Amanda Schneider, Founder + President of ThinkLab, gave a powerful presentation at the 2025 INDEAL Champion Conference on the changing dynamics of our industry, providing one of the most thought-provoking moments of the event. 

Her message was clear: 
“You are no longer selling to—you’re buying with.” 

This single statement captures a generational shift that’s not just coming—it’s already here. Millennials and Gen Z are redefining the buying process, and they’re doing it with intention. Gen Z alone holds $860 billion in spending power as of 2024, and their expectations go beyond product. They value empathy, transparency, and a brand’s alignment with social values. They want to see themselves reflected in your story, not just your showroom. 

And their loyalty? It’s earned through authenticity and meaningful engagement—not just marketing. 

Amanda also reminded us that “the brands that will lead will be those who motivate their human capital to leverage digital tools to scale their time.” This aligns perfectly with what we’re hearing on the ground. When we polled our Champions in March, a whopping 98% said they’re using CET. That’s not a casual stat—that’s a neon sign! 

Dealer salespeople are pressed for time. They need tools that help them move fast without sacrificing quality—and that’s where INDEAL Spaces comes in. It’s designed to take them from inspiration to application in just a few clicks. Sure, you get a few Spaces just by being in the program – but if you want to truly be in a dealer’s workflow, they need more inspiration. More Spaces. More stories. More ways to see your brand in action. 

Amanda’s message was a wake-up call: today’s buyers aren’t just browsing—they’re aligning. As she painted a picture of a values-driven, digitally fluent generation, it became clear that our tools, storytelling, and strategies must evolve.  

Interested in more insightful industry perspective like this? Join us for Amanda Schnieder’s Keynote, Friday, June 7, at the NeoCon Presentation Studio in THE MART.  

Ask the Experts: Data-Powered Insights to Win in a Changing Industry is a choose-your-own-adventure-style keynote designed to answer your most pressing industry questions. Backed by the latest ThinkLab research, we’ll explore the forces shaping our industry—whether you’re curious about the shifts in end-user decision-making, building brand loyalty, engaging Gen Z, or thriving in a digital-first world. This is your opportunity to gain exclusive, data-driven insights tailored to the challenges that matter most to you. Walk away with actionable strategies to stay ahead in today’s face-evolving market. 12 p.m. reception (lunch provided) followed by 1 p.m. keynote. 

RSVP to Attend →

You must be registered for NeoCon to attend this presentation. Register for the show here