Your attendance at ATD Show 2020 is critical to both your own career and and the success of your dealership. Successful dealers and managers attend ATD Show, which is why you should be there as well. Network and learn from hundreds of key members of the commercial truck industry, as well as vendors, manufacturers and expert speakers, all in one place. In a few simple steps, we’ll show you how to demonstrate the benefits of the Show to your boss in order for you to get approval to attend.

Research. Look through the schedule, workshop sessions and exhibitor listings. Be sure to stress the number of educational opportunities, and innovative products and services.

Calculate the expenses. Add up the registration, hotel, flight, food and local travel. But factor in all the discounts—such as early bird registration, low-cost ATD Show hotel options, and ground and air travel savings—and point these out to your supervisor.

Present the Return on Investment. Create a sound business case to justify your participation. Illustrate specifically what the dealership will receive in return for its investment. For example, you could bring back ideas to increase productivity and profitability, or find ways to solve key issues at your dealership. You could also get one-on-one feedback—from exhibitors and other attendees—about new products and services for the dealership.

Go in for the Pitch. You can use the letter we’ve outlined for you (download it here) or make your request verbally. Remember to focus on all the positive benefits—practical training, discounted rates/travel and limited time away from work.

What if your supervisor says...

1. “I can’t have you gone for so long.”  This year’s ATD Show runs from Friday-Monday, February 14-17. Reassure your supervisor that you’ll have your cell phone with you the entire time and, if there’s a problem, you’ll step away. Work comes first and you’ll have access to WiFi at the Westgate, should you need to connect with your dealership.

2. “There is no room in the budget for this year.” Good thing you asked early, because the Convention is not until February 2020. Maybe you can front the cost now and get reimbursed in the new year? Your hotel room charges won’t come through until you’ve check out on the last day of the show.

3. “Let’s talk about this in a couple months.” You can agree to this, but stress that the registration fee will go up and you will want to save as much money as possible by registering early.

Once you've attended the ATD Show, what's next?

1. Transfer notes. There is a good chance you’ll have copious notes. Transfer them someplace where they’re all together, easily accessible and shareable.

2. Clarify primary takeaways. You probably just got overwhelmed with a ton of information from workshops, general sessions and networking with your peers. Take some time to write down your primary takeaways and action items.

3. Check social media. Go to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and search for the #NADASHOW hashtag. Preform an “audit” by favoriting or copying/pasting social posts and moments from ATD Show and the concurrent NADA Show that inspired you the most to share with your boss and colleagues.

4. Share it. Commit to a post-convention briefing for senior management and your team, where you’ll highlight what you’ve learned from the conference. Tie in what you’ve learned to your dealership’s current challenges, goals and strategic plans.

5. Strengthen relationships. You will probably make quite a few new contacts that can be added to your network. You can share ideas and solve issues together after you return home from Las Vegas. Email, call and add them to your professional network.

6. Continue shopping the Expo floor. Just because the show is over doesn’t mean the savings have to be. The 2020 Expo is available all year by visiting the website and looking for the "Continue Shopping the Expo Floor" link.

Already got approval from your boss? Secure your spot at the show and register today.