Workshops

Workshops for the 2011 ATD Convention and Expo will contain an array of topics to give you vital information for you and your business:
(Please note: workshop times and locations are subject to change)

Executive Track

The Healthcare Bill Overhaul: How It Affects You
Presented by: Greg Althardt and Chad Kunze, Larson Allen LLP
Saturday, April 16, 2011 10:30am-11:45am, Room 104B, Phoenix Convention Center
Sunday, April 17, 2011 10:30am-11:45am,  Room 102 BC, Phoenix Convention Center

In this workshop, leading principals from a national accounting firm’s healthcare and dealership practices will discuss the long-term impact the new Health Reform Law will have on your dealership.  The key items that will be discussed include an overview of the current healthcare system, an implementation timeline of the new laws that are included in the bill, and a review of the key decisions that you will need to make in the next 18 months related to employee coverages and related costs. The speakers will also cover the tax law changes that are included in the bill and provide attendees with a dealership case study on the impact from the law and related planning options that each dealer will be required to consider as provisions are phased in over the next eight years.

Federal Regulatory Developments Affecting Dealerships

Presented by: Paul Metrey and Doug Greenhaus, National Automobile Dealers Association
Bob Kelleher, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 
Saturday, April 16, 2011 8:30am-10:15am, Room 104 B, Phoenix Convention Center
Sunday, April 17, 2011 8:30am-10:15am, Room 102 BC, Phoenix Convention Center

This expanded workshop will feature a DOT expert who will discuss the Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) program's application to truck dealerships.  It will also include updates by NADA/ATD attorneys on a variety of key compliance duties and regulatory developments, including new IRS safe harbor methods of accounting applicable to complex uniform capitalization (UNICAP) rules and a new Guide on FET issues, business credit obligations under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, first time ever fuel economy standards for medium and heavy-duty trucks, the SBA's revised real estate loan guarantee program, and several challenging environmental mandates.

Rewards and Recognition: Challenging the Norm

Presented by: Patrick Carpenter, The Great Game of Business
Sunday, April 17, 2011 9:00am-10:15am, Room 105 AB, Phoenix Convention Center
Sunday, April 17, 2011 10:30am-11:45am, Room 105 AB, Phoenix Convention Center 

Standard bonus programs and incentives may look good on paper, but might not be the most effective way to motivate your team. A great incentive program goes beyond motivating your team in the short-term and helps them focus on learning, and rallying to pursue opportunities or drive out weaknesses. In this 75 minute session you will learn the most innovative practices of incentive programs and discover low- and no-cost ways to motivate your staff and get them all working toward the same goal.

Medium Duty Track

Marketing to Your Medium-Duty Market

Presented by: Glenn Ellis, Hino Trucks
Saturday, April 16, 2011 9:00am-10:15am, Room 102 BC, Phoenix Convention Center
Sunday, April 17, 2011 10:30am-11:45am, Room 104B, Phoenix Convention Center

This workshop will cover how you and your employees can more effectively attract and retain medium-duty customers. You will learn how to create a local presence in your community by narrowing your focus and getting better acquainted with local businesses. Get to know your customers, develop consultative relationships, and bring more medium-duty customers into your sales, parts, and service departments.

Media Track - New!

Media 101 - 10 Rules for Media Success

Presented by: David Hyatt, NADA Public Affairs
Saturday, April 16, 2011 9:00am-10:15am, Room 105 AB, Phoenix Convention Center
Saturday, April 16, 2011 10:30am-11:45, Room 105 AB, Phoenix Convention Center

Online Presence  - New!

Social Media 101

Presented by: Jared Hamilton, DrivingSales.com
Saturday, April 16, 2011 10:30am-11:45am, Room 102 BC, Phoenix Convention Center
Sunday, April 17, 2011 10:30am-11:45am, Room 104 B, Phoenix Convention Center 

This workshop will cover the social media landscape, trends and best practices dealerships need to have to be successful. We will cover the blocking and tackling of reputation management, content generation and publication, connecting and building influential "friends" and the basic tools each dealership needs at the ground floor to get a social strategy going with the proper foundation.

ATD Legislative General Session - New!
Monday, April 18  9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
West 301 A, Phoenix Convention Center

As Washington becomes more involved in the trucking industry, come learn about the big issues affecting your dealership, why it matters to your business and how you can affect the outcomes in a volatile political environment.

ATD Legislative staff from Washington will lay out the current state of legislation, including tax legislation, fuel economy standards, and efforts to stimulate the sales of trucks.

Then, they’ll discuss the importance of making sure Congress knows how your business works and the economic opportunity your business provides. Additionally, they’ll discuss the how dealers can get engaged in the legislative process to support ATD’s initiatives in Washington.

Special International (Non- U.S.) Only Session
Monday, April 18  9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Location:West 102 BC, Phoenix Convention Center

United States Business Model and Business Environment

NADA Director, Franchising and State Law, Jim Moors, and a panel of successful U.S. dealers will share insights on the current business model and environment for truck dealers in the United States. We will leave ample time for questions and answers on how these insights apply to your dealership.