The automotive industry has been through some dramatic changes over the last year, and for those businesses who survived. It is important to get a firm grasp of the waters we now tread and embrace the new landscape of our industry.

The Global Financial Crisis has seen many dealers face real change in their businesses, leaving them with lessons they should continue to learn from. However there are many more developments affecting our industry that dealers need to address if they want to stay on top of their game.

The early part of this year started with uncertainty for some auto dealers, with sales dropping in January and February, even after two stimulus packages gave a boost to 2009's sales.

Dealers were faced with the reality of climate change as floods and hail affected stock holdings, reminding us that the world is changing, often not by our own making, adding to the ongoing challenges that must be met in this ever changing auto industry.

Dealers are noticing the platform for marketing also changing at a fast rate; with all dealers trying to understand the virtues of new media while still using proven traditional media to keep their brands in the eye of the target audience.

Where do dealers go from here and how do they meet these challenges?

Consumers' lifestyle choices dictate the demand for vehicles. They want cheaper, greener and more technologically advanced machines, which mirror their evolving financial, ecological, technological and lifestyle demands. Dealers' customers in 2010 are more educated, expect greater customer service and are much more resolute in their choices.

The 2010 AADA National Dealer Convention has an exciting program that addresses these new territories in which  auto dealers now find themselves operating their businesses.

The Convention workshops will cover profitability in used cars, optimising service returns and achieving peak sales performance day in, day out. A new format for the popular Deloitte Panel session will analyse effective commission structures and give auto dealers strategies to save on income tax. Plus, the Panel will present five winning ideas for your business.

Our 'industry day' program will see carsales.com.au CEO Greg Roebuck give delegates his take on the digital revolution, whilst Sue Klose from News Limited will focus on new media trends and how dealers can stay in reach of their targets. St. George Bank's Chief Economist Justin Smirk will review Australia's economic outlook in the coming year and Better Place's Evan Thornley will take a look at the greening of the auto industry and how auto dealers can benefit from it.

Our 'feature day' sees the AADA National Dealer Convention present world renowned sales master Tom Hopkins, the builder of sales champions, for an exclusive and not-to-be missed one day seminar. Tom Hopkins regularly sells out stadiums throughout the world to audiences who are hungry for the knowledge that has made him one of the world's most successful sales people.  

This year's event returns to the Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast; a popular destination for dealers attending the AADA National Dealer Convention. The Royal Pines Resort has recently completed an extensive refurbishment which offers delegates an international golf course and a world class conference facility that is in close proximity to Surfers Paradise; and let's not forget the sunshine!

The 2010 AADA National Dealer Convention will provide Australia's auto dealers and allied trades with the knowledge and tools to help businesses evolve, with each segment of this stellar program tailor-made to help you stay focused and relevant in today's market.