The Power of Community at the 2023 User Conference

Our team mixed and mingled with over 145 dealers across North America who joined us for the 2023 User Conference on November 13-15, 2023.

This two-and-a-half-day event, set against the backdrop of Florida’s breezy charm, unfolded as a true powerhouse of training, insights, and networking that was tailor-made for dealers.

Here’s a look at what unfolded during the event – where every moment was a reminder of why we love what we do and how, together, we’re shaping the future of our industry.

Hands-On Training That Hit Home

At the core of the User Conference was a series of hands-on training sessions, each designed to address the day-to-day challenges and opportunities faced by dealers.

From getting your inventory just right for that sweet spot of profitability to figuring out the best way to order parts, these training sessions were all about using the right tools to make dealership operations run more efficiently.

This wasn’t your typical lecture-style learning either. It was practical, relatable, and immediately applicable, including sessions on “Mastering Inventory Levels,” “Optimizing Your Service Department with Technology,” and several others.

One-on-One Labs

It’s one thing to hear about a feature, but it’s another to see it with your own eyes and how it can fit into your workflow.

Our one-on-one labs were the perfect opportunity for dealers to seek out personalized advice, tips, and tricks from folks on our team. They were an interactive, hands-on space to get personal and unfiltered access to our software team.

Many dealers brought their own examples, challenges, and questions, turning these sessions into real-time problem-solving workshops. Dealers were personally walked through the functionalities of some of our newest mobile apps, including TargetWeb and TargetPOS, got tips on customizing reports to track sales, advice on how to increase service efficiency, and much more.

These interactions also served a bigger purpose: they allowed our team to better understand dealer challenges and ideas for improvement. It’s this kind of direct feedback loop that drives our software updates and future enhancements.

Speakers Who Speak Our Language

Sara Hey from Bob Clements International nailed it with her talk on “Mastering Your Chaos Quotient,” offering actionable insights on taming dealership chaos. She delved into the common scenarios we all find ourselves in – from juggling inventory issues to handling customer service headaches. Sara’s approach was a breath of fresh air, offering not just sympathy but also practical strategies to tackle dealership chaos head-on.

Her keynote session was followed up with a “Tech Talk” panel featuring members of our dealership community, including Cody Armstrong of ATS Outdoors, Darvin Martin of Ebling’s Service Plus, Joey White of Eden Lawnmower, and Josh Flynn of Power Equipment Plus.

The panel was a melting pot of experiences, ranging from fresh-faced dealership owners to those who’ve spent a lifetime in the trenches of our industry. It was fascinating to hear how dealerships of various sizes and stages of growth are leveraging tech in their dealership operations.

Their openness in sharing not just their successes but also the bumps along the road created an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie. It was a powerful reminder that whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, we’re all part of the same community, facing similar hurdles and chasing similar dreams.

Good Eats and Great Company

And let’s not forget the food and drinks! From the Southern Comfort Buffet to the open bar (yeah, you read that right), we had our fill of good eats and drinks. After all, what’s a gathering without some good old networking over dinner?

It was a perfect opportunity for dealers to share war stories, successes, and even failures in a supportive environment. We’re talking about real, genuine connections with fellow dealers who understand the grind. And knowing you have a network of peers who are willing to share insights, offer advice, or even lend a sympathetic ear can be incredibly empowering.

This sense of belonging to a community that’s all about mutual growth and support is what makes these networking opportunities so invaluable. In this space, it wasn’t about competition; it was about lifting each other up.

A Look at 2024

We all know the early mornings, the late nights, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

At the conference, every handshake and every shared story was a connection with someone who understands the challenges and joys unique to our industry. When we come together, we’re not just individual dealers – we’re a powerhouse of influence and innovation.

The hands-on training, real talk with software pros, and genuine networking are all essential ingredients for driving our businesses forward. As we look towards the future, it’s clear that these connections and shared knowledge will be invaluable in navigating the evolving landscape of our businesses.

Help Us Make 2024 Even Better!

We’re already gearing up for next year, and your input is crucial. Share your preferences and ideas to help us tailor the 2024 conference to your needs.

Your feedback is invaluable – let us hear it here!

Thank You!

Thank you for taking the time to join us in person.

Thank you for sharing your dealership experiences with us.

And thank you for all the opportunities to learn from dealers like you.