Covid-19 isn’t the only thing that has caused great change over the last year. So to has the explosion in cybercrime. Today, there is a new ransomware victim every 10 seconds! According to the Harvard Business Review, the frequency of ransomware attacks have increased 150% and the cost of falling victim to a ransomware attack has increased 300%. There is no question that the frequency and severity of cybercrime are both increasing at a very alarming rate.

In this presentation, Erik Nachbahr will discuss how cybercrime is forcing a change in the cyber defenses and related technologies that dealerships need to employ to keep their data, finances and reputation safe. Additionally, Erik will discuss how the evolving cybersecurity threat is impacting the cyber insurance market and leading to some new cyber-related legislation that dealers need to know about.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will understand the newest and most prevalent tactics used by today's cybercriminal.
• Attendees will understand the proper cyber-defenses dealers need to implement to combat today's cybercriminal.
• Attendees will understand why cyber insurance rates are skyrocketing and how to cost effectively mitigate the cyber risks dealers face. Attendees will understand how pending legislation will impact the cyber defenses strategies available to dealers.

Covid-19 has had a major impact on auto dealerships, and everyone is looking to improve cash flow. Many dealers are propping up the bottom line by decreasing their real estate tax burden. This session will explore a variety of tax savings strategies that fully leverage current legislation. Cost segregation, bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, and several other strategies will be reviewed, with a focus on the interplay between strategies. Several real-life examples will be presented to indicate the scope of potential savings.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how strategies like Section 179 Expensing, Bonus Depreciation, the Tangible Property Regulations (TPRs) and Energy Incentives all contribute to a comprehensive dealership real estate tax strategy.
• Explain the implications of the CARES Act’s correction of QIP recovery period and how to incorporate retroactive CARES Act changes into past returns.
• Use various tax strategies in a strategic manner to maximize savings on dealership real estate.

There have been significant changes in the Finance and Accounting profession with the ongoing transformation which have only accelerated since the pandemic. This session will provide you an update on the profession generally and will address more specifically how remote work has impacted ways of working of the CFOs office and the Auditor.

Learning Objectives:

• Overview of technologies being deployed
• Developing Competencies for the future for Finance and Accounting
• Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of audits and the virtual audit

In this session we will discuss the history of DEI and discuss the business case for diversity in the automobile industry, from increasing market share in auto sales, what brands do better than others and why.

Tekion’s Automotive Retail Cloud (ARC) is the industry’s first and fastest end-to-end cloud-native platform. ARC includes all functionalities of a DMS and accompanying tech stack to run a seamless retail business. Learn how cloud technology, real-time data, Advanced Analytics and much more can bring higher operational efficiencies to your Accounting department.

Learning Objectives:

• Overview of cloud-native tech and why it will help future-proof your dealership
• Improve visibility for the entire organization with one powerful platform that enables

This course provides a practical overview of the most important issues facing most companies and their accountants. The focus is on explaining the basis behind major issues and trends in plain language, enabling professionals to understand the most important aspects of relevant standards and why any planned or potential changes are coming down the pike.

Learning Objectives:

• Indicate "hot topics" in accounting and financial reporting
• Identify quality best practices when applying the new standards

CFOs from Mega Dealer Groups will be ready to answer your questions. Topics to be discussed include:

1. COVID-19 operational/expense structure changes that were successful and will continue
2. Pay plan ideas in changing world – From NO gross deals to MSRP deals
3. Inventory procurement tactics, especially quality used units
4. Accounting personnel development plan/process for your next CFO? Next Group Controller? Next Controller?
5. How does the CFO build dealers trust?
6. CFO insights as to areas they currently look for their CPA’s services and future needs from their CPAs
7. 2022 and beyond key initiatives.

Clients have never been better informed or had higher expectations. During the pandemic dealers implemented Digital Retailing systems in response. But most dealers continue to spend money on advertising which is not attributable, accountable or effective at a time when wasting money is now optional. So while the digital; age has modernized the industry, not every dealer is ready to fully realize the benefits. Jay Abraham has revolutionized marketing in over 1,000 industries and for over 10,000 clients. Now he is working with automotive powerhouse Brian Benstock of Paragon Honda. Together they have dove into dealership existing marketing practices with a unique perspective and approach applying Jay’s proven strategies. This has transformed Paragon into a superior digital marketplace allowing the them to reach every client with a consistent and proven approach - wherever and whenever they want. Paragon has been able to build a robust client database who are now buying and servicing their cars 24/7 while realizing exponential growth in their results. This presentation will reveal the secrets to achieving a massive improvement in marketing effectiveness and efficiencies while driving exponential growth in your results.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify digital technologies that will transform your dealership
• Determine how experiential innovation can increase your bottom line

PartsRec by Total Dealer Solutions is an automated entry to entry reconciliation software program that allows automotive dealers to seamlessly reconcile Parts Inventory to Accounting on a daily basis helping to reduce variance to zero. Daily insight helps users to immediately pinpoint problems, correct errors, identify process improvements, and most importantly avoid large variances at month and year-end.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how zero variance is possible
• Learn how to automate your parts to GL month-end reconciliation
• Learn how to increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability in your parts department

In this session we will review federal tax credits available to dealers, as well as the opportunity for state "workarounds" to limit federal tax, and close with a brief discussion of recent areas of IRS examination focus.  

