He could also mention the education around game-changing technology, recruiting the next generation of leaders, and a panel of dealers sharing insights on how to handle a tough economy.
“It’s all really important. But I also think that a lot of the value of the Summit is the comradery with other dealers,” he said. “When you meet someone at the Summit, you have lunch with them, or you have a drink with them, then you feel like you have a connection to call him whenever, and say, ‘Hey, how are things going in Texas,’ or wherever. And that can be so helpful.”
There’s a shared experience with the vendors, too.
“We have a lot of great vendors that are going to be there, and you want to talk to those guys. You want to get to know who they are. They’re the right people. They know their product. they’re the guys to talk to.”
In Bonner Springs, I asked Jim how we could promote the event to the industry.
“Whatever article you write, and however you want to write it, at the end, I would include the words: ‘It’s the right thing to do.’ Supporting the ProDealer Industry Summit is the right thing to do.”
Couldn’t have driven home the point better myself.