The 2012 Motor Trend International Auto Show zooms into the Baltimore Convention Center from Thursday, February 9th to Sunday, February 12th. Spread the word to your employees and customers, this year's show is bigger and better!

Many manufacturers will display brand-new models and pre-production 2013 models. A highlight returning from last year, Experience the Drive, will provide show guests the opportunity to test drive models from Buick, GM and Chevy. We are also thrilled to welcome The Chrysler Ride Experience, featuring vehicles from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Fiat. This year's guests will have the advantage of driving models from seven different makes!

New this year is WWE Diva, Beth Phoenix, who will sign autographs on Saturday. We also welcome retired Orioles catcher, Chris Hoiles, at the show on Saturday, as well as the Oriole Bird.

Sunday is Family Day-all children 12 and under are admitted free on Sunday. Be sure to stop and see King Robota, an eight foot tall dancing, singing, and witty Comic-Bot. King Robota will have appearances on both Saturday and Sunday at the show!

If technology is more to your speed, you don't want to miss the Sony Digital Link Sound System (DSP) Demonstration. Sony will have two cars featuring their new system which allows the consumer to achieve the sound quality of a premium audio option at a more affordable price.

Finally, if more money in the pocket is what you're after, keep an eye out for the 40+MPG club. These cars will be marked with a sticker to signify that they get 40 miles or more per gallon; there are both hybrid and non-hybrid models from various manufacturers throughout the show.

Association members are invited to take a break and grab a cold drink or a coffee in our Hospitality Suite located in Hall A, Charles Street Suite on the main level. The entrance is next to the Toyota display.

For further information and to view all the features and the floor map, please visit the show's website.

MADA announces the next live webinars coming to you from DealersEdge... 

#1: Google Analytics 101 for Car Dealerships  

Date/Time: Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

Presenter: Glenn Pasch, COO at PCG Digital Marketing   Cost: $149.00 Per Person

Digital marketing for car dealers has grown and evolved in recent times.  Early on, dealers thought digital marketing was only about buying leads from online lead generators.  But auto dealers and their Internet sales staffs are getting more sophisticated in being able to drive customers to their own Websites and through their own sales funnels. 

 A key to sharpening this skill to the next level is an understanding of how to access and use the excellent tools of Google Analytics. 

Glenn will teach you:

-Google Analytics set-up process and basic terminology

-What are "goals" - Why and How to set up

-Importance of Keyword Traffic & Phrases

-Data warning signs- benchmark tell-tales

-Testing and changing for improved results

-How to drive more Website traffic with Google Analytics 

#2: When Hiring-Pre-Employment Process-Pick the Right Candidate

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m.

Presenter:  Penny Phillips, J.D. from Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon & Vogt

Cost: $149.00 Per Person

As auto dealers enter into a year that promises an accelerating recovery, many of you will be in the market for some new talent. Just in case you might be a little rusty when it comes to interviewing and then checking out applicants, labor attorney Penny Phillips J.D. will be with us to discuss the pre-employment process with an eye toward what you can and cannot do legally, including:

  #3: Service Advisor Breakthrough 

Date/Time: Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

Presenter: Chris Collins, Author

Cost: $149.00 Per Person

Warning! This is not your average, mild-mannered, service advisor training! 

 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY! 

Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, providing Certified Public Accounting & Consulting services to dealerships. 2140 Eleventh Avenue, South, S-400, Birmingham, AL 35205. James (Butch) Williams, Phone: 205-212-5313 / Fax: 205-212-5393, Tamara L Vineyard, Phone: 703-970-0482.