What We’ve Learned From The Biggest Dealer Events So Far…
We’re six months into 2025, and the auto industry has already packed in a year’s worth of strategy, innovation, and bold predictions. From coast to coast, dealers and partners have gathered at major events from NADA in ‘SNOLA’ to CUCW, Dealer Huddle and more. One clear theme that’s emerged from this busy event season is: Adapting isn’t enough anymore. Dealers need to lead!
Keep reading to see what we’ve learned (so far) and how your dealership can finish strong in 2025.
1. Data-Driven Decision Making Isn’t Optional
CADA Summit 2025 was a wake-up call. With macroeconomic uncertainty still looming and inventory pressures continuing to shift, every dollar and every decision needs to be backed by data, not gut feel.
Dealers doubling down on predictive marketing, audience segmentation, and outcome-based measurement are seeing the biggest wins.
At sMedia, our platform is built on this foundation. The tools that we use focus on real-time optimization, ensuring that your marketing doesn’t just spend, it performs.
2. Attention Metrics Are the New KPI
Whether at Digital Dealer, CUCW, or NADA 2025, one term kept popping up: attention. Forget about clicks and impressions, as Voluntary Lifted Attention (VLA) is taking center stage.
Dealers who understand how to earn attention, not just buy it, are building stronger brand equity and converting more leads.
3. Events Work—When You Work Them
From the Dealer Huddle to CUCW and Western Canadian Dealer Summit, it’s clear that in-person connections still matter. But simply showing up isn’t enough. The best-performing stores are:
- Hosting co-branded experiences
- Leveraging events to gather first-party data
- Using event timelines to launch limited-time offers
See here how to activate your next event best: The Dealer Event Playbook
4. Seasonal & Local Campaigns = Missed Opportunity (for most)
Too many dealerships still go quiet during seasonal lulls or rely on generic OEM ads for holiday pushes.
Our Holiday & Special Event Playbook proves that with the right strategy, these moments can be massive revenue drivers.
Don’t wait for Black Friday to start planning—grab the playbook and fill your Q3/Q4 funnel now.
5. Are Trade Shows Still Worth It?
This is a question we explored in our recent blog post, and the answer is: yes, but only if you have a plan.
Tip: Use trade shows to test ideas, gather stories, and build relationships that fuel your content and campaigns for the rest of the year.
We did just that at Digital Dealer 2024 and Western Canadian Dealer Summit, turning live insights into actionable strategies for our dealers.
Final Thought: 2025 Is Still Yours to Win
The first half of the year showed us where the industry is headed—and who’s already leading the way. Dealers who embrace attention metrics, stay agile with seasonal campaigns, and leverage both data and relationships are setting themselves up for a powerful finish.
Let’s make the second half of 2025 your best yet and book a Strategy Session! If you’re wondering where you can catch our team next, we’ll be sharing that at the end of the summer as we prep for the end-of-year stretch.
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