INSPIRE Conference

At the Center
of It All

Dealerware sits at the center of dealership mobility... connecting systems, unifying data, and creating a more seamless experience for your team and your customers.

INSPIRE 2026 brings together the leaders, partners, and technologies shaping what’s next so you can see how it all comes together and what it means for your business.

INSPIRE Summit is a complimentary, limited capacity event.

EVENT STARTS IN

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
When
April
8-9, 2026
Wednesday to Thursday
Where
Hotel Zaza in
Austin, TX

Reserve your spot

What You Can Expect

Event Overview
Wednesday, April 8 (Starting at 5 PM)
Kickoff & Welcome
Happy Hour
Grab your badge and a drink to kick off the conference.
Words of Welcome & Entertainment
Hear from Dealerware CEO, Matt Carpenter, enjoy some light-hearted entertainment!
Welcome Reception
Network with top dealers, OEM leaders, and industry experts over cocktails at The Hotel Zaza.
Thursday, April 9 (All day event)
Thought Leadership & Networking
Industry Insights
Thought-provoking presentations on data-driven decision-making, dealership profitability, and mobility trends.
Expert Panels
Engaging discussions with top executives on emerging challenges and opportunities in retail automotive.
Exclusive Networking
Connect with key decision-makers and peers to exchange strategies and best practices.
Evening Event Out in Austin
Enjoy casual dinner and drinks in an iconic Austin area with other attendees and the Dealerware team.
INSPIRE 2026

Agenda

Two days of leadership, product innovation, peer discussion, and networking in Austin.

Day 1

Wednesday, April 8

Kickoff programming and evening reception

  • 3:00 PM
    Arrival

    Badge Pick Up Opens

    Main Ballroom, 7th Floor

  • 5:00 PM
    Sponsored by Axle

    Kick Off Happy Hour

    Foyer, 7th Floor

  • 6:00 PM

    Welcome Remarks

    Matt Carpenter, CEO, Dealerware

  • 6:05 PM

    Live Entertainment

    Tom Kennedy, Mentalist

  • 6:55 PM

    Welcome Reception

    Food stations, drinks, and live music at Group Therapy Restaurant, 7th Floor

Day 2

Thursday, April 9

Full day programming plus evening event

  • 8:00 AM
    Morning

    Breakfast and Check In

    Group Therapy Restaurant, 7th Floor, Hotel ZaZa

  • 9:00 AM

    Welcome

  • 9:10 AM

    At the Center of It All

    Presentation by Matt Carpenter, CEO, Dealerware

  • 9:35 AM

    At the Center of What’s Next: Where the Industry Is Headed

    Fireside chat with Steve Greenfield, General Partner, Automotive Ventures and Matt Carpenter, CEO, Dealerware

  • 10:10 AM

    Break

  • Interoperability + Integrated Ecosystem Major Program Theme
  • 10:20 AM

    Building the Connected Ecosystem

    Panel featuring Nick Mottas, Dan Dionne, Matt Bateman, and Aaron Osborne. Moderated by Christina Killion, VP, Enterprise Partnerships, Dealerware.

  • 11:05 AM

    Where It Comes Together

    Dealerware Product Showcase

  • 11:25 AM

    De Risking the Dealership: Powered by Partnership

    Customer Spotlight with Bobby Davis, Armaan Sikand, and Diana Castles

  • 11:45 AM
    Sponsored by Guidepoint Systems

    Lunch

    Group Therapy Restaurant, 7th Floor, Hotel ZaZa

  • Mobility at the Dealership Major Program Theme
  • 12:30 PM

    From Dealership to Mobility Hub: Unlocking Rental Car Growth Through Integration

    Presentation by Brian Benstock, Vice President and General Manager, Paragon Honda and Acura

  • 1:30 PM

    Bringing Mobility to Life

    Dealerware Product Showcase

  • 1:45 PM

    Circles of Success Discussions

    Collaborate with industry peers during this interactive workshop to exchange insights and actionable approaches across key areas shaping modern dealership operations. Topics include:

    • Rental at the Dealership
    • De-Risking Your Fleet Programs
    • Out of Dealership Experiences
    • Data and AI in Retail Automotive
  • 2:45 PM

    Break

  • Data + Enterprise Insights Major Program Theme
  • 3:05 PM

    Listening at scale: the focus groups hidden in plain sight and how to engage them

    Presentation by Cuyler Owens, CEO, Widewail

  • 3:25 PM

    Driving Dealership Excellence in an AI Era

    Presentation by Brian Reynolds, Vice President Embedded, ThoughtSpot

  • 3:50 PM

    Turning Insight into Action

    Dealerware Product Showcase

  • 4:10 PM

    From Data Chaos to Enterprise Clarity

    Panel Discussion with Brad Kornmann and Vivek Malipatil. Moderated by Mark Gorman, VP, Platform and Data, Dealerware.

  • Closing Final Session Block
  • 4:40 PM

    Where Is It All Headed?

    Matt Carpenter, CEO, Dealerware and Ron Frey, Automotive Strategist and Advisor, Dealerware Board Member

    A forward-looking conversation on where Dealerware is headed and what comes next for the business and the industry.

  • 5:10 PM

    Closing Remarks

  • Thursday Evening Event Offsite Dinner and Networking
  • 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

    Dinner at Parlor and Yard

    601 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701. A short walk from Hotel ZaZa, featuring Texas barbecue from The Salt Lick, Masters inspired touches, and live music.

All sessions take place in the Main Ballroom on the 7th Floor unless otherwise noted.

Speakers

Matt Carpenter
President & CEO
Dealerware
Steve Greenfield
General Partner
Automotive Ventures
Brian Benstock
Vice President & GM
Paragon Honda & Acura
Brian Reynolds
Vice President, Embedded
ThoughtSpot
Cuyler Owens
CEO
Widewail
Ron Frey
Automotive Strategist
& Advisor
Take a Look Back at Past
INSPIRE Events
Making it Happen
Sponsors
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