Some traditions never get old. For 91 years, NCADA’s Family Convention has brought together dealer members, associate members, industry partners and their families for a few days to reconnect, learn from one another and spend time together away from the day-to-day demands of the dealership. This summer, more than 320 attendees representing over 200 dealership rooftops gathered once again at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. From long-time members returning to one of their favorite destinations to first-time attendees experiencing the convention, these few days were filled with familiar faces, new friendships and memories that will last for years to come. Throughout the convention, members heard from outstanding speakers, explored everything the resort had to offer, recognized leaders who have made a lasting impact on our industry and celebrated another successful year for the association. Here is a look back at a wonderful convention with our NCADA family.
Saturday
The convention always seems to begin before the official schedule does. By Saturday afternoon, it already felt like the convention was underway. Members were catching up in the lobby, making dinner plans and enjoying the chance to reconnect before the official schedule began.
That evening, NCADA’s Board of Directors, Board of Trustees and AutoPAC Superheroes gathered at Howard’s Creek Lodge for the annual Board Dinner. Good food, live music and great conversation provided a relaxed start to the convention and an opportunity to reconnect before Sunday’s board meeting.
Sunday
Sunday officially kicked off the convention with the NCADA Board of Directors Meeting. One of the highlights of the morning was welcoming members of our Young Leaders Group, who had the opportunity to observe the meeting before joining keynote speaker Jeff Salzenstein for an exclusive Communications Mastery Workshop. Watching future industry leaders engage with current leadership was a great reminder that NCADA’s strength has always been built across generations.
That evening, everyone gathered on Chesapeake Terrace for the Welcome Party. Families enjoyed barbecue, games, face painting, balloon artists and beautiful mountain views while catching up with friends old and new. Chairman Rob King officially welcomed attendees and recognized NCADA’s past chairs for their years of leadership and service before looking ahead to the exciting days still to come.
Monday
By Monday morning, everyone had settled into the rhythm of the convention. General sessions featured Jeff Salzenstein, Brad Miller, Congressman David Rouzer and updates from NCADA leadership, providing members with practical insights on leadership, advocacy, compliance, artificial intelligence and the issues shaping our industry. When the sessions wrapped up, everyone headed off in different directions. Some spent the afternoon on the golf course or at sporting clays, while others explored The Greenbrier’s famous bunker, took off on Jeep and RZR adventures, tackled the escape room or joined younger attendees at the Fairy Gnome Garden Workshop. One of the best things about the Family Convention is that everyone experiences it a little differently, but everyone leaves with stories to share.
Tuesday
Tuesday is always one of the most meaningful days of the convention. During the Annual Meeting and Recognition Ceremony, members came together to celebrate the people whose leadership, service and commitment continue to strengthen North Carolina’s franchised dealer community. This year’s program included the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Linda Leith and Senator Harry Brown, recognition of Alycia Kellum as North Carolina’s 2026 TIME Ally Dealer of the Year nominee and recognition of advocacy supporters, NCADA AutoPAC contributors, tournament winners and dedicated volunteers. The afternoon gave everyone one last chance to enjoy the resort before gathering for the closing celebration.
A Speakeasy Send-Off to Remember
The convention came to a fitting close as Colonial Hall was transformed into a Roaring Twenties speakeasy for one final evening together. Members embraced the theme with incredible costumes, great food, live music and plenty of dancing. Winners of the costume contest and the Speakeasy Scavenger Hunt Raffle were recognized before everyone enjoyed one last look back at the days behind them during the Convention Memories video.
- Costume Winners: Charlene Wyatt, Neill Nelson, Penelope Everett
- Speakeasy Scavenger Hunt Raffle Winners: Wescott Family, Anthony Family, Kimsey Family
As the evening came to an end, Chairman Rob King thanked everyone for another outstanding convention and invited members to begin looking ahead to next year’s gathering at Sea Island Resort in Georgia.
