Diverse themes of past NADA conventions set stage for future

None> Big showFirst NADA convention: 1918, ChicagoLargest exhibition hall: 394,700 square feet* in Las Vegas, 2007Highest attendance: About 30,000 in Las Vegas, 2001, including 21,930 paid registrants*** Sold space; excludes aisles, lifestyle lounges** Unpaid attendees include exhibitors, state and local dealer association officials, news mediaSource: NADA > Road tripThese 14 cities have hosted NADA's annual convention since 1948.AtlantaAtlantic CityChicagoDallasDetroitHoustonLas Vegas*Los AngelesMiami BeachNew Orleans*New YorkOrlandoSan FranciscoWashington, D.C. * Still on the host-city rosterSource: NADA > What's it all about?YEARCITYCONVENTION SPOTLIGHT2016Las VegasReveling in record sales2015San FranciscoQuestioning whether good times create bad habits; buy-sells rise with new players2014New OrleansFull speed ahead2013OrlandoAmid record profits, recession-inspired caution2012Las VegasTruce sought in dispute over factory-image programs2011San FranciscoSurviving dealers reap windfall2010OrlandoShell-shocked survivors wait and hope2009New OrleansInto the bunkers2008San FranciscoTime to tighten belts2007Las VegasDealers want more ads, products, profits2006OrlandoDealer profits at 5-year low, squeezed by interest rates, renovations2005New OrleansDebates over appropriate inventory levels2004Las VegasAmid worries over longer loans, moves toward agreement on how to measure consumer satisfaction2003San FranciscoWar jitters, sputtering economy temper optimism2002New OrleansSavoring good times2001Las VegasBack to basics as dot-com threat, factory friction subside; goodbye, Oldsmobile2000OrlandoDot-com challenges; GM, Ford back off plans for factory-owned stores1999San FranciscoConcerns over factory stores; luxury brands push for exclusive dealerships1998New OrleansTaking on superstores; coming to grips with the Internet1997AtlantaHigh tech, large public groups change business1996Las VegasUsed-car superstores; will your brand allow public dealers?1995DallasDealership renovations1994San FranciscoWinning in the new marketplace1993New OrleansDealers optimistic as recession ends1992DallasRecession hits hard; no profits in new-car sales1991AtlantaDealer profitability declines amid recession; sound business management1990Las VegasChallenge of the '90s: profitability1989New OrleansDealers toughen stance against factories1988San FranciscoDealer-factory relations: Moving ahead together1987Las VegasDealer-factory dialogue1986New OrleansProject 2000: Strategies for the future1985San FranciscoFight for life in new retailing climate1984DallasA new boom: Attendance, optimism soar1983Las VegasLooking for an end to economic slump1982AtlantaHigh interest rates spur worries1981Los AngelesDealers zero in on high prices, high interest1980New OrleansConcern over rising import tide, energy costs1979Las VegasRiding out economic slowdown1978San FranciscoCall for moratorium on regulation1977New OrleansWarranties, distribution, Clean Air Act1976Las VegasPossible end of federal crash-parts probe1975San FranciscoRebates are big during downturn1974Las VegasDealers want free floorplan, more incentives1973New OrleansNADA seeks more forceful role1972Las VegasConcern over Washington actions1971San FranciscoProblems with warranties, fleet subsidies1970Miami BeachHoping to make gains with factories1969HoustonConcern for franchise, dissident groups1968Las VegasPushing for improved retail climate1967San FranciscoDealers gird to seek U.S. help with retailing ills1966Miami BeachHassle on single-discount issue1965Las VegasConcern for dealer holdback, uniform discount, warranties1964DetroitNew push mapped on discounts, subsidies, warranties1963Miami BeachBolstering the franchise via PR, self-policing1962Atlantic CityStriving for survival; discount-house concerns1961San FranciscoProposing a task force to find out what's wrong1960WashingtonRenewed fight for territory security1959ChicagoDistribution of small cars1958Miami BeachStringent code of ethics approved; territory security1957San FranciscoFactory-dealer unity acclaimed1956WashingtonDrive spurred for dealer safeguards1955ChicagoRelief sought from territory "bootlegging"1954Miami BeachSales race assailed; aid on territory security1953San FranciscoProvide organization of make groups1952New YorkDrive for easier credit terms1951Miami BeachEssential rating (wartime) sought for autos1950Atlantic CityCampaign to halt bootlegging1949San FranciscoDrive on Regulation W stepped up1948ChicagoBuyer's market seen near; credit curbs dead?1947Atlantic CityMargin cut assailed; end to Regulation W sought1946ChicagoSeeking end to price controls Everything old is new again: That might be your first impression upon scanning the list at right of the key themes of each NADA annual convention since the end of World War II.

Diverse themes of past NADA conventions set stage for future

Featured Stories