This was a DMSC 2026 session.See the 2027 Agenda
- Agenda
- 2026
- Keynote
The Why Behind Shopper Decision-Making
And How to Influence & Motivate Them
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 Vendor
What 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.
Keep Going
More on Websites & Conversion
- Training Lab · Sunday, April 26, 2026 · 10:00 amThe Five Levers That Impact Website ConversionBrian Pasch
- Panel · Monday, April 27, 2026 · 1:30 pmOptimizing Your Online Showroom for ConversionsBrian Pasch, Tim Cox, Lindsey Roller and 2 more
- Mini Workshop · Monday, April 27, 2026 · 3:00 pmYour Best Buyers Are Coming to Your Site. Here's How to Recognize Them.Jorge de Castro
- Keynote · Tuesday, April 28, 2026 · 8:45 amModern Marketing: Is Your Technology Delivering a Seamless Experience?Noah Lee, Tessa Nadik, Yuriy Demidko
From Pasch Group
- ResearchHow Many Vendors Are Accessing Your 1st Party Data?Shows how many third-party scripts collect data on dealer sites, with a checklist to audit them.
- ResearchUnlocking the Truth Behind Your Website's CTA StrategyCase study using CTA Completion Rate to show which trade, payment and credit buttons produce leads.

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.







