Tens of thousands of automotive retail professionals converged on Las Vegas for NADA Show 2026, reaffirming the event’s reputation as the premier annual conference and expo for the franchised auto industry. This year’s show carried a high-octane “Formula One” theme, delivering a fast-paced, high-energy experience complete with a new weekday schedule and a record-breaking 600-plus exhibitors spread across 3.2 million square feet of exhibit space.
For Mississippi dealers, the event carried special significance.
Due to an unexpected medical situation involving the 2026 NADA Show Chairman, NADA’s Chairman Tom Castriota found himself in need of someone to step in at the last minute to serve in that role. He immediately turned to Mississippi’s own NADA Director, Michael Joe Cannon — no stranger to the spotlight, having previously served as Show Chairman in 2020.
One of the Chairman’s most visible responsibilities is hosting the Main Stage sessions, setting the tone for the entire event. Cannon was the perfect choice, bringing professionalism and energy, guiding attendees through keynote presentations and major moments that defined the week.
Inspiring Main Stage Moments
Each morning, Cannon hosted high-impact keynote presentations designed to motivate and challenge dealers to think differently about leadership, culture and growth:
- Jon Dorenbos, former NFL player and world-class magician, delivered a powerful message of resilience and perseverance, reminding dealers that adversity often creates opportunity.
- Molly Fletcher, best-selling author and former sports agent, shared her “Dynamic Drive” principles for success — mindset, energy, discipline, curiosity, resilience, connection and confidence — offering practical strategies applicable to every dealership.
- Alex Rodriguez, MLB legend and former dealership owner, closed the show with insights drawn from both sports and business. Emphasizing vision, capital and people (VCP) as the foundation for success, Rodriguez praised the resilience of franchised dealers and described retail automotive as “a really fun, great space,” hinting at future involvement in the industry.
The show also featured the presentation of the 57th annual TIME Dealer of the Year award. Mississippi was proudly represented by Jonathan Allen of J. Allen Automotive Group, recognized among an elite group of nominees from across the country.
Leadership and Industry Advocacy
NADA leadership highlighted significant public policy victories achieved in 2025, underscoring that unified dealer advocacy works. The message was clear: The strength of the franchised dealer system depends on active participation and a unified voice.
Networking, Innovation and Relationship Building
Beyond the educational sessions, the expo floor was alive with activity as dealers explored the latest products, technologies and services tailored specifically for franchised dealerships. From digital retailing tools and AI applications to fixed-ops solutions and compliance services, innovation was on full display.
Franchise meetings brought together OEM partners and dealer bodies from virtually every major brand, fostering dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities. Evening events — including the high-energy Welcome Reception at Grand Prix Plaza — along with alumni and emerging leader gatherings, provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships and build new connections.
Looking Ahead
As NADA Show 2026 concluded, attendees departed Las Vegas with fresh ideas, renewed motivation and valuable partnerships to help guide their dealerships through the year ahead.
Under the leadership of Show Chairman Michael Joe Cannon and the NADA team, the event once again demonstrated why it is widely considered the “automotive industry event of the year” — a powerful platform for education, advocacy and innovation.
Dealers can now look ahead to NADA Show 2027, scheduled for Feb. 17-20 in Orlando, where the industry will once again gather to shape the future of automotive retail.
