The National Powersports Dealer Association (NPDA) took another momentous step forward this week with the successful launch of the Dealer Connect Conference in Columbus, Ohio. NPDA Dealers, partners, media and industry guests converged on the Sonesta Downtown Hotel October 20-22 to discover ways to be better together.
“We are grateful to everyone who attended in support of our inaugural event that brought our Association members and partners together,” says NPDA Executive Director Dave McMahon. “From legacy dealers that have been in operation for more than 50 years to those making their first foray into the new world of ownership, it’s safe to say that we achieved our goal of building connections through NPDA membership.”
“NPDA exists to promote, unite, represent, educate powersports dealers,” adds Jayson Davis owner/operator of Powersports of Greenville and an NPDA Board Member. “Dealer Connect achieved all these goals at a time in history when we need it the most.”
History was made when the first bonus sessions on Sunday kicked off for early-arriving guests. Attendees then gathered in the Networking Room, where 19 NPDA Partners had display tables alongside a range of food and beverage options.
The real voyage of discovery began bright and early on Monday morning when NPDA Co-Founder and Board Chairman Bob Althoff guided an Industry Leaders Summit that included the reveal of Powersports World, a newly launched NPDA joint venture broadcast network that aims to drive more customers into powersports dealerships nationwide. Viewers can find Powersports World on a variety of platforms, including at https://streamstak.com/powersportsworld/ and via the Roku app. Rob Dingman, President/CEO of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), also participated in the segment, acknowledging the AMA’s support of the industry’s newest growth initiative and the NPDA.
The remainder of Monday and Tuesday included educational sessions delivered by more “exceptional speakers” — as one dealer noted following the event. Education sessions were augmented with an abundance of networking time for dealers and partners. Further enhancing the can’t-miss offerings inside the Networking Room were an afternoon ice cream social featuring local favorite Jeni’s Ice Creams, while a cocktail hour showcased a “CBIZ Sidecar” courtesy of the event’s eponymous reception sponsor.
“Partners and dealers alike have had a hand in the formation of the association from humble beginnings to a full blown business conference,” notes McMahon. “Initial feedback tells us that the launch of both NPDA in 2021 and DealerConnect in 2024 were welcomed and appreciated. We’re already looking forward to a bigger and better event in 2025.”
The 2024 NPDA DealerConnect Exhibiting Partners included Apiar Commercial Risk Management, AppOne, Brightline Dealer Advisors, CBIZ, Dignifi, Electronic Data Payment Systems, Garage Composites, Iron Lilly, LeadHelm, Line\5, National Powersport Auctions (NPA), NCM Associates, Octane Powersports Marketing, Performance Brokerage Services, Rider’s Advantage, Rollick, Inc., Tom O’Connor Sales Academy, ZiiDMS and 700Credit.
