It's an exciting day for us here at Service Dealer, as it is each year when we are able to share with you, our dealer readers, the first key details regarding what's in store at our Conference & Awards.

With the overarching theme of the day already announced as 'Driving Success', the organising team have today confirmed that the keynote speaker will be Ellis Watson, who I'm told in his executive career has turned-around, rebranded, overhauled, reinvigorated, and expanded global businesses from entertainment to transport! Quite the C.V!

Reading his biography, Ellis in his presentations is known for arguing that we should "stop being busy, and start being productive", and believes you can "take some control about the impact you’re going to have". What particularly caught my eye was this description of his style; "With fascinating views on leading through disruption, embracing a change culture, and dealing with the complexities of governance and talent management, Ellis is known as one of the most inspiring, intelligent and entertaining speakers around."

That sounds to me like someone who will resonate with our dealer delegates, and provide plenty for them to take away to apply in their own places of work.

I haven't been told the title yet of Ellis' specific keynote that he will be tailoring just for our audience of dealers, but I'm aware he is renowned for applying his expertise to areas such as business growth and seeking opportunity in the face of adversity.

It strikes me that this notion, of looking for opportunity in trying times, is especially apt for our dealer delegates this year. Every season has its challenges of course, but 2024 feels like it's already thrown plenty at our resourceful readers to cope with - across the ag, commercial and domestic machinery sectors.

We've seen that spate of dealership closures, a shuffling of the brand representation pack, ongoing supply issues, new routes to market and our old friend the weather playing havoc with everyone's plans. So to hear an expert's view regarding how to thrive when the going is tough, seems timely to say the least.

I can't claim to be an expert in business, but doing a bit of reading around the subject it does seem that those that are, often say that adversity can bring out the best in companies by pushing them to innovate and adapt. For the network, it could be argued that the current challenges present a prime opportunity to transform and thrive.

I've read about notions such as embracing digital transformation; enhancing the customer experience; diversifying product ranges; building key strategic partnerships; and focusing on sustainability. From what I can gather, business advice experts would argue dealers can turn obstacles into avenues for long-term success. Obviously these things are easier said than done, but they say with hard work the key lies in recognising the potential within each challenge and manipulating the situation to work for your own circumstances.

So a trip to the Service Dealer Conference this November 28th, to hear exactly what Ellis has to say, seems well worth marking up in your diaries.

But the organising team are not done yet. There are further announcements to be made of more expert speakers and confirmations of what topical subjects the ever-popular breakout sessions will be covering this time around.

Also not forgetting, all the information you will need to enter your dealership or colleagues in the prestigious 2024 Dealer Of The Year competition will be on its way shortly.

So do keep your eyes on this Weekly Update, the magazine and our social channels to keep up to date with all the announcements. 

There's plenty more to come!