agenda

Agenda

August 18, 2026 10:30 am
August 18, 2026 12:00 pm
August 18, 2026 01:00 pm

ARA's Event Planning Committee meets in closed session to conduct committee business.

August 18, 2026 02:00 pm

This session focuses on emerging strategies, market trends, buyer engagement, and innovative solutions that are shaping the next generation of automotive remarketing across Canada. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and align on opportunities that drive growth and long-term success.

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Lisa Prestidge
Senior Remarketing Manager - Canada Element Fleet Management

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Michael Will
Sr. Director, Commercial Customer Solutions OPENLANE Canada

August 18, 2026 03:00 pm

ARA's Board of Directors plus Committee chairs / co-chairs meet in closed session to conduct ARA business.

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Mark Coleman
Executive Director Automotive Remarketing Alliance

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Lauren Baker
Director of Growth and Operations Automotive Remarketing Alliance

August 18, 2026 03:00 pm

This dynamic open forum will deliver an interactive, forward-looking discussion on where the industry is headed—spanning AI-driven technology, data intelligence, and next-level operational efficiency.  Join peers and thought leaders as we examine and collaborate on how independent auto auctions can thrive over the next decade. This is more than a discussion—it’s a chance to help define the future.

August 18, 2026 05:00 pm

ARA's CAR Certification Reception is open to all attendees.  Come celebrate recent CAR Certification achievements complete with a special appearance by GROW!

August 19, 2026 07:00 am
August 19, 2026 08:00 am
August 19, 2026 08:15 am

Informal conversation & coffee with ARA leaders for first-time Summer Roundtable attendees.

August 19, 2026 09:00 am

Emcee Joe Miller kicks off Summer Roundtable.

August 19, 2026 09:00 am

Stop by the Headshot Station between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to update your professional photo with a complimentary headshot, sponsored by IAG.

August 19, 2026 09:15 am

ARA welcomes OPENLANE CEO Peter Kelly for a keynote fireside chat.  Moderated by ARA Executive Director Mark Coleman, attendees will learn about Peter's journey in wholesale automotive and gain insights into AI tools, predictive pricing, market trends and recommendations for consignors.

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Mark Coleman
Executive Director Automotive Remarketing Alliance

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Peter Kelly
CEO OPENLANE

August 19, 2026 10:15 am
August 19, 2026 10:30 am

ARA's Membership Committee celebrates 25 years as the voice of the consignor, complete with a short film and special guests.  The session is open to all attendees.

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Holly Vollant
Manager - North American Remarketing Holman

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Cynthia Meyer
VP of Business Development Auction Management Solutions

August 19, 2026 11:30 am

Don’t miss GROW’S  high-energy, interactive, laugh-out-loud panel, where different generations go head-to-head about our industry.

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Jane Morgan
Chief Client Officer Pyle Family Auctions

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Abbi Balk
Marketing/ Communications Manager Greater Rockford Auto Auction

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Dave Pratt
Vice President of Remarketing US & Canada Auto Financial Group (AFG)

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John Combs
Vice President of Commercial Solutions ADESA

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Josh Combs
Vice President of Sales Dealers Auto Auction

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Emma Pye
Senior Manager of Customer Care NextGear Capital

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Houston Gordon
General Manager Greensboro Auto Auction

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Tammy Swofford
Sr. Director-Commercial Solutions Auto Auction Holdings, LLC

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Sheila Tedesco
Consultant South Bay Remarketing Services

August 19, 2026 12:15 pm
August 19, 2026 02:00 pm

ARA's Industry Advancement Committee presents a white paper on effective selling of EVs, as well as the latest in AI deployment.  The session is open to all attendees.

August 19, 2026 03:00 pm
August 19, 2026 03:15 pm

When it comes to frame damage, diagnostic trouble codes, and vehicle condition reporting, where’s the line between what’s detectable, what’s disclosable, and what’s simply misunderstood? This eye-opening interactive session separates fact from fiction in today’s increasingly technical automotive marketplace.

Industry experts will break down common myths surrounding structural damage, and diagnostic scan results — while exploring how auctions, dealers, consignors, and buyers interpret vehicle data differently.

