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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

Dealers and vendors debate whether Digital Dealer 2026 in Detroit is worth attending, with most expressing skepticism about the conference's shrinking size, vendor-heavy crowd, and poor ROI. A Car Dealership Guy partnership and an AI Hackathon session are mentioned as potential bright spots, though sentiment is that DD has lost its identity and struggles to compete with alternatives like NADA, MRC, and DMSC. One vendor ultimately booked a booth, signaling cautious optimism despite the prevailing doubts.

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