McLEAN, Va. – Former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, who will discuss global politics and U.S. foreign policy, joins a lineup of industry and inspirational keynote speakers at the 2013 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo in Orlando, Fla., next February.
Gates served as the 22nd Secretary of Defense from 2006-2011 under both President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush. The only secretary of defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly-elected president, Gates has served eight U.S. presidents.
Industry keynote speakers at the NADA convention include John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America; NADA Chairman Bill Underriner, a new-car dealer in Billings, Mont.; and incoming NADA Chairman David Westcott, a new-car dealer in Burlington, N.C.
Captain Mark Kelly, former NASA astronaut, space shuttle commander of Endeavour’s final mission and husband of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, will deliver an inspirational address.
The 96th annual NADA convention runs from Feb. 8-11, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center. NADA University is offering 58 different workshops for new-car and new-truck dealers and their managers, including 27 new speakers and 20 new workshop topics. More than 500 companies are expected to exhibit on the expo floor.
The American Truck Dealers (ATD) Convention and Expo will once again run concurrently with the NADA convention.
