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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.
 
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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.
$3,500 and no early bird. Same as last year. Absolutely outrageous for what you get.
 

✨ AI Highlights

Dealers and vendors debate whether Digital Dealer 2026 in Detroit is worth attending, with general skepticism driven by high vendor-to-dealer ratios, steep pricing ($3,500 with no early bird discount), and years of declining perceived value. The Car Dealership Guy partnership and an AI Hackathon featuring Brent Wees generated some interest, but the consensus leans toward the conference being difficult to justify financially, with even longtime loyalists sitting out.

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