SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -

Before I hopped on a plane for my first trip to Arizona some 16 years ago,  I remember it being chilly, rainy and in the middle of a college semester back home in Raleigh.

So, a week of spring-like warmth and Spring Training baseball in the Valley of the Sun was as good (and relaxing) an introduction to Arizona as any. 

My three or four trips back since have been as a business reporter instead of a sunburned sports fan, but I leave with the same feeling: This trip was well worth it. 

That’s particularly true when I’ve ventured to Arizona for Used Car Week.  And while we can’t offer a week of watching the Giants, Angels and Athletics, our goal is for you to have that same feeling when you depart Scottsdale and head home: "This trip was well worth it."

How do we plan to do that?  Aside from bringing smiles and Southern hospitality to the Southwest, our team aims to lift your experience through the four pillars of Used Car Week, listed below:

Education 
Split between two blocks, UCW features sessions encompassing a broad yet tailored range of topics, from retail solutions, fintech solutions and best recovery practices to auction safety and women’s leadership.

Connections
Whether during breaks between sessions or after hours, opportunities abound for rubbing elbows and making contacts that will help you build a stronger network.

Technology
From Wi-Fi and transit to refreshments and entertainment, UCW provides easy to access technology, good eats, good drinks and good people for great fun.

Celebrations
Join the industry in recognizing the individuals whose hard work and dedication impacts the success of automotive business and local communities.

As an extension of those pillars, the Used Car Week team is here to help. If you need something or have a question, just ask. 

Like a baseball squad that peaks in October and not Spring Training, my teammates and I all have specialties. If we don’t know the answer to your question or concern, we’ll help get you to the right person for the job. 

Enjoy Used Car Week, Scottsdale and all they both have to offer. We hope this trip is well worth it.