With less than a week to go until the 2018 DigiTech conference, AM reflects on social media testimonies from last year’s jam packed conference.

The 2017 DigiTech proved more popular than ever, with over 200 attendees geared-up for a day full of digital tips and talks for dealers.

This year is set to be even bigger, and has switched venues from Coventry to the Doubletree, Milton Keynes. 

Attracting top-name headline sponsors, Barclays Partner Finance and carwow, the AM DigiTech 2018 on Tuesday will cut through the jargon and uncertainty surrounding the rapidly redeveloping world of automotive retail. 

Barclays has chosen the conference to launch its new electronic signature product, which aims to refresh the current 'clunky' process. 

The 2018 DigiTech benefits from a full programme of speakers, tackling the ever-evolving digital world.

 

Who would be better to explain the digital advances and tech trends than Google? Ben Gault will be cluing dealers in on how to deal with their digital customers. 

Developments in EV need not be daunting, thanks to talks from Chargemaster's Tom Callow, who aims to help attendees adapt to the 'new world' of electric vehicles. 

Attendance at AM's DigiTech is essential to understanding dealer database best practice, GDPR, advances in technology, the EV revolution and upcoming changes (to name a few) 

Don't take our word for it.

Instead, take a look at some of the testimonies from speakers, exhibitors and delegates at last year's event. 

Exhibitors such as Codeweavers and Contact at Once proudly shared snaps of their stands at the Coventry-based conference, and encouraged visitors to discuss their digital strategy.

David Flesher said that he had a “fantastic day” and gave a shout out to our Cox Automotive’s Julian Wheway on his masterclass. 

Cox Automotive are co-sponsoring this year's event, and Modix UK will be delivering a masterclass on digital retailing. 

Dealer Management Services’ Zoran Vidakovic had a “great” day of networking, and his sentiments were reflected by Mini brand manager Martin Carr, who hailed the event for having “great ideas and insights for the modern automotive dealer”.

 

Carwow’s Karen Hilton took to the stage with data insights into consumer buying trends, and had over 20 LinkedIn connections ask for a copy of her talk.

 

This year, Karen’s talk will reveal the five major consumer-buying trends of 2018, with an aim to help dealers convert their transient consumers.

Last year, Martin Dew took a candid shot of the Autoweb Design stand and hoped for a great day –  Dew returns this year to deliver a masterclass on modern website design.

 

Curiously, Moneypenny invited delegates to pick up a pair of socks at their stand – and AM can only hope that this offer will be renewed, as they are returning to the DigiTech on April 17. 

Overall the AM DigiTech 2017 was a networking success and made automotive marketing specialist Nathan Quayle “excited to be in the automotive industry right now”.

AM’s own Nicola Baxter shared a picture of a very crowded room, highlighting the events popularity.

In another curious turn of events, Renin Ratnaswamy said that Nick King made a brilliant analogy about a frog in boiling water – AM can assure that no frogs were harmed!

“Digital, technology and software packages are now a driving force behind the modern dealership," said AM editor Tim Rose.

Online car sales are still in small numbers, but this is a trend which will continue to gather pace and dealers need to be aware of what could be on the horizon.

“AM Digitech 2018 will look at many key areas, and explore ways in which dealers can enhance their digital offering to match changing consumer expectations, while ensuring their digital marketing and customer communications remains compliant with the incoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).”

A limited amount of tickets remain so book your place now and take control of your digital developments with the AM DigiTech.