New Orleans is ramping up for the 100th anniversary of NADA, and the convention promises to be outstanding. You’ll be entertained at the NADA100 Carnival Mardi Gras-style, featuring performances by Foreigner and Cowboy Mouth. But after the carnival, it’s down to business…mostly. Plan to attend keynote addresses by some well-known industry greats. And bring a stack of business cards, because the Expo is sure to hold value.

Which booths should grab the focus of your attention? That’s going to vary depending on your dealership role. If you’re fixed operations – parts, service, or autobody – these are some stops you won’t want to miss.

Hunter Engineering Company

Your shop almost definitely has Hunter equipment already but don’t pass this booth by. NADA is a perfect opportunity for Hunter to show you the latest and greatest innovations they’ve been working on, and you’ll want to be the first with their toys!

Hunter has vehicle lifts, wheel alignment technologies, brake lathes, and tire equipment just to touch on a few. Their equipment is bound to serve as an investment, saving your department time and money over the many years it will be of service.

AutoAlert Inc.

This service provider should be a destination for every department, including fixed ops staffers. You might think it’s a sales tool or marketing item, but AutoAlert is much more than that. They deliver marketing strategies for every department, keeping your dealerships name fresh on your customers’ lips. After all, you want to turn one-time customers into long-term clients.

Be on the scene for their live demonstrations, introducing One-to-One Intelligent Marketing. The innovation is a marketing platform that offers multiple streams and touchpoints, delivered in the most effective ways.

Service Operations Specialists, Inc.

Feel like your service department needs to be tweaked but don’t know where to start? These are your guys. Service Operations Specialists is a consulting firm that specializes in optimizing your opportunities. Today’s service department must meet the ever-changing customer demands and it’s tough to move in the right direction.

Sit down with Service Operations Specialists to see what they can offer your department – there’s going to be something! Their services include “strategic planning, business analysis, new business models, implementation, training, consulting, express service, brakes & tire service, high tech repair, facility design & planning, and network design”.

Piston Data

Looking for real-live leads to bring in new service customers? Take advantage of the growing number of recalls. Piston Data has the largest database of customers with open recalls by VIN in America. They’ll take you through from acquisition to marketing, bringing lost and inactive customers back to your dealership for another visit.

Tuscany Motor Company

They make big toys for big boys and girls. Tuscany Motor Company makes Ford vehicles even better as part of Ford’s Quality Vehicle Modifier program. Check out the Tonka truck, the Black Ops Edition F250, or the off-road focused FTX trucks. The stop might not be of much use to your dealership, but it can’t be all work and no play at NADA 100, right?

Service Lane EAdvisor

Increase your service advisors’ productivity with Service Lane EAdvisor. It’s a simple device that plugs into the customer’s vehicle dataport, capturing the VIN number, odometer reading, trouble codes, tire pressure readings, and oil life monitor percentage. It shaves minutes off check-in time and is reportedly 100 percent accurate.

For GM dealers especially, this is a stop you can’t miss! Service Lane EAdvisor integrates with GM Workbench and is eligible for co-op dollars in the GM iMR program.

Your Manufacturer’s Booth!

Most auto manufacturers in North America are represented at the NADA 100 Convention and EXPO. It’s a great opportunity to explore current and future models and the features they have in store. Let’s face it – in the service department, you rarely have the chance to experience the new products and innovations. Now’s your opportunity to get on the same level as your sales team members.