Details Announced for 7th Annual Innovate Conference this September
The four-day event will feature A-list industry experts and breakthrough technology training for buy-here-pay-here professionals, independent retail dealers and subprime auto finance companies.
FORT WORTH, TX – Innovate, a national convention for buy-here-pay-here professionals, independent retail dealers and subprime auto finance companies, has announced the details of its 7th annual conference.
The event will take place Sept. 21 through Sept. 24 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. Innovate will be hosted by AutoStar Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise-level software to buy-here-pay-here and independent retail dealers, as well as subprime auto lenders.
Featured keynotes include:
Rick Hackett, partner at Hudson Cook, LLP, and former assistant director at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Chuck Bonanno of The Leedom Group, who will debate Brent Carmichael of NCM on today’s hot-button topics in the buy-here-pay-here space
Tim Clue, a professional writer, director and corporate comedian
Allen Dobbins, President and CEO of AutoStar Solutions, who will usher in Fusion 2, the revolutionary new cloud-based end-to-end platform built specifically for independent retail dealers and subprime finance companies
“There has never been a more exciting time to be part of an Innovate conference,” Dobbins said. “This year more than ever, we will focus on helping attendees maximize their businesses to levels never thought possible. Whether through compliance or software or loan servicing expertise, I dare you to come to Innovate and not walk away with real, tangible tools that make you more money at the end of the day.”
Innovate ‘14 will encompass three entire trade shows under one roof:
The Industry Conference – Attendees can choose from a wide variety of classes on pressing industry issues, including legal and compliance training with Steve Levine, AutoStar’s Chief Legal Officer; Jay Reedy, a Dallas-Fort Worth-based attorney; and Nicole Munro, Partner at Hudson Cook, LLP, as well as other industry-related sessions taught by leading experts exhibiting at the conference.
The Technology Conference – Independent dealers and subprime auto lenders will learn how to go beyond best practices and embrace “next practices.” From websites and CRMs to portfolio acquisitions and electronic payments, this conference will ensure attendees stay several steps ahead of their competition. Current and potential AutoStar users – along with lenders who require their dealers to use AutoStar – can also dive into Fusion 2 in separate training sessions.
The Users Conference – Most dealers only use a fraction of what AutoStar offers. Attendees of the users conference will receive hands-on training for the solutions that can help their businesses most, including special classes for power users.
More Industry

Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
Consumer Outlook on the Rise
Younger generations are feeling more positive about their financial futures and current affordability pressures than older generations, according to recent TransUnion data.
Read More →
Pennsylvania Dealership Under New Retailers
The sale of the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store puts a family auto group on a leaner path as first-time dealers take the helm.
Read More →
Battery Storage Takes Priority Over EVs
U.S. automakers are prioritizing battery energy stationary storage over electric-vehicle production as the consumer demand for EVs lags the rest of the world.
Read More →