Learning Objectives:

• Identify planning opportunities related to state workarounds.
• Gain a greater understanding of the federal tax credits currently available.
• Review recent IRS examination focus

With the ongoing issues of the pandemic, regional weather disruptions, and a shortage of employees and vehicles, 2021 was undoubtedly a challenge. However, throughout the year, the best controllers found ways to improve the efficiency of the office. This session will highlight those ways that you can boost productivity and accuracy in your dealership.

Learning Objectives:

• Ways to prevent the month-end traffic jam of work
• Spot issues early before they impact gross profit

This session will provide overview of proposed tax legislation, breaking guidance, and relevant tax cases that impact dealers as we approach year end and plan for 2022.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the status of tax related legislation in Congress, breaking guidance on enacted legislation, and relevant cases on current tax issues.
• Identify the planning opportunities to consider related to current tax legislation.

Join us onsite in the Emperors Ballroom for our evening reception!

Attending virtually? Join us for a fun of a slightly chaotic pub-trivia night, without the sticky tables, loud music and overpriced beer. Virtual Team Trivia combines smart questions with unique game mechanics in a way that builds meaningful connections. Get your thinking caps on and get ready to get competitive!

What would you tell a client who asks your opinion about a reinsurance provider or structure? Join experts Alan Pouyat and Ryan Hanlon to review and discuss the critical components you must be aware of to properly advise your dealers, including remittance, funding, investment strategy, loans and reporting.

Learning Objectives:

• Advise dealer clients on reinsurance structure selection.
• Review key components of reinsurance company management and performance.

Participants will learn the secrets to interchange and how to lower rates dramatically.

Learning Objectives:

• How do the Card Brands Manipulate Rates to Impact Dealers Negatively
• Why is Interchange not a Fixed Commodity -- How the Largest Merchants Control Pricing
• How to improved batch and deposit reconciliation methods
• The roll of the Point-of-Sale System in control merchant rates
• Streamlining the workflow to minimize cashiering labor and improve CSI PCI Compliance Level II and the Self Assessment Questionnaire Process

The unique factors that made 2020 a record year for the buy/sell market have continued to gain momentum in 2021. This session will assess those factors and their sustainability as we look to the future of auto retail and the coming industry changes on the horizon. The presentation will also review the drivers of today's record buy/sell activity and blue sky values from both a buyer's and seller's perspective.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine how 2021's record industry earnings are impacting transaction values today
• Discover why more sellers are coming to market despite record profits
• Identify the drivers of accelerating industry consolidation
• Summarize the impact of electrification and other industry innovations on the buy/sell market

Our industry is rapidly changing and will continue to change. We must and will adapt! COVID has required all of us to adapt in the auto industry and in the CPA profession. What will continue and what will we revert back too? What effect will the EV push have on our industry? How are you approaching the EV shift in your group? What are you as a dealer hearing on the chip and other parts shortages? What is current info on when production levels get back to historical levels? What are the other big issues from the dealer’s and NADA’s perspective?

Learning Objectives:

• Industry, economic and global pandemics bring challenges and opportunities. Review insight on how a dealer-operator is continually adapting.
• Recognize current NADA efforts and the role of the Dealer Chair. How can CFOs and CPAs help the cause?

A discussion about the impact of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) powertrain transitions, e-tailing, and other real estate considerations. We will explore the infrastructure investment required to support BEVs and PHEVs at your dealership and their potential impact on the profitability of operations. This discussion will further explore dealership property requirements to support the future of e-tailing, service, vehicle sourcing, and inventory management.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the kind of investment a dealer needs to make in their facilities to support future BEV products
• How may my dealership's profitability be impacted as we sell more BEVs (new vehicle margins, service frequency and service gross)?
• Determine the current status of BEV sales and how fast it will grow
• At what pace will nation wide infrastructure grow to support the coming BEV fleet?

Dr. Manzi will provide an overview and outlook of the U.S. Auto Industry and discuss the state of the American economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the impact and timing of the chip shortage on the U.S. Auto Industry
• Discover how COVID-19 has affected U.S. franchised auto dealerships

There will be more change in the automotive space in the next 10 years than we have witnessed in the past 100.

Attend this session to understand the macro trends affecting automotive dealerships.

We will explore the big themes, the impact on dealerships, and how best to prepare for a resilient future.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the large macro themes that will impact automotive retailing
• Determine how best to prepare for the ambiguity and change coming to the industry

Modernize your operations with true cloud technology. In this session, we will explore the complexities of doing business in today’s environment and how increasing accessibility and visibility to the entire organization will help you improve efficiencies and performance.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the difference between cloud-hosted vs. cloud-built technology
• Grow at scale through accessibility - do more with less resources
• Improve visibility - bridge the gap between CPA spreadsheets and owner interpretation of data