We recognize the effort that goes into running your business. With all that demands your attention, we know your time is valuable. That’s why we’ve taken great care to respect your time while cultivating a slate of events to engage with our dealer members. Whether we’re providing timely industry insights, opportunities for professional development, or localized social experiences — dealers have a variety of ways to engage with NJ CAR.
By expanding our in-person programs to include two Roadshows, two NextGen Social Events, a multi-day NextGen destination event, and an Annual Dealer Soirée, NJ CAR is providing dealers and their employees with events that bring value and deserve your support. As you’ll see from the comments on these events, I believe this year was a success.
Roadshows Provide Access to Timely Information
NJ CAR’s Roadshows are packed with critical insights, giving dealers access to industry experts, knowledgeable speakers, and connections with organizations that want to grow your dealership. Topics in 2026 ranged from practical AI applications for your business to insight on the new FTC advertising FAQs.
“I was blown away by the sheer number of speakers, sponsors, and informative insights shared at NJ CAR’s Roadshow. Especially as a free event, it was worth going,” said Caroline Heidt with Joe Heidt Volkswagen.
For event sponsors, Roadshows offer more than brand exposure, allowing them to demonstrate their value to the dealer community.
AutoTrieve’s Michale Dachille explained, “It’s nice seeing more in-person opportunities for sponsors. These events let us show dealers the merit of our products and services. We’re always looking for new ways to highlight the benefits we can provide.”
Dealers who attend our Roadshows or send their employees can expect to return to their showrooms with valuable information, expertise, and potential business solutions.
NextGen Social Events: Connections that Foster Growth
NextGen Social Events are excellent entry points for dealership employees who see themselves as future leaders in their organizations. The more relaxed environment of these gatherings encourages networking and promotes the natural exchange of ideas.
“Wanting to grow more professionally, I attended the most recent NJ CAR NextGen Social Event. It gave me the chance to network with my peers,” said John Johnson, III, NJ CAR NextGen Committee member with Johnson CDJR. “I’m very happy to be a part of the Coalition’s growing NextGen Committee, and I’m excited to see where we go from here.”
Dee Skidmore, NextGen Committee member with Bridgeton Auto Mall, echoed John’s comments: “I signed up to be part of NJ CAR’s NextGen Committee after attending the last social event. I was genuinely surprised to learn so much about how I could grow professionally as a leader through networking events like this.”
At NextGen Social Events, sponsors are able to strengthen their ties with dealers. Brad Bono with Helient Technologies, LLC, observed, “As a Roadshow speaker and NextGen Social Event sponsor, I can honestly say NJ CAR is offering dealers and sponsors the best of both worlds.”
NextGen Builds Relationships that Endure
While professional development can occur anywhere, a simple change in location can be enough to produce a memorable experience. NextGen’s 2026 trip to Saratoga Springs was coordinated in conjunction with the New York State Automobile Dealers Association (NYSADA).
“The Saratoga event was a great opportunity to connect with NextGen members from New Jersey and New York,” said CJ Kull, NextGen Committee member with Burns Buick GMC Hyundai & Genesis of Cherry Hill. “I really enjoyed getting to know everyone, sharing ideas, and establishing connections with other NextGen dealers that will last well beyond the event.”
Gregg Ciocca, Jr., NJ CAR Trustee and NextGen Committee member with Ciocca Automotive, commented, “NJ CAR isn’t shy about shaking things up to make our businesses and social events more fun for everyone.”
The two-day event also gave sponsors extended access to emerging dealership leaders. “I want to be a part of as many NJ CAR events as possible,” exclaimed Lauren Bailey with ComplyAuto. “The exposure we got at the Saratoga event with NextGen leaders was invaluable. Absolutely worth every penny.”
Annual Dealer Soirée: A Gathering to Remember
The culmination of NJ CAR’s 2026 events was our inaugural Dealer Soirée — organized to bring dealers together and celebrate the industry.
Russell Abate, NJ CAR Executive Committee member with Pellegrino Chrysler Jeep, revealed, “I don’t attend many events, and I wasn’t sure what to expect at the Dealer Soirée, but my wife and I had the best time. We’re glad we decided to attend.”
Larger events like the Soirée offer sponsors another opportunity to engage with dealers. Megan Kenary with JM&A Group stated, “It was refreshing to see an automotive trade association do something so wildly different. Events like this are certainly a rare find in this industry.”
Improving Events Through Partnership
By all accounts, everyone who attended our 2026 events had a great experience. The sponsorship support from our Endorsed Providers and Affiliates allowed NJ CAR to host these robust events and expand NJ CAR’s engagement with our members and industry partners.
Looking Ahead to 2027
I’m proud of what NJ CAR accomplished this year. Our continued success relies on the feedback we receive from our members and sponsors. This input will shape how these events evolve in 2027. Thank you to all dealers, industry partners, and NJ CAR staff who made our 2026 events so successful.
Now that we have a year under our belts, we hope to expand participation in our 2027 calendar of events as we continue working to bring greater value to our dealer community. If you have any ideas for us to try in 2027 or beyond, please reach out to Brian Hughes, NJ CAR Director of Communications, at bhughes@njcar.org.
