The 2023 MRAA Dealer Week Conference and Expo was the largest Dealer Week on record, from its attendance to its sheer size! I feel honored to play a role in helping make the annual event happen. But, as some of my co-workers have stated, Dealer Week 2023 just hit differently.

Maybe it’s because of the return to Tampa and the Sunshine State. There’s something about being in Florida in December, boating on the water and seeing water that makes things feel better. Or perhaps it’s the turnout, as more than 1,500 marine professionals — from dealers to manufacturers to suppliers – added to the next-level experience.

An auspicious vibe was in the air. The convention center was filled with clean oxygen, opportunity and unabated positivity! From the many conversations I had in the Sales & Marketing Pathway classroom to the networking events, my industry allies were on point with their attitude, approach and raison d’etre (reason for being). That is BOATING!

No matter your role, we all know recreational boating is at our core. It’s why dealership principals and their staff leave their business behind for a few days. It’s why they seek education, knowledge and professional enrichment. It’s also because they have goals, from annual targets and objectives to 3- and 5-year goals to long-term visions. And it’s why our industry partners and suppliers attend, to provide support and guidance and to connect in person!

Dealer Week undoubtedly can help any dealership, even the most business-savvy and industry stalwarts out there. One only has to look at WHO and HOW MANY dealers attended Dealer Week in Tampa. It consisted of winners and those looking to win more often! The attendees included small shops and large multi-store businesses. Personally, a dealer from my town in Minnesota was there! I met a dealer from the West Coast who said he wished the education was available to him when he started 40-some years ago. I talked to young authorities in service to old sailing pros. The overwhelming message was one of hope and refinement, not complaining about problems.  

I think you get my point. Dealer Week isn’t about our team or me. It’s about YOU and helping you become the dealership you want to be and need to be for your staff, family and boating community. It just so happens others are noticing that Dealer Week is a rewarding event full of implementable solutions and an annual happening not to be missed. Our Expo Hall this year sold out, and additional manufacturers, exhibitors and suppliers wanting to exhibit already make up a waiting list for Dealer Week 2024. Momentum is a glorious thing! 

Got FOMO?
If you missed the in-person Dealer Week in Florida, you can still partake in the education by registering for Dealer Week Online, which runs from today, Tuesday, Dec. 12, through March 1, 2024! That’s right, you can share the education with your team and get a sizeable taste of what Dealer Week offers. That’s 15 courses on Leadership, Sales & Marketing and Service & Parts to help you plan for 2024.

However, think of Dealer Week Online as your bottomless bowl of chips and salsa — a tasty snack full of goodness. Let it satisfy some of your appetite to improve, but also inspire you to seek more, be more and do more for your business. Then, on December 8 next year, you can join the MRAA, your dealership peers and other industry leaders for the Dealer Week 2024 full course in Orlando. Let’s keep this Dealer Week magic going!