As the automotive industry continues to evolve, so too does the way we learn and connect. While webinars and virtual sessions remain a valuable part of our education toolkit, in-person training and seminars offer unique opportunities for engagement and interaction that virtual formats simply can’t replicate.
The Power of In-Person Training
Dealership professionals attending live events benefit from real-time dialogue with instructors and peers, spontaneous Q&A exchanges, hands-on demonstrations and the kind of networking that often happens outside the classroom, often over a coffee break or between sessions. These face-to-face interactions foster deeper understanding, stronger relationships and collaborative problem-solving in ways that are difficult to achieve through screens alone. Studies show that teams meeting in person can generate 15-20% more ideas than those meeting virtually, and that informal interactions play a significantly larger role in community building and professional connections at live events compared to virtual formats.
After years of relying on virtual events, the business and professional education world has seen a notable shift back to in-person formats. For example, the percentage of organizations hosting in-person conferences rose from 37% in 2021 to 49% in 2022, signaling renewed confidence in live events and human connection. Moreover, surveys of adult learners show that a strong majority, approximately 60% or more, still prefer in-person learning environments, particularly when hands-on skills, networking and interactive discussions are involved.
This shift reflects a broader enthusiasm among professionals to learn, collaborate and build relationships face-to-face, a dynamic that NCDA’s training calendar is designed to support. Whether engaging directly with compliance experts, sharing insights with peers or participating in structured group activities, in-person training provides richer, more memorable experiences than virtual alternatives alone.
Expanding Our Training Footprint
The New Car Dealers Association of San Diego County (NCDA) will continue to prioritize training and professional development this year, offering more opportunities than ever for dealers and their teams to enhance skills, stay ahead of industry trends and elevate operational excellence.
In 2025, NCDA significantly expanded its seminar and workshop offerings. From compliance and regulatory updates to EV readiness, sales training and best practices for fixed operations, our goal has been simple: to provide meaningful, high-value education that directly supports dealership success.
Training Program Highlights
CNCDA New Laws Seminar
As part of our commitment to keeping dealers informed and compliant, NCDA once again hosted CNCDA’s annual New Laws Seminar. Last year’s presentation addressed the wide range of legislative changes approved in Sacramento in 2025, including SB 766 (the California CARS Act), which takes effect Oct. 1, 2026, and brings major updates to vehicle advertising and sales requirements. CNCDA President Brian Maas, Chief Legal Officer Anthony Bento, Director of Government Affairs Kenton Stanhope, and attorney John Boggs guided attendees through upcoming laws, regulatory changes and what dealerships must do now to prepare. The seminar also offered 2.5 hours of MCLE credit, reinforcing its value for dealership legal and compliance professionals.
NADA Professional Series Training
Last year, NCDA proudly hosted the nationally recognized NADA Professional Series at our Training & Conference Center. These intensive, department-focused programs brought dealership professionals from across the region together for two days of specialized instruction followed by two additional days of leadership development. Training tracks included Service Management, Parts Management, Office Management, Sales Management and Leadership, each designed to strengthen operational performance and prepare emerging leaders for expanded responsibilities. The in-person sessions provided hands-on learning, real-world solutions and actionable strategies tailored to dealership life.
F&I Compliance in California Workshop
In partnership with KPA and Scali Rasmussen, NCDA hosted a half-day, in-person workshop designed to help dealerships navigate the complex landscape of F&I and sales compliance in California. Led by industry experts including Robert Ebin, Aaron Hartshorn, John Swenson and Christian Scali, attendees explored CA CARS requirements, sales floor and deal jacket compliance, misrepresentation pitfalls, advertising rules and how to strengthen internal processes to avoid costly penalties.
EPA & OSHA Compliance Seminar
Led by longtime industry expert Sam Celly of Celly Services and supported by surprise co-presenter attorney John Boggs, this session provided dealers and managers with practical guidance on environmental safety, workplace safety, and workers’ compensation compliance. Attendees gained actionable strategies for controlling costs, preparing for OSHA inspections, improving safety programs, managing claims and understanding documentation requirements. The seminar also covered accident investigation best practices, PPE standards, heat illness prevention and digital tools, such as QR-based inspection logs.
Supporting Members With Real Value
Every event we’ve hosted reflects NCDA’s commitment to delivering tangible member benefits. These programs are designed not only to inform but also to equip dealership staff with actionable insights they can apply immediately.
As the industry continues to evolve, NCDA remains focused on helping our members adapt, grow and succeed. Thank you for being part of a vibrant, forward-thinking dealer community.
California Sales Training Academy (CSTA)
In addition to our professional development seminars, the NCDA continues to operate the CSTA, our foundational training program designed to equip new and seasoned sales professionals with the skills and compliance knowledge required to succeed in California’s highly regulated retail automotive environment. Through structured instruction, real-world scenarios and a focus on ethical, customer-centric selling, CSTA supports dealerships in developing confident, effective sales teams while ensuring adherence to state requirements.
Thousands of men and women have graduated from this course since its inception in 1991 and gone on to successful careers in automotive sales, with several reaching top-level management roles at new car dealerships in San Diego County. Many dealer members hire sales personnel and immediately enroll them in CSTA to gain the benefit of this essential training before they begin training at the dealership.
The three-day sales training course is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a bimonthly basis at our NCDA Conference & Training Center in Mira Mesa.
