I just finished interviewing Chip Miceli, president of DPOE in Elk Grove, IL for a couple of articles I’m writing for ENX and The Cannata Report.
As I was preparing for my interview, I got to thinking about how Chip is a familiar face at industry events, not just dealer meetings. What impresses me is his eagerness to learn more about the industry and new ways to improve his dealership. I find that admirable for someone who has been in the industry since the early 1970’s.
He’s not the only one doing that and I’m aware of a number of other dealers just like Chip who never fail to take advantage of the many educational opportunities available at various conferences and events held throughout the year. The question Chip raises, and one I’ve wondered about myself, is whether or not there’s just too many industry events and if consolidating some of these events would better serve the industry?
Obviously OEM dealer meetings are not part of this equation, however, does it truly make sense, and more importantly, is it even possible to combine some of these other events into one? Considering that many of these events are money makers for the organizations presenting them, I’m thinking that’s more wishful thinking than practical even if too many shows dilute the pool of potential attendees.
Again, this concept of consolidating events is coming from someone who is a networking machine and has rarely met a conference he hasn’t been convinced to attend at least once. For those who limit themselves to their own OEM’s meetings and maybe the occasional BTA regional conference this might not be an issue at all. But for those who don’t have the time to travel to all of these events and conferences, less could end up being a whole lot more.
Thanks for reading.
