ACV facts & figures
NADA 2026 is officially in the books, and it was great to be back in Las Vegas with the team. Each year, NADA gives us the opportunity to reconnect with customers, spend real time with partners, and have meaningful, face-to-face conversations that are hard to replicate anywhere else. After the unforgettable NADA 2025 in New Orleans, complete with historic snowfall, this year’s show felt like a return to familiar ground, full of energy, long days on the floor, and great conversations.
As always, one of the things I spend a lot of time thinking about ahead of NADA is our promo strategy. With thousands of dealers walking the show, the items we put in their hands matter. Promo items are more than just swag. They’re often the physical reminder someone takes home after a conversation, and I want that reminder to feel thoughtful, useful, and aligned with how we want our brand to show up.
What I Look for when Choosing Promo Items
Over the years, I’ve learned that not all giveaways are created equal. At a show like NADA, dealers are busy, overstimulated, and carrying bags full of items they may or may not keep. That reality shapes how I evaluate promo items each year.
Easy to Pack
Dealers are flying home. If something is bulky, heavy, or awkward to pack, there’s a good chance it never leaves the hotel room. I always look for items that fit easily into a carry-on or backpack without creating friction.
Something They Will Actually Use
This is probably the most important filter. If I can’t picture myself using the item in my day-to-day life, it doesn’t make the cut. Useful items get kept. Kept items create long-term brand exposure.
Quality over Quantity
Not every attendee will stop by our booth, and that’s okay. I would rather give fewer items that are well made and genuinely appreciated than hand out thousands of forgettable pieces of swag. When someone takes the time to engage with us, I want the takeaway to feel worthwhile.
Strong Branding Opportunities
Promo items should represent the brand well. That means clean design, subtle branding, and something that doesn’t feel overly promotional. The best items are ones people use without thinking twice about the logo on them.
Built to Last
Disposable items get tossed quickly. Durable items stick around and keep your brand top of mind long after the conference ends.
What we Picked for NADA 2026
After weighing all of those criteria, here’s what we landed on this year.
Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
If you play golf (and who doesn’t) you know these balls are top notch. You might even hit the links in Vegas if you have a chance. If you want to get these balls, you had to sign up and take a demo with us.
Stanley Water Bottles
NADA is physically demanding. Dealers are walking miles each day, moving from meeting to meeting, and talking nonstop. Hydration matters, and water bottles at the venue are expensive. Instead of handing out something disposable, we wanted to offer a high-quality water bottle that dealers could use all week and beyond. It’s practical, appreciated, and fits naturally into the NADA experience.
Hats
Hats are always a favorite, and this year we partnered with Branded Bills for a clean, high-quality design. We made sure to choose adjustable styles so they work for everyone. A well-made hat gets worn long after the event, which makes it one of the most effective long-term branding items.
Mouse pads
Everyone uses a mouse pad, whether they think about it or not. It’s one of those desk items that quietly becomes part of someone’s daily routine. A good mouse pad adds comfort, lasts a long time, and keeps your brand visible without being intrusive.
Car-shaped computer mice
This one is just fun. A car mouse is practical, but it also feels different enough to be memorable. It fits the industry, sparks conversation, and stands out among the more standard tech giveaways.
Socks
You can never have too many socks and honestly might need an extra pair that you forgot to pack, especially at a conference where you’re on your feet all day. Comfortable, well-designed socks are easy to pack and surprisingly appreciated. They also tend to stick around longer than people expect.
Thanks for Visiting Us at NADA 2026
If you stopped by the ACV booth at NADA 2026, thank you. Whether you came to talk financing, transport, inventory management, buying or selling vehicles, or just to catch up, we appreciated every conversation. Shows like NADA are exhausting, but they’re also energizing, and this year was a great reminder of why we invest so much into being there.
