Robertson to Offer Glimpse into Future at Dealer Summit
Organizers of Dealer Summit announced that David Robertson, longtime executive director of the Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals (AFIP), will present a session dedicated to regulatory compliance at the 2016 event, which will be held May 3–5 at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel.
TAMPA, Fla. — Organizers of Dealer Summit announced that David Robertson, longtime executive director of the Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals (AFIP), will present a session dedicated to regulatory compliance at the 2016 event, which will be held May 3–5 at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel.
“Dave Robertson brings both wit and wisdom to the Dealer Summit stage,” said David Gesualdo, show chair and publisher of Auto Dealer Today and F&I and Showroom. “We are counting on him to deliver a stirring address that will shed some light on the current and future state of compliance in the F&I office and set the stage for the compliance sessions that will follow.”
Robertson is a 45-year automotive industry veteran and, in 1989, was among the founders of AFIP. He will present the F&I Keynote Address, “A Look to the Foreseeable Horizon,” at 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4. He is expected to comment on the wave of recent developments in the F&I segment and how dealers, agents, finance companies and OEMs have responded.
"While there are exceptions, the impetus for F&I-related innovation typically germinates from the bottom up,” Robertson said. “Unfulfilled consumer needs are first recognized at the dealership level, with the general agent corps and aftermarket product providers acting as first responders. Once the viability of a new product or service is established, the captive and institutional lenders and manufacturers follow suit."
Registration for Dealer Summit is now open at the event’s website. Dealers who register by April 1 will enjoy a $100 early-bird discount.
For information about exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, contact David Gesualdo via email or at 727-947-4027.
More F&I

Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →
Focus on the Opening
F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.
Read More →
F&I Reaches for the Sky
The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
The 90/10 Rule
In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.
Read More →
Your Office Is Talking
What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.
Read More →
F&I Training Fundamentals
How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.
Read More →
Not Just Any Tire Will Do
More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.
Read More →