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Tom Stewart
President Auction Management Solutions

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Greg Lubrani
CEO & President CarDr.com

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Matt Arias
General Manager Mid Kansas Auto Auction

August 19, 2026 04:00 pm

What makes a dealer raise their hand for one vehicle and pass on another? In this lively and candid panel discussion, top independent and franchise dealers pull back the curtain on how they buy used wholesale inventory from auctions, consignors, and dealer-to-dealer channels.

From reading condition reports and managing risk to spotting hidden gems and navigating shifting market trends, panelists will share the real-world strategies that drive their purchasing decisions every day.

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Jim Jackson
Remarketing Manager Holman

August 19, 2026 05:30 pm

ARA is hosting a 25th Anniversary celebration, complete with music, games, special guests and a special appearance by GROW. Open to all attendees.

Sponsored by:

August 20, 2026 07:30 am
August 20, 2026 08:00 am
August 20, 2026 08:00 am

Stop by the Headshot Station between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM to update your professional photo with a complimentary headshot, sponsored by IAG.

August 20, 2026 08:30 am

As ARA launches Hand Up cohort number three and expands the waitlist for cohort four, come join both early and late-career participants for coffee and conversation about career growth, latest industry trends and evolving industry roles.

August 20, 2026 09:00 am

Our panel of economic experts goes up against the Magic 8 Ball to predict economic trends in a dynamic global, national and industry environment. Attendess will leave the session with our panelists best insights into what's coming around the corner.

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Mark Strand
Sr. Director, Economic Industry Insights Cox Automotive, Inc.

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Tom Kontos
Analytics Advisor Auto Auction Holdings, LLC

August 20, 2026 10:00 am

Join us as we recognize ARA's PAL Leadership Award recipients, Impact Award honoree, Circle of Excellence honoree, and recent CAR Certification graduates. The session will also include recognition of honorees from IAG and NAAA

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Cynthia Meyer
VP of Business Development Auction Management Solutions

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Lauren Baker
Director of Growth and Operations Automotive Remarketing Alliance

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Mark Coleman
Executive Director Automotive Remarketing Alliance

August 20, 2026 10:30 am
August 20, 2026 11:00 am

ARA's CAR Certification Committee welcomes all attendees for a focused look at a CAR Certification module complete with informal (and fun!) quiz. All are welcome to test their knowledge against the experts. 

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Penny Wanna
President Auction Academy

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Bryce Beckstrom
Director of Business Development/ Learning Solutions ConditionReports.com

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Mere Rangel
Assistant General Manager Big Valley Auto Auction

August 20, 2026 12:00 pm
August 20, 2026 01:30 pm

What the data show about off-lease EVs, who leased them, expected residual values, and how remarketers can capitalize.  Attendees will leave the session with a clearer picture of the EV market based on real-world data.

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Tyler Nowicki
Manager, Fleet Lifecycle Inspiration Mobility Group

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Michael Wheatley
Director of Client Solutions Recurrent

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Jimmy Douglas
CEO & Founder Plug

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Stephanie Valdez Streaty
Director of Industry Insights Cox Automotive

August 20, 2026 02:15 pm
August 20, 2026 02:30 pm

A panel of industry leaders from major Associations and Alliances discuss what keeps their members up at night, and their organizations are anticipating and responding to member needs.  Attendees will leave with insights into the future direction of key market sectors.

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Joe Miller
Founder Awareness to Action Coaching

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Paul Lips
Executive Director NAAA

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Mark Coleman
Executive Director Automotive Remarketing Alliance

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Jeff Martin
Chief Executive Officer National Independent Automotive Dealers Association

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Dave Blake
Executive Director Independent Auction Group

August 20, 2026 03:15 pm
August 20, 2026 03:30 pm

ARA's consignor members meet in closed session to discuss current challenges and opportunities, with breakouts for fleet, consumer finance, specialty and more.

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Mark Coleman
Executive Director Automotive Remarketing Alliance

August 20, 2026 05:00 pm

ARA's President's Reception welcomes incoming ARA President Jackie Malik as former President Chris Clarke becomes Chairman of ARA's board of directors. All are welcome!