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PR & News Digital Dealer - Is it Back?

Previously as an OEM level consultant, I found little value in it myself, or as a dealer beyond getting some product demos.

As a vendor, even less valuable.

Sometimes there are some decent takeaways in the break out sessions, or you meet some awesome operators, but in large I don't see it being a worthy investment of time or money today.

Maybe I will be wrong. I look to be convinced that conventions outside of NADA have value beyond vendor sourcing.
 
I think the highlight and reason to go would be the Brent Wees AI Hackathon, he's a beauty and a pro: AI Hackathon | Digital Dealer

Yes he is - I also think the AI educational/news content he's putting out on LinkedIN is some of the best in a sea of AI slop posts.

We did just book our booth for Digital Dealer, so we'll find out soon enough if Detroit works.
 
Yes he is - I also think the AI educational/news content he's putting out on LinkedIN is some of the best in a sea of AI slop posts.

We did just book our booth for Digital Dealer, so we'll find out soon enough if Detroit works.

Brent is the best...but as a former DD loyalist, multi year and location speaker, absolutely not for the kind of money they want. I skipped Vegas (and we skipped a booth) for the first time in over a decade last year. I intended to walk it this year because Detroit is drive-able.

Then I heard the ticket price.
 

✨ AI Highlights

Automotive professionals debate whether Digital Dealer has recovered its relevance, with consensus leaning skeptical due to vendor-heavy attendance, high pricing ($3,500 for non-booth vendors), and a Detroit location seen as a drawback. A partnership with Car Dealership Guy and an AI Hackathon featuring Brent Wees are cited as potential bright spots, though most veterans feel the conference has steadily declined since its post-COVID peak in 2021. One original poster ultimately booked a booth anyway, reflecting the lack of strong alternatives now that DrivingSales is gone.

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