ARLINGTON, Texas — The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) will host its 12th Annual National Policy Conference September 28-29, 2026, at the Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C., bringing independent dealers from across the country to the nation’s capital to advocate directly with federal lawmakers and hear from regulators on issues shaping the used vehicle industry.
The conference gives independent dealers a direct voice in the policymaking process, combining briefings on the issues affecting their businesses with face-to-face meetings on Capitol Hill. Key topics on this year’s agenda include right to repair legislation, Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) reform, catalytic converter theft prevention, and reform at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
The conference kicks off Monday, September 28, with a general session featuring a panel of experts and industry leaders discussing how dealers can influence positive policy outcomes through citizen activism and grassroots involvement. Attendees will then hear regulatory updates directly from officials representing the Federal Trade Commission and the Internal Revenue Service, followed by a detailed briefing on the next day’s Capitol Hill logistics and policy priorities, along with an update on recent legislative and regulatory activity in Washington.
That evening, attendees will gather for a PAC reception sponsored by Solera featuring remarks from Representative Andy Barr (R-KY), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions.
“This year’s conference comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, with reforming the CFPB, protecting the right to repair, fighting catalytic converter theft and modernizing FCRA liability all active in Congress,” said Patrick O’Brien, NIADA Director of Government Relations & Compliance. “No one understands the challenges facing independent dealers better than the dealers themselves, and the National Policy Conference gives them a direct opportunity to explain those challenges to the people writing the laws. That kind of firsthand advocacy is exactly what moves these issues forward.”
On Tuesday, September 29, dealers will head to Capitol Hill for scheduled meetings with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the issues directly affecting their dealerships and customers, followed by a Capitol Hill lunch at the Library of Congress sponsored by Agora and a closing reception in the House Budget Committee Hearing room sponsored by PassTime.
NIADA’s 2025 National Policy Conference drew 150 attendees, produced 123 meetings on Capitol Hill, and helped raise $104,255 for the NIADA PAC — underscoring the growing role independent dealers are playing in shaping the policies that affect their industry.
“Our voice in Washington only gets stronger when dealers show up and make their case — the National Policy Conference is grassroots involvement in action, and it’s what gives NIADA the credibility to advocate for our members all year long,” said Jeff Martin, NIADA CEO.
For more information or to register, visit www.niada.com/policyconference.
