Convention offer for Kiwi dealers

New Zealand dealers are being invited to make the trip across the Tasman for the 2026 Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) Convention and Expo, with Kiwi delegates eligible for special registration rates.

The event at the International Convention Centre Sydney from July 29-30 will bring together franchised new car dealers, industry suppliers, automotive leaders and retail experts for one of the region’s major dealer-focused events.

Organisers have confirmed New Zealand dealers attending the annual event, which attracted about 1,000 people last year, will pay the same registration prices as AADA dealer members.

They say the offer provides a practical opportunity for Kiwis to attend a major international dealer convention in a nearby and comparable market. 

It is also a chance to experience a programme of presentations, speakers and workshops focused on the issues reshaping automotive retail on both sides of the Tasman.

AADA notes that while Australia and New Zealand are different markets, many of the pressures facing dealers are shared.

These include navigating changing consumer expectations, margin pressure, new brands, electrification, used-vehicle dynamics, fixed operations performance, marketing return on investment (ROI), artificial intelligence, data, cybersecurity and evolving regulatory demands.

Organisers explain AADA 2026 is a practical opportunity for New Zealand dealers to benchmark against a larger neighbouring market, hear from Australian and international speakers, meet suppliers, and explore how other dealer businesses are responding to similar commercial pressures.

As well as New Zealand dealers being automatically entitled to the same registration rates as AADA dealer members, all convention content will be available on demand to each delegate’s dealership for three months after the event.

This allows registered dealerships to extend the value of the convention beyond the delegates who attend in person as leadership teams, department managers and other staff can revisit key sessions, share learnings internally and apply insights across the business after the event.

James Voortman, AADA chief executive officer, describes the event as an opportunity for dealers to come together, examine the issues shaping their businesses, share ideas and practical solutions, and demonstrate the sector’s strength.

“Dealers are major employers, investors, taxpayers and contributors to local communities,” he adds.

“At a time of significant market, regulatory and technological change, it is more important than ever that the industry comes together with a strong, united voice.”

The two-day convention and expo will feature more than 65 exhibitors and over 40 speakers. The main stage programme has a series of high-profile sessions lined up that will examine the issues shaping dealership profitability, operations and long-term performance.

As for the workshops, these will give attendees access to focused, practical sessions on topics including AI readiness, cybersecurity, marketing return on investment, used EVs, advanced driver-assistance systems, dealership profitability, customer retention and more.

A programme of short, focused presentations has also been lined up for the Live Stage Series on the expo floor. Topics being covered include finance penetration, regulatory change, crash intelligence, AI and insurance quoting.

Easy access

AADA notes travelling across the Tasman to this year’s convention and expo is a straightforward proposition for New Zealand dealers.

New Zealand citizens with a valid New Zealand passport do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Australia and can apply for a special category visa on entry. 

Eligible travellers holding a valid New Zealand passport can also use Australia’s SmartGate system, helping make arrival into the country more streamlined.

With direct flights into Sydney and the special AADA 2026 pricing for New Zealand dealers, “the event presents a practical and cost-effective opportunity to bring senior dealership leaders or key team members to Australia’s major dealer industry gathering”.

“The Sydney location also gives New Zealand delegates the option to combine the convention with supplier meetings, team travel or a short stay in one of the region’s most recognised destination cities,” adds AADA.

Registration is open now, with early-bird pricing ending on May 29.

Find out more

To view details of the workshop series, visit: https://aadaconvention.com.au/aada_workshops/

To view details of the AADA Pentana Solutions Live Stage Series, visit: https://aadaconvention.com.au/aada-live-stage/

To register for AADA 2026, visit: https://aadaconvention.com.au/register-for-aada-2026/