The way buyers choose and purchase their cars has irrevocably changed. Most buyers go through a lengthy self-education process online before they even consider entering a dealership, which has made it much harder for salesmen to make an impact or get feet through the door. Search engines, social media, online reviews and mobile devices, coupled with increased competition, have meant that dealerships have to adapt or die.
However, the digital world shouldn’t be seen as a challenge or a hurdle, but rather an opportunity to shine. It’s with this aim in mind that Gumtree, one of the largest online car buying and selling platforms in South Africa, and CAR magazine have launched the Digital Dealer Conference.
The CAR Digital Dealer Conference, in association with Gumtree, will show top OEMs and dealers how to stay ahead of the technology curve by delivering the largest array of industry speakers – local and international – as well as associated networking opportunities.
“The event will provide practical information on strategies for digital marketing, SEO and SEM social media mobile marketing, data and analytics management, new and pre-owned sales strategies and much more,” says Jeff Osborne, Head of Gumtree Automotive. “Whether an attendee is already making use of digitalization to leverage their brand, or a complete novice, he or she will find valuable information and insights that can be put to use in their dealership.”
Acclaimed international speaker Marcus Sheridan, The Sales Lion, will lead the keynote address, while speakers such as Chris Prinsloo, COO of the Eastvaal Motor Group, NADA National Champion Bruce Allen, Gumtree Head of Automotive Jeff Osborne and digital marketing gurus such as Mike Abel of Saatchi Abel, Dylan Kohlstadt of Shift One and Dave Duarte of Treeshake will lend their expertise to the event.
The event will take place on the 10th of November 2015 at the JSE, One Exhange Square, Gwen Lane in Sandton. Tickets are sold at R1995 per person (including VAT) and can be booked via Kathryn Frew on kathryn.frew@ramsaymedia.co.za or by phoning 021 530 3308. Group discounts apply.
