More than 2,000 car dealers will descend upon Silverstone, the home of British racing, for the UK’s largest and most exciting car dealership event on 24 May 2016. After the roaring success of Car Dealer Expo (CDX) 2015 that saw over 1,500 attendees enjoy all sorts of activities surrounding the motor trade industry, it returns bigger and better this year.
There are many car dealer events put on across the UK each year but none that match CDX for size. Based on the American NADA dealer expo that takes place annually, it’s essentially the European equivalent and a must visit for all car dealers.
Highlights from last year
As well as more than 1,500 attendees, last year saw over 70 exhibitors filling out two expo halls for the one-day event. A range of keynote speeches from such respected businesses as Google and Twitter, along with question and answer sessions with manufacture bosses of Volvo, Ford, Hyundai and Mitsubishi and leading UK dealers such as Perrys and Ridgeway, proved insightful and helpful for many attending car dealers.
On the less serious side of things, WMS Group held a Scalextric challenge and the Blackball Media stand had its own pool table speed contest. Plus famous faces including Tiff Needell and Mike Brewer were milling around, happy to speak to fans. Louise Goodman ran a Women in the Motor Industry session along with various other workshops on offer.
Then there were the cars. GardX showcased their 2015 BTCC BMW 125i, Brookspeed Racing had their 2015 Porsche 911 GT2 Carrera Cup Racer on show and Sara Williams was there with her 2015 BTRDA Forestry Championship Subaru. With so much going on it was impossible to find a dull moment and 2016 looks likely to build on this.
What’s on for 2016?
This year CDX has been upgraded, with three rather than two expo halls and at least 2,000 visitors already expected. The increased space means even more suppliers will be on hand to showcase their wares, with a 30% increase in space meaning that there’s plenty of room for all the car dealers in attendance.
As well as over 100 motor trade suppliers setting out their stalls, there are a range of keynote speeches arranged by industry leaders. Google’s Scott Sinclair, Twitter’s Lucy McHenry and Harry Melsom from Facebook will all be giving talks throughout the day about how car dealers should make the most of the internet and social media.
Last year’s Women in the Motor Industry session will be making a return, with professional stunt driver Annalese Ferrari and World Touring Car Championship presenter Alexandra Legouix among the panel. Another returning feature is the 140 most influential car dealers on Twitter, which will be revealed based on their Klout scores and the winners will receive their prizes from Twitter’s Head of Agency Sales Lucy McHenry.
Three reasons every car dealer should attend
As the UK’s and one of Europe’s largest car dealer events, with a great line-up of speakers and activities already in place, you should need no more persuading to pay CDX 2016 a visit. If you still do, then the following three reasons may change your mind.
- Network
Over 100 motor trade suppliers will be in attendance, with numerous stalls set out across all three expo halls. Plus there should be at least 2,000 car dealers and many others from the motor industry in attendance. These provide great opportunities to network and initiate new business partnerships, as well as distribute your own business cards.
- Learn
The keynote speeches should offer plenty of insight into using the internet and social media for car dealers. There are also 12 workshops that will include hints and tips on how to improve your dealership business in a range of ways, helping you to learn from some of the best in the industry.
- Enjoy
It’s not all work though. CDX 2016 is still a fun day out, with a decent amount of more informal activities available to enjoy at the fantastic venue. Whether you make a number of great new partnerships, listen to interesting speeches or have fun looking at the many vehicles on display, CDX 2016 is one of the best events for all car dealers to attend this year.
Image courtesy of iStock
