy, done it himself style. Tim's youtube efforts are worth trying to duplicate.....although I don't think anyone wants to"live it" like he does, took lots of years of doing the things nobody wanted to do for Tim to get where he is today.
Like I said about the conversations in the hallways......if you never saw a presenter and just to to hang out with Old Uncle Joe as much as I did during this show you would have spent your money wisely. Sure lots of people there needed those basic presentations.....but lots of people in the hotel had lots of real world experience and I learn from those relationships all the time.