Welcome to VADA’s 2026 Annual Convention in beautiful Virginia Beach.

There is much to learn and many people to meet at this event, but we’ve been sure to bake in ample time for you to relax and have some fun.

This is a record-breaking year for our annual event — more attendees than ever, and more sponsors than ever before.

Some of our industry’s leading new media minds are here, including CBT News’s own Jim Fitzpatrick, podcaster and industry veteran David Spisak, and the Car Dealership Guy himself (also the COO of Zeigler Auto Group in Michigan) Sam D’Arc.

We’ve got VADA newcomers who will explore deep topics like warranty management with WarrCloud’s Jim Roche, compliance with ComplyAuto’s Lauren Bailey, and A.I. with Constellation’s Diana Lee. We’re also welcoming back Presidio Group’s Kevin Tynan to talk industry economics and Oakes Auto’s Joe St. John on maximizing F&I.

This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and exhibitors. I encourage you to visit every booth, introduce yourself, and learn more about the products and services that help our dealerships succeed. Their partnership is critical to the strength of our industry and this association.

I also want to thank the VADA staff, whose hard work throughout the year makes gatherings like this possible. While we focus on serving customers and running our businesses, Don Hall and the VADA team are working every day to protect and advance the interests of Virginia’s franchised dealers.

It’s been an honor to serve as Chair of the VADA Board of Directors over the past year and I hand the reins of a strong association to my peer Eley Duke, who assumes these duties on July 1.

Thank you for joining us. I hope you leave Virginia Beach with new ideas, stronger relationships and a renewed appreciation for the value of the dealer community we have built together.

My friends:

Welcome to the 2026 Virginia Automobile Dealers Association Annual Convention at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. The next 72 hours promise to educate and entertain you. And if you do this right, I guarantee you will leave with new friends and connections who will take your business higher.

First, I want to thank our sponsors because without them here, we wouldn’t be, either. Take time to visit them, hear their pitch, and thank them for their support. Give them the time they have invested in Virginia’s franchised dealer community.

VADA is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier state dealer associations, and this year’s convention lineup reflects that commitment to excellence. Here in Virginia Beach are some of the retail automotive industry’s top minds.

There is no shortage of issues competing for our attention, and we have structured this year’s convention around those challenges and opportunities.

Dealers continue to navigate a rapidly evolving retail environment shaped by changing consumer expectations, technological innovation, inventory fluctuations, workforce challenges and a complex and unpredictable regulatory landscape. At the same time, manufacturers, policymakers, and other stakeholders are making decisions that will influence how vehicles are sold, serviced, and supported for years to come.

One thing that has not changed thanks to the efforts of VADA and our peers: Franchised dealers remain the foundation of the automotive retail industry. Our dealerships employ more than 60,000 Virginians and provide the trusted, face-to-face service that consumers rely on every day to get to where they need to go.

That is why our convention matters. This time allows us to learn from one another, share ideas, strengthen relationships, and ensure one strong voice.

For the next few days, you will be given front-row access to our industry’s leading experts and analysts, participate in thought-provoking sessions, and connect with peers who share your commitment to excellence.

And you’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the resort’s amenities and activities. Our receptions include an opening night party celebrating America’s 250th birthday and Virginia’s role in our nation’s founding (the country was 167 years young when VADA was founded in 1943). We’ll wind down our time here with a Wizard of Oz-themed closing dinner.

Back again this year is our own VADA Live video crew. Much like you see at the NADA Show, we will have a small interview area where you can provide your own industry insights for us to share on our communications channels. Seek out our VADA Live team and help us tell the story of retail automotive in Virginia.

Thank you for your continued commitment to your customers, your employees and this association. I hope you leave this convention with new insights, renewed energy and an even greater appreciation for the impact Virginia’s dealers have on our Commonwealth.

Welcome to VADA ’26.