It's no secret the automotive business is tough these days and dealers, groups, the factories, as well as you in the media are searching for solutions. That's why we have created the first-ever Automotive Retail Marketing Think Tank, to be held January 21-22, 2009 in Orlando, FL.

What is The Automotive Retail Marketing Think Tank?

In this conference, dealers and media work shoulder-to-shoulder, focusing on ways to generate solid retail leads for dealers (whether using traditional advertising, the Internet, CRM, Events, or any other marketing or advertising opportunity).

The Automotive Think Tank is designed to allow media salespeople to generate ideas that can be put to work immediately. We will have 6-8 Dealer Principals or GMs in the room, each representing a separate auto brand. We will create an atmosphere where the dealers feel free to put it all on the table. They will share their thoughts on what is happening in the business these days, what is most effective at generating leads right now, and what specific needs they have for 1st and 2nd quarter 2009. CSS and other special guests will share marketplace trends along the way. Throughout the Think Tank, we will divide up into small groups, and assign media people to focus on an individual dealer present in the room. Each group will brainstorm ideas the dealers can use to generate leads.

You will leave with clear insight into what is going on in the retail auto business right now, learn fresh lead-generating ideas, and get candid feedback from Dealer Principals and GMs. You will also have a better understanding of the consumer trends affecting the auto business and the opportunity to develop an expanded network of colleagues who are also focused on finding solutions for dealers. You will gain valuable insights on how to use your capabilities to help dealers (traditional solutions and emerging tools like Email newsletters, Web, Mobile, and more).

The dealers who are present will leave with fresh ideas they can implement at their stores when they return home. Further they will benefit from the collective marketing expertise of the media professionals from the CSS Family in a “safe” environment where they are not subjected to a pitch to buy a schedule.

We will keep the focus on lead generation by helping participants apply the Marketing Strategy Model, use Consumer Trends, Brainstorm for Hot Ideas, and apply The Results Checklist.

Who Should Attend This Automotive Retail Marketing Think Tank?

Any Account Manager that spends time calling directly on dealers will benefit from this program!

This conference will help you develop new money from existing dealers and dealer prospects. You will return with a better understanding of what is happening today in the auto industry. That means more high quality appointments as a result of stronger VBRs, and better CNA questions that will demonstrate your knowledge and help you uncover bigger and better Key Marketing Challenges. When is the last time you had a chance to work with a group of dealers shoulder-to-shoulder – as a peer?

The conference will begin on Wednesday, January 21st at 8:00am and conclude on Thursday, January 22nd at 4:00pm.

Seats at the Automotive Think Tank can be purchased separately or you can trade in 1 of your market visit days for 4 seats that can be used for the Automotive Think Tank. As usual, there will be workshop expenses that we will bill you for separately (as noted when your consultant did annual planning with your company in ’08). If you have any questions, please contact your CSS consultant.

To register for this conference, simply call Dolly Heims at 813.679.1520, or email dollyheims@CSScenter.com.

See you in January in Orlando!