A hallmark of the Conference of Automotive Remarketing is its opening day workshops designed to meet the current challenges and chart the future direction of the industry.

At last year’s CAR event, workshops hosted by the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA), also known as the Voice of the Consignor, drew standing room only attendance with hotel staff scurrying to bring more chairs into the meeting rooms.

Although CAR will try to avoid a repeat, it was a nice problem to have, and underscores how industry participation helps steer the course of the IARA and its efforts on behalf of consignors and remarketers.

This year, IARA committees will be hosting three workshops scheduled between lunch hour and the opening reception on Tuesday, March 26 at the Hilton Phoenix at the Peak. Sessions are open to all attendees:

• Workshop 1: Valuing Electric Cars for Buying & Selling (1-2 pm)

• Workshop 2: Are You Using Marketing and Social Media in the Right Way to Grow Your Business? (2-3 pm)

• Workshop 3: Do You Have the Most Current Information on Compliance and Certification? (3:15-4 pm)

The IARA's workshops create a forum for discussing industry opportunities and challenges in an open and transparent way, said IARA executive director Mark Coleman. “The result is our members — consignors, auctions, and providers — have a chance to influence the direction of our industry and they get a voice. By sharing best practices and collaborating on solutions, all participants gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.”

Participants can expect to hear about the following takeaway tips and tidbits from the workshops:

• How to accurately value electric vehicles when mileage and condition matter less than battery health.

• How do you harmonize Baby Boomer and Gen Z ways of working to deliver value for customers?

• How do you know your social media outreach is working?

• What should remarketers and their allies be thinking about compliance and audit preparation?

“If you want to influence the remarketing industry to your benefit, if you want a voice, then participate in an IARA workshop at the CAR conference, and show up and speak up," Coleman said.

CAR is being held March 26-28 with the deadline for early, discounted registration and hotel rooms coming up Feb. 23.