First Impressions
Attending Digital Dealer for the first time, I was struck by its intimate atmosphere. Unlike larger events, this setup allowed for meaningful conversations with industry leaders, vendors, and dealers. It was refreshing to engage with people who were genuinely interested in solving real challenges, without the rush that often comes with big conferences. This made it easier to understand what’s on their minds and hear about the priorities driving their operations today.
Key Takeaways from Digital Dealer
Digital Dealer 2024 highlighted two main themes: a focus on operational efficiency and customer engagement. Nearly every attendee I spoke with was on a mission to simplify communication and improve efficiency, asking, “How can we streamline things and make it easier for our teams to get things done?” Many were interested in ways to engage customers that felt natural and effective, without creating extra work for their teams.
AI was another hot topic, with dealerships cautiously optimistic about its potential. They wanted to know if AI could truly handle tasks automatically without losing the personal touch. Many conversations centered on specific use cases, like voicemail-to-text, that could reduce manual follow-ups while ensuring customers felt attended to.
myKaarma at Digital Dealer
At the myKaarma booth, the energy was high. Many people were snapping photos and FaceTiming their teams back at the dealership to share what they were seeing. One attendee even said, “I want to show my manager!” The reaction from a Canadian dealership group was particularly memorable—they spent nearly two hours at our booth, diving into the details and ready to sign on the spot. It was amazing to see this level of genuine interest.
We showcased two of myKaarma’s standout tools, ServiceCart and ServiceConnect. ServiceCart received a lot of attention for its customization features. Many dealers loved the flexibility, saying it was great to finally have a tool that worked for their unique processes rather than forcing them into a set format. As one dealer put it, “It’s like the product is working for us, not the other way around!”
ServiceConnect was also a big hit, especially with BDC managers and advisors. Its automation and accountability features caught their interest. One BDC manager was practically beaming at the thought of Service Connect doing “the work of 10 people.” The added value of tracking every interaction—making it easy to measure the impact of outreach—was a “wow” moment for many who rely on customer follow-up for driving service visits.
The “one-number” solution generated a lot of conversation, too, with its ability to give customers a direct line to their advisor. Unlike phone trees, which tend to frustrate customers, this feature connects them immediately. It was clear this level of simplicity was something attendees found valuable for both customers and their internal teams.
Another highlight was our CTO, Gaurav Sharma, who spoke with Automotive News about the CDK outage and the future of AI in automotive. His insights on myKaarma’s transparency and support reinforced why so many dealerships are considering our platform for their long-term needs.
Insights and Trends
It was great to see a diverse range of roles at the event, with a strong turnout from GMs and BDC managers, and a noticeable number of Canadian dealerships. Canada has fewer DMS options, so many of these dealers were looking for solutions that can integrate seamlessly. I was glad to share that myKaarma is Canadian-friendly, supporting systems like CDK and PBS.
The recent CDK outage pushed many dealerships to reevaluate their reliance on single-provider systems. This came up in conversations frequently, as attendees discussed the need for flexible tools that streamline workflows without placing all their eggs in one basket. The industry is increasingly focused on creating streamlined systems that support flexibility and efficiency without risking operational bottlenecks.
Personal Reflections and Favorite Moments
One of my favorite parts of the show was connecting with dealers face-to-face. Working remotely, we don’t often get to experience that energy firsthand, so being at the booth and seeing people’s excitement about myKaarma’s tools was incredibly rewarding.
Another special moment was discovering a women’s group in the automotive industry. I met a member of the group, and she was so welcoming, sharing all about their mission and inviting me to join. Knowing there’s a network of women supporting each other in this industry is truly inspiring.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on Digital Dealer, it’s clear that dealerships are prioritizing flexible, efficient tools that simplify processes and reduce the number of steps for their teams. After the CDK outage, dealerships are balancing tool consolidation with operational resilience. myKaarma’s solutions align well with these needs, and I’m excited to continue these conversations at NADA.
Digital Dealer was an inspiring event, filled with valuable insights and genuine connections. It’s a reminder of the importance of collaboration, and I look forward to building on these takeaways in the months ahead.
Let’s talk solutions that actually work for your dealership.
If you’re ready to simplify operations and connect better with customers, reach out for a demo. I’d love to show you how myKaarma can make a real difference!