Houston – The National Alliance of Buy Here, Pay Here Dealers (NABD) today announced the agenda and speakers for the 10th Annual National Buy Here Pay Here Conference to be held May 6-8, 2008, in Las Vegas. The program is expected to be the largest buy here, pay here conference in the history of this rapidly growing segment of the automotive industry.
The conference will begin on Tuesday afternoon, May 6, 2008, at the newly renovated Las Vegas Hilton. “We expect that more than 2,000 dealers, experts, and service providers will attend this year to hear nationally recognized speakers during the expanded two and one-half day program,” said Ken Shilson, CPA and Conference Chairman. “Interest in the buy here, pay here industry has never been greater!” Shilson added.
This year’s conference theme is “Facing New Challenges.” The educational program will focus on things to consider when entering the industry, proven strategies to improve cash flow and profits, where to find capital, how to locate the best customers, and avoiding legal and regulatory pitfalls. “Given the difficult economic challenges operators face today, this conference has been structured to prepare attendees to meet these challenges more successfully!” Shilson stated.
The general educational sessions will feature a single track and all vendor presentations have been moved to concurrent break-out sessions where attendees can choose their topics of interest. “The breakout sessions will provide attendees with information on important topics and are not infomercials,” Shilson stated.
The general education sessions include nationally recognized speakers and experts: George Dans, D.J. Harrington, Michael York, and Jay Rose. Tom Kontos, Chief Economist for Adesa, will discuss the BHPH marketplace and investment banker, John Nagy, from Stephens, Inc., will provide a capital markets perspective. The program will also provide attendees with the latest benchmarks, industry trend information, and an outlook perspective. Interactive panels with attendees will include: proven strategies for improving operators’ financial management, best operating practices, and successful advertising strategies. In addition, the general session will include a presentation on ways to avoid common underwriting mistakes. Attorneys Tom Hudson, Emily Beck, and Terry O’Loughlin will discuss how to avoid legal and regulatory pitfalls and attorney general complaints.
On Thursday afternoon, a series of workshops have been added to provide attendees with practical ways to implement the strategies discussed. These workshop sessions include discussions on Internet best practices, growing subprime portfolios prudently, selling to the unbankable consumer, the basic principles of the BHPH business, and ways to separate from the competition. These workshop sessions will give attendees practical tips on how to increase profits and cash flow and facilitate networking. “Operators need to work smarter, not harder. Dealer education helps them avoid trial and error mistakes which cost millions of dollars!” Shilson said.
The general sessions will also include important information on increasing collections and recoveries, designing pay plans that motivate key employees and other operating practices that will “Move the Needle,” Shilson stated.
More than 150 sponsors are expected to make the exhibit hall the largest in NABD history. Two receptions and two luncheons will be held in the exhibit hall during the conference to facilitate networking between dealers, experts, and service providers. Those interested in exhibiting are encouraged to call NABD at 713-290-8171 while space is still available.
The newly renovated Las Vegas Hilton serves as the site for the conference and NABD has arranged special discounts on rooms to make the conference affordable for all attendees. The hotel, through NABD, also offers three levels of room upgrades at substantial discounts. Availability is limited so attendees are encouraged to reserve their rooms as soon as possible.
Given the importance of BHPH to the automotive industry and the challenging economic conditions, anyone who is serious about prospering in this segment of the business is encouraged to attend. Space is limited and registrations can be made online at the NABD web site or by calling 713-290-8171. A complete agenda is available online at the NABD web site, www.bhphinfo.com, for those who are seeking more information.
