When
November 3-6, 2026
Loading countdown...
DealerConnect ‘26
The Premier AI Event
Connecting Automotive Leaders, Driving Responsible Innovation
Discover how dealers are using AI to drive profitability, improve operations, enhance customer experiences, and prepare for the future of automotive retail.
Register Now
Where
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa
39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Amelia Island, FL 32034
Connect
#dealerconnect26
Mission
Join dealership executives, innovators, and industry thought leaders for two days of actionable insights, peer networking, and real-world AI strategies you can implement immediately.
Why DealerConnect?
AI in Automotive: From Concept to Competitive Advantage
DealerConnect was built to answer those questions through real-world examples, peer discussions, and actionable insights from industry leaders.
Register Now
Many dealers are asking:
- Where do we start?
- What tools actually work?
- How do we avoid costly mistakes?
- How are other dealers implementing AI?
AI That Drives Results
Learn from dealers actively implementing AI to improve customer engagement and operational performance.
Practical AI for Dealership Operations
Discover practical solutions, not theoretical discussions, for sales, service, marketing, and leadership teams.
AI Strategies You Can Implement Today
Translate proven dealership use cases into clear next steps for your own stores.
AI for Profitability, Productivity, and Growth
Focus on measurable outcomes that help teams reduce friction, protect margin, and move faster.
Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?
Reach dealer leaders actively evaluating new solutions.
Connections That Matter
DealerConnect was designed to facilitate meaningful conversations, not crowded expo halls. Through curated networking experiences, hosted receptions, golf, roundtables, and peer-to-peer discussions, attendees build relationships that continue long after the event concludes.
Exclusive Industry Networking
Connect with top dealership executives, vendors, and automotive professionals to build valuable relationships, exchange insights, and explore new business opportunities.
25%
Conference participants often receive more active connections.
Renowned Keynote Speakers
Gain expert-led insights, panel discussions, and hands-on demos designed to help dealerships improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and stay ahead in a competitive market.
30%
More focused time with speakers and executive peers.
Learn From Leaders Who Are Shaping Automotive AI
Hear from industry pioneers, dealership operators, technology innovators, and business strategists sharing practical insights on AI adoption, operational efficiency, customer engagement, and leadership.
Mike Saxon
Keynote Speaker
Mike is an experienced leader, operator, and advisor in tech, mostly within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. He speaks and writes on these topics, as well as on other emerging technologies. Additionally, he teaches businesses about philosophy and ethics. Prior to 2017, he was a career US Army Officer, West Point professor, and Afghanistan Campaign veteran. He has a BS from West Point and an MA and PhD from Indiana University.
Chas Wilson
CEO, Master Networks
Chas has spent his career obsessed with how high-performance cultures actually work. As CEO of Master Networks and a partner in several ventures, he bridges the gap between networking and building an empire with practical strategies leaders can use immediately.
Matt Copley
Co-Founder, Hrizn
Matt has 25 years of automotive experience spanning retail, media, and SaaS leadership, including dealership floor roles across four groups, automotive media leadership, and sales, product marketing, and product strategy at PureCars before co-founding Hrizn.
Speaker Quote
Practical AI starts with clear business outcomes.
Charlie Vogelheim Renown Speaker & Auto Luminary
Operator Insight
The best technology decisions improve the work your teams do every day.
Tim Hayden BrainTrust Partners/CORA
Leadership Takeaway
Dealers need strategies they can test, measure, and scale.
Derek White/CEO E-Drive Auto & The Tech Loop
Who's attending?
Who's attending?
The DealerConnect 2026 Conference brings together the industry's leading voices in AI, automotive retail, marketing, and finance for a highly curated experience focused on innovation, strategy, and measurable business outcomes. Designed for forward-thinking leaders, DealerConnect is poised to become a premier destination for industry professionals navigating the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Dealer Leadership
- Dealer Principals
- General Managers
- Executive Leadership
Operations
- CFOs & Controllers
- Fixed Operations Leaders
- Variable Operations Leaders
Marketing & Customer Experience
- Marketing Executives
- Digital Directors
- Customer Experience Leaders
Technology & Innovation
- CIOs
- Innovation Leaders
- Technology Decision-Makers
Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?
Reach dealer leaders actively evaluating new solutions.
Location, Location, Location
Activities
Amelia’s Wheels - Segway™ Tours and Rentals
Guests can sign up for one of our daily Segway™ tours. Guests can also rent bicycles, tag-along bikes, baby trailers, jogging strollers and Island Hoppers (golf carts).
Nature Tours
Discover the natural wonders Amelia Island has to offer at the Nature Center. From crabbing and edible plant and wildflower tours, to shell and shark tooth hunts, the Nature Center offers activities for all ages!
Fishing
Fish at our variety of catch-and-release lakes and lagoons. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa's Red Maple Lake and Aury Island contain a variety of brim, bass and catfish.
Heron's Cove Adventure Golf
This family-friendly miniature golf course features 18 nautically themed holes. Escape the sun for an afternoon of friendly competition to see who gets that hole-in-one!
The Sprouting Project
The Sprouting Project consists of a state-of-the-art aquaponic greenhouse, an expansive organic garden and a large collection of beehives.
Stand Up Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Ecology Adventure Tours
Explore the natural beauty of Amelia Island from the water. Paddle or pedal through the marshes and catch a glimpse of our diverse wildlife at sunset.
