An unforgettable getaway awaits you at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa. Situated in Ponte Vedra Beach, just a short distance from Jacksonville, our resort is right next door to the famed TPC Sawgrass Golf Club. Enjoy exclusive privileges with the golf complex - play a round and take a lesson while you're here. Gorgeously designed rooms, suites, and family-friendly villas boast every imaginable comfort, and many feature balconies or terraces. In addition to being steps from TPC Sawgrass, our hotel in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, also showcases four sparkling pools and pampering treatments at the Sawgrass Spa. Take a short complimentary shuttle ride to our oceanfront Cabana Beach Club, which offers direct access to Ponte Vedra Beach.
DealerConnect '25
The premier event uniting industry leaders to drive the next era of automotive innovation.
Inquire NowOctober 28–30, 2025
Sawgrass Marriott,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
DealerConnect '25
Where innovation, collaboration, and opportunity converge to shape the future of the automotive industry.
Our mission is to bring together automotive leaders, technology innovators, and industry experts for a dynamic event filled with insightful discussions, networking, and hands-on experiences.
At a Glance
DealerConnect '25 will bring all aspects of Artificial Intelligence, and it's future in automotive retail, together in one event that is certain to make a bold statement as a newcomer to the automotive conference circuit.
C-Suite Groups Represented
50+
Principals & Decision Makers
300+
Virtual Reach
40,000+
Conference Highlights
Exclusive Industry Networking
Connect with top dealership executives, vendors, and automotive professionals to build valuable relationships, exchange insights, and explore new business opportunities.
Latest Technology Insights
Experience the latest advancements in automotive tech, AI-driven marketing, and customer engagement solutions from our premier partners, E-Drive Auto, EMG, Panafax AI, DealersLoop and many others.
Renown Keynote Speakers
Gain expert-led insights, panel discussions, and hands-on demos designed to help dealerships leverage AI technology, improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Conference Agenda
| 9:00AM | Registration Opens / Hotel Check-in |
| 11:30PM - 2:30PM | Golf Scramble at The Yards |
| 5:00PM - 5:30PM | Welcome Reception with Charlie Vogelheim in Champions Ballroom |
| 5:30PM - 7:00PM | Cocktail Mixer on Cascades Patio |
| 8:00AM - 9:30AM | Breakfast & Registration Opens |
| 9:30AM - 10:15AM | Panel: 30 Years of the Internet. Is AI the New Frontier? |
| 10:15AM - 11:00AM | Panel: Deconstructing AI. The Ominous Emerging Technology |
| 11:00PM - 11:15PM | BREAK |
| 11:15AM - 12:00PM | Panel: The ROI of Redirected Obsession: Eliminating Burnout |
| 12:00PM - 1:00PM | LUNCH / BREAK |
| 1:30PM - 2:15PM | Panel: The “turf war” that’s happening on your website. |
| 2:15PM - 3:00PM | Panel: Making the right Data-Driven Decisions when sourcing inventory |
| 3:00PM - 3:25PM | BREAK |
| 3:30PM - 4:15PM | Panel: Hiring firebrands: How to become an elite operation by effectively tapping into the right talent networks |
| 4:15PM - 5:00PM | BREAK |
| 5:00PM - 6:15PM | KEYNOTE Speaks |
| 8:00PM - 10:00PM | VIP Party |
| 8:00AM - 9:30AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30AM - 10:15AM | Panel: CDPs: Tool Redundancy or Data Unifier? |
| 10:15AM - 11:00AM | Panel: Leveraging AI to Overcome Common Challenges Your Team Faces Everyday |
| 11:00AM - 11:15AM | BREAK |
| 11:15AM - 12:00PM | Panel: Rewrite the Rules of Personalization with AI |
| 12:00PM - 1:00PM | LUNCH |
| 1:15PM - 2:00PM | Panel: Talk Less, Book More: Voice AI and the Fixed Ops Revolution |
| 2:00PM - 2:45PM | Panel: AI: Can it be used as an Effective Selling Solution? |
| 2:45PM - 3:00PM | BREAK |
| 3:00PM - 3:45PM | Panel: Maximize Digital Marketing Effectiveness Using Actionable Data |
| 3:45PM - 4:00PM | Panel: Does the Future Lie with Autonomous Vehicles? |
| 4:00PM - 4:15PM | BREAK |
| 4:15PM - 5:00PM | Innovator Showcase: DealersLoop |
| 5:00PM - 8:00PM | BREAK for dinner |
| 8:00PM - 10:00PM | Closing Ceremonies, Charlie Vogelheim Speaks & Concert |
Leading the charge. Redefining the game.
DealerConnect '25 is powered by exclusive partnerships with top innovators in the automotive industry. These industry leaders are driving the future of digital retailing, AI-driven marketing, customer engagement, and dealership solutions—making this event a premier opportunity to gain insights, explore cutting-edge technology, and connect with key decision-makers.
Organizer
Derek White
Managing Partner | E-Drive Auto & DealersLoop
Founder of E-Drive Auto, a successful SaaS company that provides auto dealers emerging technologies. Founded DealersLoop in 2024, the first exclusive, dealer-focused ecosystem that streamlines B2B inventory transactions, professional networking, hiring, and industry education - all under one roof.
Keynote Speaker
Joe Theismann
NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback
Joe Theismann is a former NFL MVP, Super Bowl-winning quarterback, and one of the most respected voices in sports and business leadership. Known for his adaptability and perseverance, Joe brings powerful insights on overcoming adversity, leading under pressure, and creating a game plan for success.
A dynamic speaker and longtime NFL analyst, Joe connects his on-the-field experience with off-the-field strategies that help individuals and organizations thrive in competitive environments.
Event Host & Panelist
Charlie Vogelheim
Industry leader | Host and Speaker
Charlie Vogelheim brings over three decades of automotive industry expertise to the stage as host and speaker of DealerConnect '25. Known for his deep market insights, Charlie has held key roles at Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, and Motor Trend, making him a trusted voice in automotive media and analytics. His passion for innovation and dealer success makes him the perfect guide for navigating the future of the industry at this year’s conference.
Special Guest Speaker
David Kain
Automotive Marketing Professional & Educator
David Kain is a leading expert in automotive internet sales and digital marketing strategy. As President of Kain Automotive, he has trained thousands of dealers across North America on how to build high-performing internet departments and elevate the customer experience.
With deep industry roots and a passion for innovation, David combines practical know-how with forward-thinking strategies to help dealerships adapt, grow, and thrive in the digital age.
Accommodations
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
General Info
Inquire now!
We're looking forward to seeing you at DealerConnect '25