This post must address two seperate groups -- vendors and dealers.  Many of the answers overlap so I will list them with a "V" and a "D" next to each and let you determine if they apply to your plans and expectations of the pending 2011 NADA Convention in San Francisco, Feb. 5th - 7th, 2011. 

If you need clarification as to how to maximize your R.O.I. from each category I will expand on them individually, however, my hope is that you will add your own comments in your replies so I can learn from you as well.

After all, what are friends, Dealerelite and NADA for!

• Networking at parties, seminars, dealer meetings and on the exhibit floor (D,V) 

Dealerelite is built on the power of people sharing best practices and experiences with likeminded individuals so this suggestions should be obvious!

• Attending seminars on subjects that interest you and/or your clients (D,V)

I included both dealers and vendors in this one since we all must listen and learn so we can presume to teach.

• Investing in an exhibit (V) -- MAYBE!

This one is not as easy at it seems.  The cost of a booth capable of making a good first impression is prohibitive for many start ups which in my opinion represent the best reason to attend the NADA Convention.  In addition, the staffing required to properly support the exhibit often taxes the limited resources of the vendor who may be better served positioning his team at various seminars, parties and walking the floor networking with other vendors and visitors.  Of course conducting a seminar is another valued platform but that is limited to a few lucky professionals with someting to add to the convention vs. a self serving platform to directly sell their products and services.

As far as exhibits for the larger more established vendors, an exhibit is a must for the billboard value alone!  The ability to meet existing customers at a central location to renew relationships combined with the ability to display your wares and make new friends is a good investment --- if your staff and budget can justify it!

The key to maximizing your R.O.I. from your exhibit -- or any of the networking opportunities you take advantage of at NADA -- lies in your ability to structure a process that allows you to tell your story in a comprehensive and efficient manner with an organized follow up procedure in a timely manner.  Unfortunately, many vendors drop the ball after they build their Taj Mahal exibits and forget that the key is to service your existing customers and stay in touch with your pending ones.

• Use the online NADA Planer (D,V)

Plan your seminar schedule and lay out your map of the floor noting the location of the vendors that you want to visit.  This critical time saving tool will save you a number of wasted hours and shoe leather.  Of course you will be pulled away during the convention but having and agenda prepared in advance will allow you to schedule your hard stops when needed.

I also suggest that you use their integrated email service to schedule appointments and even a preliminary conversation before the convention to make the best use of your time on the floor.

• Use the shuttle buses vs. a taxi or a car whenever possible. (D,V)

You will be amazed at how many constructive conversations you will be involved in -- or be able to eaves drop on -- between hotels and the convention!

•  Host your own party! (V)

I have had great success hosting networking parties at NADA Conventions and this year is no exception.  The Ad Agency Online Pre-NADA Convention Networking Party this year is being co-hosted by our newest vendor client -- http://Intellacar.Com -- at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Lobby Lounge Restaurant on Fri. Feb 4th. from 5PM to 7PM.  We already have a confirmed V.I.P. guest list of OEM representatives, Dealers and other vendors who will be helping us launch the IntellaCar mobile sales presentation platform as well as to organize our own shared agendas during the conventon.

• Vist EVERY exhibit and collect information as well as friends! (D.V)

Of course you need to first schedule your time at the exhibits that you placed on your agenda, however, you don't know what -- or who -- you don't know and some of the best opportunities are discovered where and when you least expect them.

• Notify your clients -- and present vendors - that you will be there. (D,V)

Many relationships in today's internet and email driven world are made and maintained on the world wide web.  Take advantage of this real world venue and arrange to shake hands with the people that are writing your checks -- or cashing them!

I can go on, but I would prefer to listen and learn from you before I presume to continue to teach.

After all, what are friends, Dealerelite and NADA For!  SEE YOU IN SAN FRANCISCO!