Why I’m Excited to MC Evolve 2026

Every day, I interact with dealers: service managers working to keep technicians motivated, parts directors curious about integrating AI into their workflow, and general managers juggling customer expectations with real-world challenges. What do I hear most often? “Todd, give us actionable solutions, not just theory.”

Evolve 2025 truly delivered by bridging two communities and fostering meaningful discussions. Dealers left with valuable contacts, practical ideas, and strategies ready for immediate use. The event blended thorough discussions, usable insights, and hands-on learning, giving dealers tools they could put to work Monday morning.

That’s why I’m looking forward to hosting Evolve 2026. VitalEdge listened to participant feedback and made thoughtful improvements to the overall event experience.

From Status Quo to Status GROW

You know my philosophy: everyone’s in sales. Every conversation is a selling moment. It doesn’t matter if you’re in parts, service, sales, or IT. What you do influences whether a customer says yes or walks away. It’s why I wrote “From Status Quo to Status GROW.” Mindset and behavior is everything—when we keep that front and center, you win.

Evolve 2026 embodies that mindset. This isn’t a conference where sales teams get content and everyone else sits through generic sessions. This is about how every role in your dealership contributes to intelligent growth in the age of AI.

What’s Different This Year (And Why It Matters to You)

Platform-specific tracks that actually go deep. Last year, dealers told VitalEdge they wanted content specific to their DMS. Not general insights that kind of apply, but real technical depth for IntelliDealer OR e-Emphasys. They delivered. Every breakout is now purpose-built for your platform. This is what you asked for.

AI that moves from buzzword to toolkit. I’m tired of AI sessions that tell you what’s coming someday. The “AI in Dealership Operations” track shows you what’s working right now. Predictive maintenance protocols cutting downtime. Inventory forecasting improving turn rates. Customer engagement strategies dealers are using today. And the Innovation Stations? Those are hands-on. You’ll work through YOUR scenarios with people who know your operation.

Peer collaboration that solves real problems. The Dealer Functional Forums for Service, Parts, and Sales leaders aren’t panels. They’re working sessions. You’ll solve actual problems with people running operations like yours. The OEM Interactive Panels tackle real integration challenges. Not polished case studies, but honest conversations about making things work in your environment.

And for first-timers, there are welcome orientations. Because I know what it’s like to walk into a room where everyone already knows each other. VitalEdge is making sure nobody feels left out.

A logical flow that builds each day. No random session placement. No redundancy. The three days build on each other, taking you from understanding where the industry is headed to implementing what you need in your dealership. Each session earned its spot by answering: “What can a dealer do with this on Monday morning?”

What I See Happening in Dealerships

I work with dealerships across the country, and I see the same pattern. The ones moving from status quo to status GROW aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets or the most resources. They’re the ones where everyone (from the receptionist to the GM) understands their role in the customer experience.

That’s what Evolve 2026 is designed to unlock. Not just sales training. Not just technical sessions. A complete understanding of how every role contributes to intelligent growth.

The workshops are working sessions where you’ll optimize operations and solve challenges in small groups with experts. The keynotes feature not just thought leaders, but VitalEdge executives who are accountable to you and dealers who’ve done the work. Real results you can learn from and replicate.

The Dealer Excellence Awards showcase innovation, leadership, and intelligent growth in action. Whether you’re being recognized or learning from those who are, you’ll see what excellence looks like.

Why This Matters Now

Every conversation I have with dealers comes back to the same question: “How do we stay ahead?” AI is already changing dealership operations. The question isn’t whether you’ll adapt. The question is whether you’ll lead the change or spend the next few years catching up.

Evolve 2026 is where leaders make that choice. Where you stop talking about innovation and start implementing it. Where you build the relationships that become your resource network for the next year.

VitalEdge took dealer feedback seriously. They redesigned the experience around what you told them you needed: deeper technical content, stronger peer collaboration, practical applications you can implement immediately.

As your MC, I’m going to make sure every session, every conversation, every moment reinforces one truth: everyone’s in sales. Everyone matters. And everyone has a role in moving your dealership from status quo to status GROW.

I’ll see you there.