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This was a DMSC 2026 session.See the 2027 Agenda

  1. Agenda
  2. 2026
  3. Keynote

The Why Behind Shopper Decision-Making

And How to Influence & Motivate Them

Monday, April 27, 2026 · 9:15–9:45 amBallroom, Westin Kierland

Presented by

About the Session

Automotive retailers have more customer data than ever. Conversion rates tell a different story. The problem is not access or visibility.

It is a fundamental misread of what actually drives a shopper to buy. Most sales strategies are built around what customers say they want. Purchase decisions happen at a deeper level, often before a conversation begins and rarely for the reasons traditional metrics or CRM systems capture.

This keynote explores the behavioral science behind how automotive shoppers make decisions and what that means for every touchpoint across the customer journey. It moves beyond demographic assumptions and funnel metrics to focus on the motivational signals that shape buyer behavior in real time. Understanding what a shopper wants starts the conversation.

Understanding why they buy is what closes the deal. Attendees will leave with: A clear understanding of the behavioral and motivational signals that indicate purchase intent and how to recognize them across digital and in-store interactions A structured way to evaluate where current strategies align with shopper psychology and where they fall short A practical framework for turning behavioral insight into consistent, repeatable actions across every customer interaction The why behind shopper behavior has always been there. This session shows how to identify it and apply it.

Worth Knowing

From DMSC’s research on Websites & Conversion. Every number links to its source.

  • By the Numbers63%

    Shoppers who say mixing online and in-store steps is ideal; only 7% bought fully online.

    Source: Cox Automotive

  • Term to KnowVDP

    Vehicle detail page: the page for one vehicle, with its photos, price, features and ways to contact the store.

  • Ask Your VendorWhat are our real-user Core Web Vitals on mobile VDPs, and which of your scripts and widgets load before the main vehicle photo?
  • Try This Monday

    Run your five most-viewed VDPs through PageSpeed Insights on mobile and write down the real-user LCP, INP and CLS results.

See You in 2027.

April 18–20, 2027 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The program keeps its shape, and sessions are announced as they confirm.