Test your dealership’s digital performance at MDCE 2014
MINNEAPOLIS — In today’s business climate, online results are critical to marine dealer success. Dealerships that perform solidly across the digital platforms most used by consumers gain access to far more leads than those with lackluster internet visibility.
At the 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla., participants in the “Don’t Flunk This Test” workshop by ARI’s Bob McCann and Lisa Buller will receive a website, social media and online reputation report card for their dealership and learn strategies they can use to move to the head of the class.
Dealers will walk away from the MDCE workshop with a 12-month content optimization plan, designed to enhance their results across many digital channels. The workshop takes place Monday, Nov. 17 from 8 to 11:15 a.m. ET as part of MDCE’s Pre-Conference Workshops.
“Even with all the online tools that exist today, few dealerships know how their digital performance stacks up or where they really need to focus to improve,” explains Liz Walz, director of education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “The report cards alone make this Pre-Conference Workshop stand out, and when you take in account the year-long plan dealers can build and take home with them, you see what a unique opportunity it is to do some serious work on your business.”
In 2014, workshop topics will include leadership, sales, marketing, social media, succession planning, video production and editing, and the service department. Each workshop will feature takeaways to help attendees implement what they learn without delay upon returning to their respective dealerships.
“Bob and his team at ARI have earned a reputation as terrific educators,” says Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. “This workshop, with its keen focus on digital performance, hits on several hot topics for dealers, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it sells out.”
The 2014 MDCE will offer 30 educational sessions in all, the most the event has ever offered, including seven Pre-Conference Workshops. The conference has traditionally included three educational tracks, but in 2014, it has expanded to four tracks: Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Service Plus. A Closing Keynote address also has been added this year.
Pre-Conference Workshop seating is limited and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Attendees select the workshop(s) they wish to attend during the MDCE registration process and pay an additional fee. Discounts are available for MRAA retail members.
The MDCE is scheduled for Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007. In 2013, MDCE featured double-digit growth in dealer attendance, for a total of 615 marine retail professionals. MRAA’s goal is to grow the event to more than 1,000 dealer attendees. To learn more, visit MRAA.com/MDCE.