Poolscape
Experience the largest poolscape in Northeast Florida. Enjoy the adult-only infinity pool or splash around in the family-friendly resort style pool and splash pad.
Private Beaches
Soak up the sun on our 3.5 miles of uncrowded Amelia Island beach. Put your toes in the sand and enjoy a leisurely stroll down the beach as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean.
World-Class Golf
Tee off on our two championship golf courses near a lush forest and beautiful marshes. Or try the resort's new short course, Little Sandy, for a traditional, yet fun-focused golf experience.
Award-Winning Tennis
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa tennis program, operated by Cliff Drysdale Tennis, has been recognized as one of the finest in the world. Tennis Pro Shop (904) 277-5145.
Pickleball
Our resort boasts 7 pickleball courts surrounded by a canopy of oak trees and plenty of clinics for beginners and advanced players alike.
The Spa
From the moment you step inside The Spa you’ll have the opportunity to enter a relaxation area and garden, perfect for before and after your treatments.
Shopping Village
The Shops at Omni Amelia Island features a wide selection of one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants and souvenir stores for your shopping pleasure.
Gamer's Lounge
Stop by the gamer's lounge for video games, including Xbox One™ and Nintendo Switch™. Daily access is available with your key card.
Photo Concierge
The Photography Concierge is a dedicated team of professionals ready to capture memories with family and loved ones using the breathtaking backdrops Amelia Island has to offer.
An Iconic Setting for Industry Leaders
Welcome!
The Omni Resort & Spa keeps the event footprint simple: oceanfront rooms, meeting space, restaurants, and amenities are all on property, giving attendees more time for sessions, hosted conversations, and informal networking.
Room blocks, meeting venues, outdoor spaces, golf, pools, spa, and trails sit within the same coastal campus, making it easy to move from focused sessions into relaxed executive networking.
Hotel Prospectus & Agenda
Prestigious & World-Class Atmosphere
The setting gives DealerConnect ‘26 a polished backdrop without pulling attention away from the work: practical AI discussions, operator-to-operator conversations, and time with peers facing similar decisions.
Blend Business with Leisure
Beach access, spa, pools, tennis, biking trails, kayaking, paddleboarding, and nearby golf give attendees practical ways to recharge between sessions and hosted conversations.
The Amelia Island Experience
Amelia Island brings coastal hospitality, polished meeting environments, and recreation together without requiring attendees to leave the event setting.
Convenient & Scenic Location
Located at 39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Amelia Island, FL 32034, the resort offers oceanfront access, preserved marshland views, and on-property amenities that keep meetings, room access, and networking close together.
See on Map
DealerConnect 2026 Agenda
DealerConnect 2026 Agenda
Meeting spaces and 3D views are sourced from the Omni Amelia Island proposal. Room details open inline, while each 3D view stays available in a larger modal.
Monday, November 2, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm
CORA Welcome Reception
Event TBD
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
9am - 4pm
CORA Member Summit
—
6:00pm – 8:00pm
DealerConnect Welcome Reception
—
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
8am
Golf Scramble
—
Thursday, November 5, 2026
8:00am - 8:45am
Breakfast
—
9:00am - 12:00pm
DealerConnect Sessions
—
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Lunch
—
1:00pm - 4:00pm
DealerConnect Sessions
—
Friday, November 6, 2026
8am - 8:45am
Breakfast
—
9am - 12pm
DealerConnect Sessions
—
Who are the partners of DealerConnect?
Reach the People Driving Change
DealerConnect brings together dealer principals, GMs, CFOs, controllers, fixed ops leaders, marketing executives, and technology decision-makers actively evaluating solutions for their organizations.
Whether your goal is thought leadership, lead generation, strategic partnerships, or brand awareness, DealerConnect provides direct access to the industry's most influential buyers.
Download Sponsorship Prospectus
What You’ll Walk Away With
Actionable Growth Strategies
Clear, executable frameworks to increase revenue and optimize operations.
High-Value Partnerships
Access to vetted technology and service providers aligned with dealership growth.
Peer-Level Connections
Meaningful relationships with decision-makers facing similar strategic challenges.
Future-Ready Insights
Clarity on AI, EV adoption, and evolving consumer behavior.
Competitive Advantage
Positioning your dealership ahead of regional and national competitors.
Event FAQ
DealerConnect 2026 FAQ
Clear answers for dealership leaders, sponsors, and partners evaluating whether DealerConnect is the right executive event for practical AI, operations, and networking.
What is DealerConnect 2026?
DealerConnect 2026 is an executive event for automotive retail leaders focused on practical AI strategies, dealership operations, and peer networking.
Who attends DealerConnect?
DealerConnect is built for dealer principals, general managers, CFOs, controllers, fixed operations leaders, marketing executives, digital directors, and technology decision-makers.
What will attendees learn?
Attendees learn practical AI strategies for dealership operations, customer experience, profitability, productivity, and growth.
Where does DealerConnect 2026 take place?
DealerConnect 2026 takes place November 3-6, 2026 at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa, 39 Beach Lagoon Rd, Amelia Island, FL 32034.
How do sponsorship opportunities work?
Sponsors can reach dealership decision-makers through thought leadership, lead generation, strategic partnerships, and brand visibility during the event.
How do I register for DealerConnect 2026?
Use the DealerConnect registration form to submit your interest, and the event team will follow up with next steps.
Inquire now!
We're looking forward to seeing you at DealerConnect '26