This was a DMSC 2026 session.See the 2027 Agenda
- Agenda
- 2026
- Mini Workshop
The Evolution of Organic Search: How to Stay Ahead in a World of Organic, Position Zero and AI Driven Search
Learn how dealerships can stay visible as search shifts from rankings to AI answers
About the Session
Search isn’t just evolving, it’s being rewritten in real time. As AI-powered experiences become embedded directly into platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s AI results, the way customers discover, evaluate, and choose dealerships is fundamentally changing. In this session, we’ll break down what this shift actually means for dealers.
You’ll gain clarity on the difference between traditional SEO, AI Optimization (AIO), and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and understand how each plays a role in modern visibility. More importantly, we’ll outline the strategic adjustments dealers must make now to ensure they don’t just rank — but become the trusted source AI pulls from when buyers are ready to act. Key Takeaways: Clear definitions of SEO, AIO, and GEO — and how each impacts dealership visibility differently The key metrics dealers should track as traffic shifts from clicks to AI-generated answers How AI search tools choose which dealerships to cite, recommend, or ignore Practical content and site strategies that increase the likelihood of being surfaced in generative results Recommendations on technical and local practices to give your dealership the edge today
Worth Knowing
From DMSC’s research on SEO & AI Search. Every number links to its source.
- By the Numbers1B+
monthly users of Google's AI Mode, about a year after it launched
Source: Google
- Term to KnowAI Overview
Google's AI-written summary that appears above the regular search results, with links to the sources it drew on.
- Ask Your Vendor
Which buyer questions do you track, in which AI tools and from which locations, and how often do you rerun them?
- Try This Monday
Ask ChatGPT, Gemini and Google AI Mode five questions your buyers ask, like the best dealer for your brand near your town, and record who gets named.
Keep Going
More on SEO & AI Search
- Flash Talk · Sunday, April 26, 2026 · 2:00 pmThe AI Search Gold Rush: Facts vs FictionZach Billings
- Workshop · Monday, April 27, 2026 · 10:30 amMore Leads, Less Money: Winning Search in 2026Zach Billings
- Mini Workshop · Monday, April 27, 2026 · 3:00 pmThe AI-Ready Dealership: A Live Audit for the Next Era of SearchGino Cipperoni
- Mini Workshop · Monday, April 27, 2026 · 3:45 pmFrom Prompt to Performance: Measuring AI Search ImpactErin Zaborac, Colleen Harris

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.




