SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -

The focus is on pre-owned, but there’s a bit of “new” going on at Used Car Week this year.

To borrow from the real estate industry, we’ll start with location, location, location.

While this ain’t our first rodeo in Scottsdale, Ariz., it is the first time Used Car Week has visited the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, home to this year’s conferences.

And what a venue it is. The Westin Kierland offers tons of beautiful space for attendees to learn, network and relax.

Word is, the Kierland has gorgeous views, plenty of activities and amenities to explore (like a great golf course) and a nearby shopping center (Westin Kierland Commons).

As far as the agenda lineup goes, one new perk is that Used Car Week will feature a panel discussion with our first-ever Women in Auto Finance program and its honorees (2 p.m., Nov. 13).

Celebrating the inaugural class of Women in Auto Finance honorees, this panel of auto finance leaders will discuss not only the state of the industry today, but also their own paths to their current positions, goals for the future and tips and tools of the trade.

You will also notice a bit of a changeup in the NAAA Opening Luncheon (11:30 a.m. on Nov. 14) in the 2nd Block of Used Car Week.  Typically, that luncheon has featured speakers outside of the car business, including the likes of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw and astronaut Scott Kelly.

This year, NAAA will feature an Opening Luncheon lineup from within the auto industry. And quite a stellar one at that.

Former Ford president and chief executive Alan Mulally will deliver a keynote address during the luncheon, followed by a moderated Q&A session that includes Cox Automotive president Sandy Schwartz, KAR Auction services chairman and CEO Jim Hallett and BSC America chairman and CEO Ray Nichols. 

Used Car Week also has a new industry partner: the American Recovery Association.

We appreciate ARA’s support, along with that of fellow industry partners IARA, NAAA, NIADA and the NAF Association.

And while these next two items aren’t necessarily new, they’re worth bearing in mind as you begin your Used Car Week experience:

First, we have extended networking breaks in the expo hall. This will give attendees more time to recharge and visit with our great group of exhibitors.

Also, our streamlined registration process allows attendees, particularly those in the 1st Block, to get a glimpse into other areas of the industry. For example, someone who typically would only go to Pre-Owned Con workshops can also check out Auto Fin Con and Repo Con workshops (and vice versa) to learn about those pieces of the auto industry.