High footfall, high calibre speakers and high-profile guests were highlighted by visitors on social media as Automotive Management Live 2018 was hailed a success by car dealers and suppliers alike.

A bustling NEC in Birmingham welcomed the UK’s leading car retail expo event back for a second year yesterday (November 8) as automotive sector insight, awards and unrivalled networking opportunities were embraced by dealers and suppliers alike.

The announcement of this year’s AM Best Dealerships to Work For winners, the launch of the National Franchised Dealers Association’s (NFDA) Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme and a packed ‘Vision of the Future’ seminar were just some of the highlights of a packed agenda on the day.

At the Institute of the Motor Industry’s IMI People Theatre issues surrounding recruitment, training and apprenticeships were debated, while the Future Dealerships Zone gave further insight into the direction of travel for the car retail sector.

And car retailers were able to rub shoulders with sports stars as part of various opportunities to unwind on a day, which included competitions and driving simulator experiences.

England’s 1966 World Cup Final hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst proved a popular host for visitor to the Dealerweb stand wile British Touring Car Championship driver Dan Cammish was also on-hand to meet fans.

JCT600 managing director, John Tordoff, took to Twitter to share his delight at meeting football legend, Hurst, with JCT600 director of customer experience Andy Bateman. Tordoff said: “Just bumped into the Legend that is Sir Geoff Hurst @AMLive2018 - many thanks to @dealerweb_8tech for the signed shirt which @jct600 @clever_torque will be auctioning for @PrincesTrust!!”

Outcast espresso, who were on-hand at the event to bring refreshment to vistors at the event, took the opportunity for a picture with Cammish, meanwhile.

Social media played host to widespread praise for Automotive Management 2018, meanwhile, with all aspects of the event coming in for positive comment.

Philip Nothard, customer insight and strategy director at Cox Automotive UK, said: “Awesome day, very busy at this year’s #AMLive2018 @AMchatter. None stop market discussions, networking and catching up with colleagues both old and new.” 

Rupert Pontin, director of valuations at Cazana, said: “Brilliant day at #AMLive2018 catching up with customers and contacts. Great new leads too from people seeking Cazana's truly live retail driven insight and values. Also saw someone I haven't seen in quite a while which was fabulous too!!”

Pam Cameron, key account manager at CitNOW, posted: “It really was great day but feet are aching now and brain is buzzing from all the amazing @iVendiLtd coffee and productive conversations with our stand visitors...bring on 2019! #ExcitingTimesAhead #AMLive2018.”

Reynolds and Reynolds took to its Twitter feed to post: “Smashing day. Great footfall.  Good leads and tired legs. Well worth it.  #AMLIVE2018 #ReyReyLife See you all at #AMLIVE2019.”

Click Dealer head of marketing, Pip Moxham, made the most of the day’s seminars, meanwhile. She said: “It was great to catch-up with so many partners and other suppliers. There were some fantastically insightful seminars and as always AM did a stunning job of organising one of the stand out events of the automotive calendar.”

Pictures: For more images from Automotive Managment Live 2018, click here.

> DIARY DATE: Automotive Management 2019 November 7. Register today.