EXETER, PA –  Keystone Automotive Operations (KAO) has announced that pre-cart electronic ordering for The BIG Show is now live, allowing attendees the opportunity to maximize their time on the show floor prior to their arrival to the event. The Keystone BIG Show, presented by Weatherguard, will be held March 27-28, 2020 at the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Grapevine Texas. The BIG Show brings the top suppliers and manufacturers in the specialty automotive parts and accessories industry together in one place for the best trade show outside of SEMA. The relaxed and interactive environment offers customers and exhibitors exciting opportunities to connect, share and discover.

This integrated technology solution has been developed to improve attendees’ show experience, allowing them the opportunity to build their orders in advance, providing more time to visit with suppliers and learn about new lines and products as well as services offered by KAO.

“We aim to make the BIG Shows a great customer experience and ease of ordering is one key element of that,” says VP, Management Information Systems, Patrick “Skip” Stevenson. “Since 2016, we have offered self-service through our electronic ordering show site.  We also allow customers to build their cart in advance on eKeystone.com, and then on show day, they are able to see the show pricing applied to their pre-cart, browse our tremendous promotions, and track running totals from the orders they have placed online.”

Since its inception, the ordering process has been refined and updated, saving jobbers attending the show both time and money.

“This convenience allows our customers to maximize their time on the show floor with our valued supplier partners,” added Stevenson. “Customers can even order their Power Hour parts from their phone or tablet as well.  Of course, if our customers choose to order on paper, one of our outstanding customer care agents on the show floor will be happy to assist.”

“We’re constantly looking at opportunities to enhance The BIG Show experience,” says NTP-STAG Vice President, Sales, Fred Petrivelli. “Pre-cart ordering makes it easier than ever for jobbers to benefit from promotions and show-only deals while their time is spent more productively visiting with suppliers and experiencing everything show has to offer. It’s a fantastic system that benefits attendees, streamlines the system and the reduction in waste is better for the environment.”

Featuring this year’s theme, “Our Vision for Serving the Aftermarket,” The BIG Show opens March 27 with the keynote address followed by a preview of the show floor and more than 250 suppliers and brands showcasing their products. With more than 75 featured vehicles, in addition to innovative product displays and technology throughout the 180,000 sq. ft. convention center, The BIG Show is a premier automotive aftermarket industry event.

Attendees are also treated to an opening night concert as well as a spectacular closing reception.

“Of course, there’s a great deal of business that gets done at The BIG Show - but we have a great time visiting with our customers and having some fun as well,” concluded Petrivelli. “We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in Texas.”

For more information on The BIG Show, including exhibitor lists, sponsorship guides, and travel recommendations, interested customers or suppliers can visit https://www.keystonebigshow.com or contact their Keystone Automotive Operations representative.

About The BIG Show:

The Keystone BIG Show is the industry’s largest distributor event in North America, drawing thousands of attendees from Canada and the United States. Hosting more than 250 exhibiting companies, more than 75 show vehicles and an agenda packed with special events and networking opportunities, the BIG Show is the place to be March 27-28 in Grapevine, TX.

About Keystone Automotive Operations:

Keystone Automotive Operations is the leading distributor and marketer of automotive aftermarket products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. Keystone is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them everything they need, when they need it.

Exeter, PA – Keystone Automotive Operations will be hosting BIG Show 2020, its annual customer event, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX, March 27-28. “The Gaylord Texan has been a perennial favorite location for our event,” says John Spaulding, Director of Communications and Events at NTP-STAG. “Being centrally located and near a major international airport makes it an incredibly easy place to get to no matter where you are coming from. The facilities are world class and the surrounding area offers plenty of entertainment options for those coming early or staying a couple days after the show. We’ve found the atmosphere and hospitality in Texas a great fit with our customers,” he adds.

BIG Show 2020 will feature special programs and events, show vehicles, product education, huge on-the-floor sales opportunities and plenty of chances to network before, during and after the show hours. The show will open with a Keynote address and reception on the show floor. The following day will be highlighted by a full day in the exhibit hall and a special closing reception.

The BIG Show is expected to attract more than 200 exhibiting companies and Keystone customers from across North America. “It’s important for us to show our appreciation to our customers by hosting this event every year. Their loyalty to our programs and people are critical to our success and we like to celebrate that with them by providing unique show elements, terrific buying opportunities and plenty of fun,” says Spaulding.   “We’re also looking forward to seeing our customers cash in on new Big Show VIP opportunities at the 2020 show for the first time, with our newly established Parts Via Loyalty Program.   Customers will accumulate points throughout the year for increased engagement with Keystone and be able to redeem their Loyalty points on a full VIP show experience.   From airfare, hotel and travel expenses, to VIP access to numerous events... the 2020 Big Show promises BIG rewards for our loyal Keystone customers.”

Follow the build up to BIG Show 2020 at keystonebigshow.com.

Keystone is the leading distributor and marketer of automotive aftermarket products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. Keystone is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them what they need, when they need it.

