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Hey everyone,
The 2025 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo kicks off in Las Vegas in just a few weeks, and this year’s show looks nothing like the last.
Panels are gone. The format’s been flipped. And the focus is squarely on real-world problem solving, from AI in the service lane to video that actually converts.
So, we put together a guide to some of the biggest trends that will define the show.
Let’s get into it.
— CDG
First time reading the CDG Newsletter?
T-minus 15 days until the of the most focused events in automotive digital marketing kicks off in Vegas—the 2025 Digital Dealer Conference & Expo.
Every year, Digital Dealer brings together dealership leaders, marketers, OEMs, and vendor solutions for what's designed to be a purpose-built event to solve the most urgent challenges in automotive marketing, advertising, and digital operations.
By the numbers:
October 14-15 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
2 days of streamlined content (down from 2.5 days)
Nearly 30 hours of quick hit presentations and in-depth, interactive workshops
Dedicated expo hall hours with 100+ presenting vendors.
120-person AI Hackathon (waiting list open)
The twist: This year, Digital Dealer has blown up its entire format.
Jaymie Nielsen, Digital Dealer's Group Show Director, made a major change after reviewing years of attendee surveys.
"[Dealers] don't like panels," Nielsen told me. "They don't want to be talked at. They want to be involved in the conversation."
Jaymie Nielsen
So Digital Dealer scrapped them all.
Instead, Tuesday has more than two dozen 20-25-minute bite-sized presentations.
And Wednesday switches to a full day of different 90-minute workshop-style sessions.
"The idea is that, what I've talked about or heard about briefly on day one to get my juices flowing and to talk to other people, I can go into a room on day two, sit down, open my computer, pull out a worksheet that my speaker is giving to me, and solve a real-life problem," Nielsen explained.
And while Digital Dealer doesn't necessarily have official themes, three major topics are clearly dominating this year from my POV…
Dealers are starting to implement AI (not just talk about it).
There are 15 AI-focused sessions spanning the two-day conference, covering everything from sales automation to service department applications.
Sessions like "Beyond the Buzz: AI in Action" and "The Silent Revolution: How AI Agents Are Redefining Service" make it clear dealers have moved past the "should we use AI?" question.
Now they want specific implementation strategies.
Instead of listening to speakers talk about AI's potential, dealers want to work through actual AI frameworks with a hands-on approach.
But get this, Digital Dealer is also hosting a massive AI Hackathon where teams of 10 people will spend several hours working on a real dealership challenge presented by AI expert Brent Weiss.
Via Digital Dealer
The winners get a commemorative WWE-style belt, and of course, bragging rights.
Right now, the AI Hackathon is sold out, but you join the waitlist here.
A quick word from our partner
Digital Dealer Conference & Expo has everything your dealership needs to stay ahead.
Experience two full days of marketing and advertising strategies, AI and technology insights, fixed ops solutions, and much more.
Plus, a dedicated expo hall, 25-minute expert talks, and 90-minute hands-on workshops that turn strategy into action.
The best part? Car Dealership Guy and Digital Dealer are offering CDG readers an exclusive rate to attend #DDCE2025.
Use code "CARGUY" when registering to get a Dealership/OEM Full Conference & Expo Pass for just $500.
Video content is becoming non-negotiable for dealership operations.
Over the past few years, video has evolved from a nice-to-have marketing tool to critical business infrastructure for car dealers.
Consumers retain 95% of a message when delivered through video compared to just 10% when reading text, per Insivia.
And that retention gap is driving dealerships to rethink how they communicate with customers and train employees.
But, creating effective video content remains a challenge for many dealers that sessions like "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Video, But Were Afraid to Ask" and "How To Shoot Videos That Don't Suck," will work to address.
The signal: It’s about implementation more than theory… Dealers know they need video, but many still struggle with production quality, workflow integration, and measuring ROI on video investments.
Phone performance is getting renewed attention.
Despite all the chatbots and online tools, phone conversations still convert at significantly higher rates than other digital interactions.
The problem: Many dealerships are still subpar at phone handling. And studies show, many dealers miss around 30% of inbound calls, and of the calls they do answer, a lot fail to set appointments or capture leads effectively.
Via Car Wars
Sessions like "Your Marketing is Working, But Your Phones Are Breaking the Funnel" and "Stop Leaving Money on the Table: Maximize Phone Performance with AI and Real-Time Coaching" reflect a growing recognition that phone skills are a massive blind spot.
Big picture: Digital marketing gets customers interested, but phone conversations still close deals. So, dealers are using AI coaching, call analytics, and real-time feedback to maximize every conversation.
All said and done, Digital Dealer has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest happening in automotive digital marketing, and this year is shaping up to be no different.
Keep reading for some other tips to make the most of your stay in Sin City. And don’t forget to say hi to Jay, CDG’s Head of Partnerships, who will be on-site checking out the show.
Where can I crash? Book your stay at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino or the W Las Vegas directly through Digital Dealer’s room block to take advantage of discounts available. For any questions regarding your reservation, please contact the hotel directly.
What do I do when I get there? Get your registration badge at the Islander Registration Desk and Office.
What events are going on at the show? Every second of Digital Dealer is packed with moderated workshops, motivational speakers, interactive sessions, and deep-dive presentations on the latest dealership best practices. See the full schedule here.
Anything else I should know? Download the Digital Dealer mobile app ahead of time for exclusive updates, notifications, and show highlights.
📍Order a smoked Old Fashioned at Rosina in the Venetian Resort.
📍Play a round at Paiute Golf Resort.
📍Take in some of the city’s best blues music at The Sand Dollar Lounge.
📍Take a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon.
📍Have a top-tier meal at Don's Prime at the Fontainebleau.
