Grab extra writing utensils and paper or make sure your tablet is fully charged. The National Independent Automobile Dealer Association said the agenda is set for the 75th annual NIADA Convention and Expo.

Featuring more than 60 education sessions presented in four tracks as well as networking, special events, awards ceremonies and dedicated time for the expo hall, NIADA highlighted what the organization has planned for its in-person return and anniversary celebration set for Aug. 23-26 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

The sessions include a keynote address by Hall of Fame wide receiver and NFL Network football analyst Michael Irvin, who earned the nickname “The Playmaker” as a star for collegiate national champion Miami and later helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s.

Irvin, appearing courtesy of ACV Auctions, is scheduled to speak on Aug. 25. NIADA also said Irvin will be available for a meet-and-greet session afterward at the ACV booth in the expo hall.

The association went on to mention that among the headliners of the education agenda are popular dealer trainer Joe Lescota, who will lead sessions about improving the dealership’s bottom line and managing inventory to maximize investment, and service department expert Chris Collins, who will speak at a general session and a special VIP session for attendees registering for the event’s premium package.

In addition, Subprime Analytics president Ken Shilson, also a founder of the National Alliance of Buy-Here, Pay-Here Dealers, will present his annual industry Benchmarks.

NIADA added that a SEMA aftermarket accessorization panel will delve into how aftermarket accessories can help increase profits and improve days to turn, while another panel will discuss the auto parts landscape and provide actionable insights into trends dealers should know.

And here’s something new for 2021. NIADA is rolling out what it’s calling, The Service Drive, a series of 20-minute micro-sessions that are intended to give dealers hands-on insight into service, reconditioning and fixed ops solutions that can save them time and money.

The agenda also includes four sessions totaling 11 hours dedicated exclusively to the event, giving dealers plenty of time to find what they need in the 90,000-square foot expo hall packed with the latest products and services encompassing every area of dealership operations.

The association pointed out the convention venue is easily accessible from San Antonio’s famed River Walk and its restaurants and attractions, as well as NIADA’s headquarters hotel, the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter.

NIADA is again offering three registration tiers — Premium, Classic and Express — allowing attendees to choose their convention experience. And dealers can take advantage of early bird prices through July 25.

For more information or to register, visit niadaconvention.com.