LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — DealerTrack will host its first annual Innovation Conference Nov. 7-8, at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, executives announced Thursday. The conference will be held over two days and co-sponsors include The Cobalt Group, Microsoft, Manheim, AutoTrader.com, BarNone, MarketView360 and Zag.

The conference will combine networking opportunities with educational sessions presented by leading industry experts, according to executives. The event is designed to help dealers learn how to better use technology to increase revenues and profitability. Dealership general managers from throughout the country will have the opportunity to hear real-world case studies and share best practices, executives explained.

"The automotive retail industry is in need of a forum to facilitate the exchange of ideas and showcase cutting-edge innovations in a non-sales environment," said Mark O'Neil, chairman and chief executive officer of DealerTrack. "The Innovation Conference meets this need with featured technology experts and interactive sessions."

The keynote presentation will be delivered by Tom Peters, a best-selling author who will discuss the automotive industry and economic trends. Peters has written 12 books on innovative business practices, including "In Search of Excellence."

The conference will also include breakout sessions geared for dealers, financing sources and other industry innovators. Sessions will address a variety of topics, such as innovative ways to increase aftermarket sales and profits, digital contracting trends and cutting-edge marketing strategies (including Internet search advertising).

Attendees will have the option of participating in a golf tournament or a poker tournament, where a World Series Poker Pro will be on hand to offer tips and advice on how to win big in Vegas. Other entertainment offered will be an evening concert with Jim Belushi at the House of Blues.

"The DealerTrack Innovation Conference represents a face-to-face version of the online DealerTrack network — bringing our dealers and industry partners together in a single location for two rewarding days," O'Neil explained.

For a limited time, executives said attendees who register for the DealerTrack Innovation Conference can also attend the F&I Conference held Nov. 8-10 at Mandalay Bay at no additional charge. To register or get more information, visit http://www.dealertrack.com/.