We're here primarily for the workshops on business management, sales training, and marketing. Of course, we’re also here for the expo, hoping to find things there to help us in business.

Paul Spady, Frontier Ford, Hastings, Nebr.

We have a new two-year-old dealership, so we’re looking at advanced technology from vendors and at gaining some insight from the appropriate workshops.

John Greene, John Greene Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, Morganton, N.C.

I’m here for the [Ford] make meeting—I feel [executive vice president] Mark Fields is on the right track, but the proof is in the pudding, so I want to hear more at the meeting. I’m also looking at Web site providers, workshops, marketing tools—I want to know what’s hot.

Martin Gubbels, Big  Sky Ford/Lincoln Mercury, Torrington, Wyo.

I’m using this convention as a motivational trip for all of our managers. Every one is coming down for the weekend to attend workshops, visit the expo floor for the things we need, and just lay around the pool as time permits—an easy, laid-back team meeting.

Paul Clark, Ford/Mercury, Yulle, Fla.