Tom Webb, chief economist at Manheim, will deliver the keynote address for the fourth annual Auto Rental Summit. Webb’s keynote will take place on Monday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m.

Titled “Planning for the New Normal: Macro and Micro Drivers Affecting Car Rental,” his speech will focus on factors affecting the automotive and car rental industries such as new vehicle sales projections, the residual value outlook, incentive spending, model mix trends, risk car penetration and more.

“Are you ready to rock?” asks Chris Brown, executive editor of Auto Rental News. “Tom Webb’s high-level analysis of the trends directly affecting car rental operations — combined with our educational agenda and unique networking events at the Hard Rock Hotel — reaffirm Auto Rental Summit as a high-value, can’t-miss event.”

People, Process, Profits

Designed to improve customer service and enhance revenue of car rental operations, Auto Rental Summit (ARS) embodies “people, process and profits.”

A rental company’s employees — it’s people, the ones directly interfacing with renters — are the backbone of the business. A goal of ARS is to show rental operators how to get the most out of their team — and motivate them to buy into the company’s mission. 

The process is how operators run their businesses. From fleet buying and selling to counter procedures and sales tactics, ARS attendees will learn how to streamline their operations to improve customer service and increase revenues. 

And profit: ARS promotes about stepping out of the day-to-day maelstrom to think big picture and to understand new concepts that will add to a company’s bottom line.

Education Galore

The Fleet Jam Session, devoted specifically to fleet issues in car rental, returns to this year’s Auto Rental Summit. This year, the Fleet Jam Session is open to all; no RSVP is required.

The three-hour workshop will feature fleet professionals presenting on various fleet topics, including fleet tools to use in the changing used car market, how to strengthen relationships with lenders, gaining maximum return on vehicles sent to auction and an insider’s look from Toyota at how manufacturers’ repurchase programs function.

ARS will also include several breakout seminars. Led by Jason Fialkov, Facebook client partner, “How to Grow Your Auto Rental Business on Facebook” will present specific strategies to retain present customers and acquire new ones. The session will focus on how to leverage Facebook’s scale and mobile penetration.

Operators will share their success stories during two seminars. The team from Verc Car Rental will discuss how they made the transition from an independent car rental company to joining a successful worldwide brand as a franchisee. Clark Girges of Signature Car Rental will share his tips on creating a growing independent car rental company in Florida, including effective advertising and locating new sources for vehicle acquisition.

In another session, members of The Tennant Group Roundtable will reveal concepts they’ve put into practice to directly improve profits.

Ending on a high note, attendees are invited to join a tour of the Manheim Auction Fort Lauderdale facility on Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Recognizing Rock Stars

Tuesday’s award presentation includes the Professional of the Year Awards and the Renter Rated Award by CarRentalExpress.com.

Presented by American Express, the Auto Rental NewsProfessional of the Year Awards honor auto rental associates who demonstrate and promote outstanding customer satisfaction within the car rental process. Nominations are open until Sept. 18.

The Renter Rated Award recognizes the independent car rental company with the highest score based on ratings and reviews from car rental transactions posted to CarRentalExpress.com. Runners up in three sub-categories — staff, vehicles and recommend — will be awarded with honorable mentions.

Car rental managers, executives and employees from corporate, franchised and independent companies across the U.S. and overseas are invited to attend the 2015 Auto Rental Summit, to be held Nov. 9-10, 2015 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. 

Visit www.AutoRentalSummit.com to view the full schedule and register.