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2013-02-05 Frequently asked questions about the 2013 NABD

Responses by: Ken Shilson, NABD President, Conference Chairman


Question: If I attended NABD 2012 last year, why should I come to NABD 2013?

Answer:Developments in the Buy Here, Pay Here (BHPH) industry are happening at an unprecedented pace. Since last year, many new sources of capital have opened to BHPH. There is new technology, which can make you more profitable and efficient. There are important new laws and regulations that make compliance more challenging. This event will help you keep current on these important industry developments, and will facilitate networking with many of the nation’s best operators and experts.

Question: Has anything new been added to the NABD 2013 agenda this year, as compared with last year?

Answer: Several new agenda items have been added this year, including: integrating special finance with BHPH, how to create an effective compliance management system, an open forum for all attendees to network and ask questions, updated industry benchmarks and new trend information, interaction with the new capital providers, and much, much more! In addition, NABD is offering an “early bird” registration discount and unprecedented discount room rates on luxury accommodations at the Wynn in Las Vegas.

Question: Why did you move the conference to the Wynn for 2013?

Answer: The last three years’ Las Vegas conferences were held at the Venetian/Palazzo, and we are always seeking exciting new venues for our attendees. The Wynn has won more Forbes Five Star Awards than any other resort/casino in the world! They have given us their best sleeping accommodations and meeting facilities. The $179.00 per night room rate with no resort fees is exceptional. Finally the dates for the event (which precede Memorial Day weekend) allow attendees to extend their conference visit on the most favorable terms. Discounts won’t last long, so attendees are encouraged to make their conference registrations and room reservations as soon as possible – before April 28, 2013!

Question: What are the differences between the National Conference and the Dealer Academy?

Answer: The Dealer Academy is designed to provide in-depth, comprehensive training on all facets of buy here, pay here operations to attendees who are new to the business, and for those seeking to improve the performance of their existing operations. It is ideal for key employees, owners, and managers seeking to expand their BHPH knowledge and skills. The National Conference is designed to update attendees on all the important industry developments since last year, to showcase all the new products and services in a “sold out” exhibit hall, and to facilitate networking between more than 1,000 dealer attendees from around the nation. It is the only conference exclusively for BHPH, and should be considered a must-attend every year. Both events are important sources of training and education, and offer something for every level of experience and expertise.

Question: NABD now offers Boot Camps, so attendees can not only learn about but also see a successful BHPH operation at the same time! How does the Boot Camp training differ from the Dealer Academy?

Answer: The Dealer Academy and Boot Camp training complement each other. The Boot Camp is limited to only 20 attendees and offers individual training to participants, who observe and learn at the same time. No exhibitor/sponsors participate at the Boot Camps. Ken Shilson and Ingram Walters teach all the sessions. Each attendee receives a comprehensive policy and procedures manual, a human resources manual, a projection template, compliance materials and much more. At the Dealer Academy, attendees can learn about and see all the latest products and services in an exclusive exhibit hall. Academy attendees receive a Critical Decisions Checklist, which they can use as a roadmap to BHPH success after the training.

Question: What changes have been made to pre-registration for both May events?

Answer: This year, we offer “early bird” registration discounts to both conferences through April 28, 2013. Attendees may register online at www.bhphinfo.com, by calling 832-767-4759, or by fax to 713-680-2474. The discounts are substantial, and increase based upon the number of attendees per dealership. “Early bird” discounts may not be combined and no discounts will be offered after April 28, 2013. Discounted room reservations at the Wynn are subject to availability and will not be available after April 28, 2013. Attendees should make their room reservations and register for the conferences as soon as possible to secure the best deal.

Question: Where can I get updated information about both events?

Answer: Agendas, speakers, and other important information will be updated online periodically at www.bhphinfo.com. Check back regularly for updates. Register at our website and you will receive important emails throughout the year.

Question: What plans does NABD have for future Boot Camps?

Answer: NABD plans to hold at least two Boot Camps per annum, which will not conflict with other national training events. The next Boot Camp will be August 18-19, 2013 at iCars near Charlotte, NC. Registration for this event has already begun. Call 832-767-4759 to register. The past two Boot Camps have been “sold out” in advance, so participants are advised to contact us as soon as possible, or to register at our booth in Las Vegas.

Question: How many attendees do you expect for the May events?

Answer: We anticipate that approximately 2,000 attendees will attend these events this year and our National Conference exhibit hall will include approximately 150 sponsors. These events promise to be the largest BHPH conferences in history. Don’t miss them!