2024 GIADA Convention & Expo Wrap-Up
By Amy Bennett, GIADA Executive Director
Wow! The 2024 GIADA Convention & Expo+CE, held in July, was a resounding success and one of our biggest yet! In fact, it may be the largest used car dealer convention in the US.
Registration was in full swing Thursday at Stone Mountain Evergreen Resort as dealers and vendors started to show up for the best convention in town. Thursday Evening was set up for a fun-filled night of casino action. Everyone was given play money and gambled, ate and drank for 3 hours, then turned in tickets for lots of prizes.
Friday morning was all business. Hundreds of dealers from around Georgia gathered to complete their continuing education course needed to renew their dealer license. We had some great national speakers with some useful information and guidance for new and seasoned dealers. After lunch, we had, back by popular demand, our dealer panel. Dealers from the panel and the group were able to ask questions and get hands-on answers from other professionals like themselves. It is always interesting to see all the dealers engage with each other. After the class, we opened the expo, where dealers had over 60 exhibitors waiting to help them with everything from auctions, floorplan companies, insurance, warranties, auto parts, to advertising, dealer management software, GPS and many more. Dinner was served right in the room and we even had a 12-foot robot to meet and greet, as well! The photo opportunities were awesome!
Saturday we had our board meetings and welcomed many new members. The afternoon was free time for fun at the pool or park. That evening was the award banquet where many special people were recognized for some prestigious accomplishments. We wrapped it all up with our famous dance party and had a blast! The dancing robot showed off some amazing moves and danced with everyone for over two hours!
Now, do not forget that your dealer license will need to be renewed by September 30th. It can be a difficult process because the state has a new system called GOALS. One of your valued membership benefits is that we can help you navigate the process. We have been to Manheim Georgia twice this month to assist with the renewal. Please DO NOT wait until the last minute to renew!
To renew, you will need your current insurance certificate, new bond dated to expire September 30, 2026, and your CE certificate. It must be done online; you cannot mail it in. Take advantage of your membership and give us a call if you need any assistance.
I want to thank you all again for your membership to GIADA. I also want to encourage you to talk to your friends, associates and other dealers and make sure they are members or tell them the importance of joining the largest and best association in the country!
Sincerely,
Amy
GIADAConvention.org
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