THREE Main Stage panel sessions covering some of the biggest issues shaping automotive retail have been confirmed for the 2026 AADA Convention and Expo in July.

The sessions, which will bring together dealer leaders, industry experts and international commentators, are the latest additions to the program for the industry’s flagship event.

Convention director Patrick Tessier OAM said the updated program now includes the full panel for ‘Lead With Strategy. Leverage With AI’.

Patrick Tessier

“This is a major marketing and AI session that looks at the three marketing fundamentals every dealer needs and five AI solutions that are leading the way,” Mr Tessier said.

“Also announced is ‘Global Challenges – Dealer Impact’ which examines geopolitical risk, EV growth, Chinese brands, policy pressure and lessons from international dealer markets.

“There is also ‘10 Reasons Dealers Should Build Their Used Car Businesses’ which explores the growing role of used vehicles in dealership margin, customer acquisition, retention and long-term growth.” Mr Tessier said the program also includes the AADA Workshop Series, AADA Pentana Solutions Live Stage Series and the all-new AADA Business Series.

AADA 2026 takes place on July 29-30 at ICC Sydney and will bring Australia’s franchised new-car dealer network together for two days of insight, practical discussion, business networking, and industry leadership.

The event comes as dealers navigate changing customer behaviour, margin pressure, new technology, global market shifts, EV growth, policy change and increasing competition.

Mr Tessier said that the three panel sessions will provide delegates with  practical, timely and highly relevant insights. 

He said that the full panel had now been confirmed for ‘Lead With Strategy. Leverage With AI’, a major AADA youX special presentation focused on dealership marketing strategy and the practical application of AI.

Moderated by David Kain from Kain Advisory, USA and Chelsea Stillwell from NCM Associates, USA, the panel will feature:

– Simon Penhaligon, CEO & co-founder, youX
– Luke Manion, chief digital officer, Westside Auto Wholesale
– Eric Rea, co-founder & CEO, Podium
– Michael Clarke, managing director, APAC, Impel

David Kain

Chelsea Stillwell

Simon Penhaligon

Luke Manion

Eric Rea

Michael Clarke

This session will explore the three marketing fundamentals every dealer needs and five AI solutions leading the way.

Mr Tessier said that for dealers: “The message is clear: AI is powerful, but it works best when it is built on strong strategy, clear goals and disciplined execution”.

“At a time when dealerships are being presented with more marketing platforms, more data, more automation and more AI tools than ever, this panel will focus on how dealers can separate useful technology from noise, improve marketing performance and apply AI in ways that support real business outcomes,” he said.

Another Main Stage session will examine global challenges and their impact on dealers as international disruption reshapes automotive retail.

The ‘Global Challenges – Dealer Impact’ panel will form part of the Commonwealth Bank Keynote Session on Wednesday July 29 at 3:30pm.

Moderated by AADA CEO James Voortman, the panel will feature:

-Rob Cochran, 2026 chair, National Automobile Dealers Association; chair & CEO, #1 Cochran
-Michael Croxon, chair, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association; president & CEO, NewRoads Automotive Group
-Dr Merriden Varrall, CEO, vantage geopol.
-Tony Weber, chief executive, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

James Voortman

Rob Cochran

Michael Croxon

Dr Merriden Varrall

Tony Weber

Mr Tessier said that the session will examine how global disruption is affecting automotive retail in Australia and overseas. 

“The discussion will cover geopolitical risk, supply chains, trade pressure, shifting vehicle mix, emissions policy, consumer choice, the rise of Chinese EVs and the rapid growth of electrified vehicles in Australia,” he said.

“With perspectives spanning geopolitics, the US, Canada and Australia’s automotive industry, the panel will consider the challenges unique to the Australian market and the lessons dealers can draw from mature franchise markets overseas.

“It will examine how global disruption is affecting automotive retail in Australia and consider the challenges unique to the Australian market and the lessons dealers can draw from mature franchise markets overseas.”

Mr Tessier also confirmed that the full panel for ‘10 Reasons Dealers Should Build Their Used Car Businesses’ has been confirmed. This Main Stage conversation centres on one of dealership retail’s biggest commercial opportunities.

Moderated by Sam Venn from BDO Australia, the panel will feature:

-Grant Cameron, partner, Business Services, Automotive, BDO Australia
-CJ Jayasinghe, chief executive officer, Westside Auto Wholesale
-Sid Cetindag, dealer principal, Gasmak Group
-Jo Stephens, head of sales, auto dealer, Carsales

Sam Venn

Grant Cameron

Sid Cetindag

Jo Stephens

Mr Tessier said that this session will explore why used vehicles are no longer simply a support act for dealerships.

“Used cars are increasingly central to dealership margin, cashflow, customer acquisition, retention and long-term business growth,” he said.

“The panel brings together commercial advisory insight, high-volume used vehicle retail experience, franchised dealer group perspective and data-led market intelligence. 

“Together, the speakers will examine what separates a disciplined, profitable used car operation from the rest, and why used vehicles are now a key part of the customer lifetime journey.”

Alongside the Main Stage panel sessions, AADA 2026 will feature a broad program of practical content across the AADA Workshop Series, the AADA Live Stage Series and the all-new AADA Business Series.

The Workshop Series will include sessions covering dealership marketing, AI, fixed operations, cybersecurity, customer experience, used vehicles, data, profitability and operational performance.

The AADA Pentana Solutions Live Stage Series will deliver short, practical presentations to the expo floor, covering technology, finance, logistics, customer mobility, insurance, communications, fixed operations and dealer growth.

New for 2026, the AADA Business Series will add a dedicated legal, regulatory and commercial stream to the program, with sessions covering issues including merger notification reform and Australian Consumer Law.

Mr Tessier said that with three major Main Stage panels now confirmed, alongside practical workshops, Live Stage presentations, the new Business Series and a packed expo floor, AADA 2026 would provide delegates access to the insights, connections and practical ideas needed to navigate a changing market.