April 26-28 | Scottsdale, AZ

What's New For the Leading Automotive Marketing Event?

Our commitment to innovation is reflected in both our educational content and the evolving conference experience. See the exciting developments for DMSC 2026!

A panel discussion at a conference with four men seated on stage and a fifth man standing at a lectern, addressing an audience. The backdrop features vibrant purple drapes and decorative panels, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for the session.

Overview

The Future of Automotive Retailing

We established the Digital Marketing Strategies Conference to foster a community where automotive professionals can exchange ideas, inspire each other, and make new connections. Years later, the Digital Marketing Strategies Conference has grown into a premier event in the automotive sector, notorious for hard-hitting strategies and conversations around innovation. We’ve hosted over 400 speakers and welcomed thousands of attendees ranging from Fortune 500 executives to single-point store managers and some of the industry’s most celebrated innovators.

Our attendees share our belief that automotive digital marketing is an ever-evolving skill that drives better service, personalization, and sales. Each year, we focus on bringing you the latest strategies, technologies, and proven results. Our event is designed to deliver engaging experiences, practical education, and solutions you can put to work at your dealership right away.

See all the advancements we’ve made in the past year to continue providing you with the best experience we can. We look forward to welcoming you to Scottsdale, Arizona, on April 27th to take advantage of everything the Digital Marketing Strategies Conference offers.

Education Topics

Dealer Education for the Future of Retail

AI in Auto Retail

Discover how AI is transforming the way dealers operate. This track shows you how to assemble and leverage the right AI tools to improve follow-up, convert more leads, and streamline your sales and marketing workflows. Learn which tools are worth your time, how to integrate them effectively, and how to avoid common pitfalls that slow down performance.

Sessions Include:

  • Curating Your AI Toolbox

From SEO to GEO

Search isn’t just about Google anymore. Explore how dealers can stay visible across AI-driven search, local discovery, and geo-targeted marketing. Learn strategies to optimize your website, inventory, and content so customers find you—wherever they are—whether through traditional search, marketplaces, or the AI-powered tools shaping 2026’s buying journey.

Sessions Include:

  • Searching for Answers in an LLM World

Developing Audiences

Building the right audience is more critical than ever. This track covers how to collect, organize, and activate marketing audiences that actually convert. From first-party data to third-party solutions, you’ll learn strategies to target the right shoppers, retain ownership of your data, and make marketing decisions based on performance rather than guesswork.

Sessions Include:

  • How to Build (or Buy) Effective Marketing Audiences

Websites That Convert

Your dealership website is your most important salesperson online. Learn how to audit, optimize, and structure your site so it drives leads instead of letting them slip away. This track covers performance, user experience, lead capture, and data integrity—ensuring your website works as hard as your team does to turn traffic into real sales.

Sessions Include:

  • Optimizing Your Online Showroom for Success

  • Uncover What’s Slowing Your Website and Stealing Leads

Speaker presenting on stage to an engaged audience seated at round tables in a conference room, with modern circular ceiling lights and bright stage lighting enhancing the atmosphere.

An Enhanced Agenda

Optimization of Our Agenda For a More Engaging Experience

Our event team is dedicated to crafting a schedule packed with actionable content while keeping the energy high and your mind engaged. This year, we’ve fine-tuned the experience with seamless transitions between mainstage sessions, energizing breaks, recreational activities, and shorter, impactful sessions—giving you the perfect balance of dynamic learning and diverse content exploration.

The team may or may not have gone to battle with our founder on your behalf to make what might just be the most important announcement yet…

Breakfast now starts at 8:00 AM instead of 7:00 AM. Phew! 😮‍💨

Conference attendees attentively taking notes during an engaging educational session, highlighting a focus on learning and professional development.

Focus on Hands-On Learning

More Breakout Sessions,
More Opportunities to Learn

Your feedback spoke loud and clear: guests wanted more hands-on, educational experiences. In response, we’ve elevated our workshop sessions. With 15 workshop sessions scheduled and just three different content focuses per block, you’ll now enjoy a deeper, more focused dive into the content that matters most to you.

  • 15 workshop sessions total

  • 3 sessions per workshop block, 5 blocks

  • 9 hours total of hands-on education

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa at sunset, surrounded by lush golf courses and set against the backdrop of Arizona’s picturesque mountains.

Venue & Location

Discover a New Venue with the Same Unmatched Experience

The 2026 Digital Marketing Strategies Conference has made its home at the luxurious Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Set in vibrant and scenic Scottsdale, Arizona, this venue was carefully chosen to merge excitement with functionality to promise an unforgettable experience for all attendees. With its stunning landscapes and resort-style amenities, the Westin Kierland offers the perfect backdrop for both learning and leisure, promising a conference like no other.

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa boasts a blend of contemporary luxury and classic comfort, providing an ideal setting for professional growth and relaxation. Attendees can enjoy world-class golf courses, a rejuvenating spa, and multiple pools—each designed to help you unwind after engaging sessions. The resort’s commitment to exceptional service ensures a seamless experience, from the state-of-the-art conference facilities to the gourmet dining options that cater to all tastes.

Networking Focused Activities

Taking a Break From Education For Outdoor Recreation & Networking

In previous DMSC gatherings, such as our notable events in Napa Valley, CA, we’ve always included activities designed to rejuvenate the mind after days filled with intense learning. For the 2026 Digital Marketing Strategies Conference, we’re excited to enhance this tradition. Our team has carefully scheduled two engaging activities within the agenda, offering attendees unique opportunities to relax, network, and have fun. These specially planned events are perfect for forging new connections and unwinding in a relaxed setting, ensuring a well-rounded conference experience.

Two golfers enjoy a sunny day at the lush Westin Kierland golf course, surrounded by vivid green fairways, large sand traps, and mature trees.

Golf Tournament

Day Three • 1:30pm

Swing into action at our exclusive Golf Tournament, hosted on the breathtaking courses of the Westin Kierland. This shotgun-style event features foursomes for a blend of friendly competition and unparalleled networking opportunities. Enhance your conference experience by teeing off with fellow attendees, enjoying not just the game but also fun extras that make our tournament truly unique. Remember to sign up for the tournament when you purchase your conference ticket, as this add-on option is available during the checkout process. 

A pickleball player in action at an outdoor court surrounded by palm trees under a clear blue sky.

Pickleball Tournament

Day Three • 1:30pm

Dive into the fast-paced action at our Pickleball Tournament, organized on scene at the Westin Kierland. This recreational event is structured with teams of two, offering an exciting mix of competition and networking. Join fellow attendees to paddle your way through matches that promise not just exercise but also a fantastic opportunity to make lasting connections. Make sure to sign up for the tournament when purchasing your conference ticket, as this is an optional add-on during the checkout process. 

A conference speaker presenting on stage in front of a captivated audience, with a colorful purple backdrop and decorative paneling. A presentation slide is partially visible on the screen to the right.

New Education Formats

Flash Talk: A New, Innovative and Energetic Session Format

Experience the excitement of our all-new Flash Talks, a dynamic session format inspired by the PechaKucha presentation style. Each speaker will have a rapid-fire slot to present 20 slides, each for 20 seconds, offering concise insights and innovative ideas. These talks are designed to ignite discussion and provide quick, impactful learning. 

  • Three rounds –  Sunday, Monday and Tuesday

  • Presenters will leave time for questions from the crowd

  • Encouraged that you to visit their booth and dive deeper!

Purchase tickets today to join us in Scottsdale and experience the exciting advancements we've made to the 2026 Digital Marketing Strategies Conference!