EXETER, PA – Keystone Automotive Operations’ BIG Show is adding a lot of new features… and exhibitors to its event March 8-9 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas.  In addition to a Warn sponsored keynote by Ken Schmidt, a double-header concert featuring Tim Montana and Karen Waldrup and casino night presented by WeatherGard, the BIG show is attracting new suppliers as exhibitors like never before.

“We have more than 70 suppliers exhibiting this year that weren’t at our 2018 event,” says John Spaulding, Director of Events for Keystone Automotive Operations. “The interest in BIG Show as a way for suppliers to connect with jobbers, dealers, installers and retailers continues to grow. Our show platform is becoming the premier destination for introducing new products, selling to new customers and engaging with the market in ways that most of us can’t in our day-to-day roles. It’s a vital part of our business and we know our customers and suppliers look forward to it every year.”

New items are essential to the aftermarket and its more than just model year changeover that’s driving new product development. Innovative solutions for improving vehicle performance, whether it’s suspension, exhaust, engine, tires and wheels or accessories that enhance the overall functionality, are creating sales opportunities for aftermarket product resellers and installers. Events like BIG Show play a pivotal role in showcasing these opportunities and connecting all the supply chain players in an effort to grow sales for everyone.

“The show experience has been designed to focus on new products,” says Spaulding. “We have a New Products Showcase with more than 180 new items on display. In addition, 36 companies are exhibiting new Point-of-Purchase tools that give our attendees ideas about how to merchandise and sell new products in their stores.” New suppliers will be highlighted on the BIG Show floor map and will be prominently featured throughout the event.

Brand new suppliers to Keystone will be showcased in a special sales promotion at BIG Show. Golden tickets representing extra bonus discounts will be given to every attendee. The tickets can be used for purchases from the 40 exhibitors at the event that are new to Keystone.

“Our sales initiatives and on-the-floor activity are all about helping our customers grow their business,” states Vice President of Sales for Keystone Automotive Operations, Fred Petrivelli. “We know that these new product and new lines can have an incredible impact on their sales and profits and want to make sure they are aware of the opportunities so they can make informed decisions about the best way to serve their customers and their businesses in the future,” he adds.

The Keystone BIG Show is the industry’s largest distributor event in North America drawing thousands of attendees from Canada and the United States. Host to more than 200 exhibiting companies, nearly 100 show vehicles and an agenda packed with special events and networking opportunities, the BIG Show is the place to be March 8-9 in Grapevine, TX.

Keystone is the leading distributor and marketer of automotive aftermarket products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. Keystone is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them what they need, when they need it most.

EXETER, PA – Visitors to the 2019 Keystone Automotive BIG Show at the Gaylord Texan are in for a special treat. Rutledge Wood, industry ambassador and acclaimed television personality will be taking center stage at the Magnaflow booth in a new, special show feature called, BIG Show Shop Talk with Rutledge Wood. During the event on Saturday, March 9. Rutledge will bring his earthy and fun interview style to engage with show attendees about hot industry topics. 

 “Rutledge has a smart and friendly way of getting at the heart of what matters to not only the enthusiasts in our market but those of us that support their passions,” states Larry Montante, Vice President of Category Management at Keystone Automotive Operations. “We appreciate Magnaflow sponsoring Rutledge and are really looking forward to hearing and seeing his interviews. They are sure to be entertaining and provide some keen insight into what is important to our customers and how they see the industry moving forward. For those lucky enough to share the stage with him, it will be a very big deal,” he adds

The BIG Show Shop Talk interviews will have a question and answer format and will be livestreamed to locations throughout the show floor and broadcasted on Keystone Automotive’s social media feeds “This is such a special feature at the BIG Show this year we wanted to be able to share Rutledge’s interviews with as many people as possible,” says Montante. “Broadening the experience and audience for our event makes the BIG show even bigger.”

The BIG Show is the industry’s largest distributor event in North America drawing thousands of attendees from Canada and the United States. Host to more than 200 exhibiting companies, nearly 100 show vehicles and an agenda packed with special events and networking opportunities, the BIG Show is the place to be March 8-9 in Grapevine, TX.

Keystone is the leading distributor and marketer of automotive aftermarket products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. Keystone is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them what they need, when they need it most.

EXETER, PA – Best-selling author and acclaimed Harley-Davidson executive, Ken Schmidt, has been tapped to give the opening Keynote Address at the Keystone BIG Show in Grapevine, Texas at the Gaylord Texan on March 8. In his role as Harley’s Director of Communications, Schmidt shaped the company’s competitive positioning and serviced as it primary spokesperson to the media and financial communities.

“We are very pleased to be able to bring Mr. Schmidt to our event this year,” said Fred Petrivelli, Vice President of Sales for Keystone Automotive Operations. “His experience and insights about brand management, customer loyalty and selling will be something all our customers will benefit from. As we all fight to find new ways to stay competitive in the evolving retail landscape, Ken’s perspective will provide solid guidance for improving our success in the aftermarket.”

Ken has been associated with Harley-Davidson since 1985. His experience and success in helping rebuild the company’s brand played a vital role in the motorcycle legend’s turnaround from the brink of ruin to global dominance.

