The 2024 Dealership Minds Summit, held on August 6-7 at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Madison, Wisconsin, proved to be a pivotal event for dealership leaders across North America. With 219 attendees, including 88 first-timers from 45 different dealerships in the U.S. and Canada, the summit fostered a vibrant atmosphere focused on “Planning & Executing Transitional Management.” This theme resonated deeply with participants, as the industry grapples with the impending generational shift in leadership.
The two-day event featured a rich program of dealer-to-dealer roundtables, panel presentations, and general sessions, providing ample opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange. Kim Schmidt, executive editor of Farm Equipment, emphasized the actionable insights attendees could take back to their dealerships. Feedback suggests that the summit not only met but exceeded expectations, with many participants returning home equipped with leadership development strategies they can implement immediately. The emphasis on roundtable discussions and informal networking has become a hallmark of the summit, allowing for organic conversations that often yield the most valuable takeaways.
A standout moment of the summit was the keynote address by B.J. Knutson, CEO of Titan Machinery, who set an energizing tone for the event. The “Dealership of the Year Alumni” panel also drew significant interest, providing candid insights into the successes and challenges faced by top-performing dealer groups. Additionally, the second annual Mark Kreps & Steve Connelly Memorial Lecture, presented by Dusty Schulz of Butler Machinery, highlighted the importance of internal development programs in advancing dealership teams.
The summit’s success can largely be attributed to the collaborative spirit among attendees and the diversity of perspectives shared. Knutson noted that the conference’s value increases with each additional dealer present, reinforcing the idea that shared experiences and knowledge are vital for industry growth. The event culminated in the announcement of the 11th Annual Dealership Minds Summit, scheduled for July 29-30, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa, ensuring that the momentum generated will carry forward into future gatherings.
Supported by a robust lineup of title sponsors, including AgDirect, Machinery Scope, and Iron Solutions by Fusable, the 2024 summit exemplified the power of community in the agricultural equipment sector. As dealerships prepare for the next wave of leadership, events like the Dealership Minds Summit are essential for fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the industry.
