Dealers from around the nation gathered in Dallas , Texas , at the beginning of November to attend the third annual Powersports Business Accelerate Conference . The 2023 conference provided speaking sessions and networking opportunities throughout the three-day event , allowing dealers to fill their notebooks with new perspectives , practices , and ideas from industry professionals and fellow dealers .

" I found by far the most valuable , networking with everybody ," says Andy Brinkhaus , general manager of Simply Ride , located in Eden Prairie , Minnesota . " I learned so much from that . We took back a tremendous amount of information ."

Brinkhaus also notes that he and his team enjoyed learning from keynote speaker Stephen Barth , founder of HospitalityLawyer . com . Barth energized the audience with his lively explanation of emotional intelligence and why it is an important aspect of a successful business .

Margaret Stevens , parts manager of ARS Powersports , located in Okeechobee , Florida , also mentions the value of Barth ' s opening session on the third day of the conference . She shares that Chief Economist Curtis Dubay , Finance and Insurance trainer Rob Greenwald , and industry Consultant and Trainer Steve Jones especially shared practical knowledge that she is relaying to

After a full day of education , we gathered the industry ’ s best and brightest for an awards ceremony to honor their excellent work .

her team . She is connecting one-on-one with her co-workers to share what she has learned about their department to streamline practices and increase efficiency .

" Hands down , it was great ," she says . " I can ' t wait to go to the next one . I thought it was a good , intimate connection , and I walked away and learned something ."

DAY ONE The conference began revving up on Sunday , November 5 , with a panel discussion from general managers and industry professionals . The panel discussed slowing floor and online traffic and how to combat a decrease in leads . AJ Meisel , general manager and F & I manager of Plano Kawasaki Suzuki Aprilia , located in Plano , Texas , also discussed the benefits of 20 Group participation . While the industry continues to change , the panel shared what may be the silver lining of 2024 .

Before the first day wrapped up , a blend of new and familiar faces gathered during the welcome networking reception . Some dealers and vendors reconnected , and others met for the first time .

DAY TWO Curtis Dubay , chief economist at the U . S . Chamber of Commerce , kicked off day two with an overview of today ' s economy and where it may be headed based on current

events . Dealers took away an understanding of what to expect in 2024 regarding consumer spending , the workforce , and more .

Dealers were presented with numerous relevant topics throughout day two and networked with fellow dealers and vendors between sessions . Dealers were reminded of the value of the relationships built between customers and employees within their business . While online shopping prevails , dealers can find the unit that best fits a customer and continuously satisfy consumer needs . Details about this topic were followed by a session highlighting the importance of staying up to date with technology and having a presence on all platforms used by customers .

Performance Brokerage Services shared how to determine a dealership ' s value , what the buy / sell market looks like today , and valuable insights about tax-minimizing financial planning .

Rob Greenwald then took the stage and shared how to boost F & I sales through each department and how to improve performance continuously . He also discussed the concept of " social currency ," how to connect with customers by understanding their wants and needs , and how to boost employee satisfaction and productivity simultaneously .

HONORS AWARDS After a day full of transitions from topic to topic , dealers gathered once again for dinner and a networking reception . Powersports Business recognized industry leaders and best-in-class dealerships during the Honors Award Program and Reception . Dealers and industry professionals were as excited as the Powersports Business team to celebrate honorees and the excellent work they bring to the table daily .

DAY THREE The last day of the conference began with keynote speaker Steven Barth , who engaged dealers in an enticing presentation about the necessity of emotional intelligence in a successful business . He shared what drives younger employees to be productive , what to ask during the interview process to find resilient employees , and when an employee makes a mistake , how to respond as a leader . The presentation was a favorite of many and set the tone for the final day of the conference .

Mark Sheffield of Woods Cycle Country , Spader Group , and NPDA gave an insightful presentation on Advocating for Purposeful Advancement . He shared some proven HR strategies to help dealers steer clear of the pitfalls of promoting based on tenure alone . He shared a more scientific and data-driven method of evaluating employee performance to see if they have the skillset for the job .

Steve Jones of SJ Consulting and a 20−group presenter discussed how to make more money in your service department by boosting labor and P & A sales with effective service writing procedures .

Finally , the last panel of the day had some Q & A with the audience about today ' s distribution challenges and opportunities for dealers as some new players enter the market .

" The coordination of the event itself is always a super smooth process ," says Harrison Herron , finance and business manager of Foothills Motorsports , located in Powdersville , South Carolina . He has reinforced what he learned with his team and says he wants his service manager to attend next year . " I gave them an overview of the event and touched on a lot of it ," he says .