Last week, NFDA attended the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Despite travel disruptions caused by an unprecedented 10 inches of snow, the event went ahead as planned, highlighting the resilience of dealers. The annual NADA show provides a valuable opportunity to connect with dealer associations, members, manufacturers, and sector leaders, bringing together the industry from around the world for a week of networking, education, and collaboration. The show kicked off on Friday, following a delayed start due to heavy snowfall, with NADA’s annual ‘seatbelt unbuckling’ ceremony. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with representatives from over 500 companies showcasing products, solutions, and services to dealers. Due to the weather disruptions, much of Thursday’s programming was rescheduled to Friday. NFDA Chief Executive, Sue Robinson, took part in the international roundtable at NADA, where she met with the Australian, Italian and Brazilian dealer bodies on key issues and the evolving landscape impacting dealers were discussed. Sue also met with Glenn Mercer, an auto industry researcher and long-running NADA research partner. In his final address, outgoing NADA Chairman, Gary Gilchrist, urged dealers to “fight for the franchise model’. Incoming NADA 2025 Chairman Tom Castriota gave his inaugural address, promising to draw on lessons learned from 35 years in military service. “My decades in the military taught me the simplest definition of service is being unselfish,” he said. Dealers and managers, OEM execs, allied industry and international guests participated in workshops and other educational sessions, as well as one-on-one exhibitor meetings and many other events designed to help dealerships run as effectively and efficiently as possible. Looking ahead, NFDA remains dedicated to strengthening its global engagement and advocating for the interests of UK dealers on the international stage. With excitement growing for next year’s NADA Show 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, set for 3-6 February, NFDA looks forward to reconnecting with industry peers and championing dealership interests worldwide.