ORLANDO, Fla. — Organizers of the upcoming Industry Summit announced that Rick McCormick, a top F&I trainer and a prolific speaker and writer, will handle emcee duties for this year’s event, which will be held Oct. 8–10 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Fla.

McCormick said the theme of this year’s event, “Protect the Future of F&I,” illustrates the importance a conference dedicated to preserving F&I production and profitability as disruptive technology and buying habits threaten that department’s very existence.

“I always leave the Summit feeling challenged to do better and equipped with the tools and specific assignments I need to make sure that happens,” he said. “Never has there been a more strategic time for our leaders to assemble. The industry can’t survive without us, but we need to have a path forward.”

McCormick is an in-demand speaker and a valued contributor to F&I and Showroom and Agent Entrepreneur magazines. He serves as national account development manager for Reahard & Associates Inc. Led by founder Ron Reahard, the company provides F&I training in dealerships, at workshops and events, and online.

“Rick’s passion for this business and his love of the people that inhabit it — from dealers and F&I professionals to car buyers — are palpable whenever he takes the stage,” said David Gesualdo, show chair and publisher of the Bobit Business Media group of dealer publications, which includes F&I and AE. “He will set the tone for the show and we thank him for taking on this important job.” 

Registration for Industry Summit 2018 is open at the event’s website. Early-bird pricing ends Sept. 20. To discuss sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, contact David Gesualdo at (727) 947-4027 or via email.