He is the author of the best-selling business book, “Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance,” which shares his easy-to-follow roadmap businesses can use to vastly improve their competitiveness. He also co-wrote, “100 years of Harley-Davidson”, which is the best-selling motor sports book of all time.

“Having a speaker of Ken’s caliber kick off our event is very exciting,” says Petrivelli. “We think his address will be motivational, encourage new ways of thinking about business and put all of guest in the right frame of mind as they consider what they need to do to be successful in 2019.”

The Keystone BIG Show is the industry’s largest distributor event in North America drawing thousands of attendees from Canada and the United States. Host to more than 200 exhibiting companies, nearly 100 show vehicles and an agenda packed with special events and networking opportunities, the BIG Show is the place to be March 8-9 in Grapevine, TX.

Keystone is the leading distributor and marketer of automotive aftermarket products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service, and innovative marketing support. Keystone is committed to expanding its offerings to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them what they need, when they need it most.

Exeter, PA (February 2, 2018) The iconic 1968 Mustang fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt (1968) will be on display during the Keystone BIG Show February 23-24, 2018 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX. The Bullitt Mustang came out of hiding after 40 years of being one of the best kept secrets in automotive folklore.  It’s unveiling occurred at the North American International Auto Show this January in the Ford booth during the company’s announcement of a special edition 2019 Bullitt Mustang celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the movie.

Sean Kiernan, the car’s owner, had this to say, “I’m really looking forward to showing Bullitt at the BIG Show. Being a Keystone cousin – I’m an LKQ employee – it’s fantastic that the timing of the event and the attention the car is getting are so well aligned. I think it will be awesome for our customers while creating a real buzz in Holley’s booth.”

Sean has said that his family kept the car a secret over the years with plans to eventually restore it as a father-son project. It was used as a daily driver after the Bob Kiernan (Sean’s father) purchased it in 1974 from an ad that ran in Road & Track Magazine. Auction estimates place the value of the vehicle between $4-5 million – comparable to other iconic cars like the Batmobile and James Bond’s original Aston Martin.

Two 1968 Mustang GT fastbacks were used in the award-winning film. One was sold to a private buyer and the other one, due to its condition after being thrashed around the streets of San Francisco, was destined for the salvage yard. “This original Bullitt Mustang is one of the most iconic vehicles of all time,” said Mark Gessler, president of the Historic Vehicle Association. “It’s one of the most important artifacts of the 21^st century in terms of automotive history. It is a national cultural treasure.” (as quoted in USA Today).

 “We are really excited to be bringing Bullitt to the BIG Show and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of Holley. To give our customers the chance to see this very rare piece of American automobile heritage in person is thrilling,” said Bill Rogers, VP and General Manager for Keystone. “For most of our guests this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and definitely worth the trip to Texas to see.”

The work of the Historic Vehicle Association with support from partners such as Ford Motor Company, Hagerty, Shell, Pennzoil, LKQ Corporation, American Fuel and Petrochemical manufacturers, and The NB Center for American Automotive Heritage have resulted in Bullitt being the 21^st vehicle listed on the National Historic Vehicle Register.

To learn more about the Mustang Bullitt visit www.historicvehicle.org. Details about the BIG Show can be found at www.keystonebigshow.com.

 For additional information and videos click here: https://www.historicvehicle.org/documentary-films/

Gaylord Texan and Convention Center, Grapevine, TX

KEYSTONE AUTOMOTIVE OPERATIONS, Exeter, PA.  -  Keystone Automotive Operations is pleased to announce the addition of Erik Qualman as keynote speaker to the 2018 BIG Show lineup, Friday, February 23^rd at 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM prior to show opening at 6:00 PM. “Our BIG show is bigger than ever this year and we wanted to add a Keynote Address as a new component to our program,” commented Fred Petrivelli, VP Sales for Keystone Automotive Operation. “We are always looking for ways to help our customers and believe that delivering thought provoking content and solutions that can expand the way they think about their business is important.”   He adds, “We are very grateful of Warn’s sponsorship of Erik Qualman and helping us provide an educational and entertaining jumpstart to our event,”

#1 Best Selling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in 49 countries and reached 25 million people this decade. His Socialnomics work has been on 60 Minutes to the Wall Street Journal and used by the National Guard to NASA. His book Digital Leader propelled him to be voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.

What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube helped Qualman be listed by Forbes and Fortune as a Top 100 Digital Influencer. His business books are used in over 200 universities and he has received an honorary doctorate for his groundbreaking work.

His book How to Sell on LinkedIn is becoming mandatory reading for sales teams. Qualman was formerly a sitting professor at Harvard & MIT’s edX labs. “The digital age has brought an unprecedented focus on branding, especially social reputation. We feel Erik’s remarks will strike a chord with our customers as they look for new ways to connect with their consumers,” says Petrivelli.

For more information, attendees and suppliers should visit www.keystonebigshow.com or contact their Keystone representative.

Keystone is the leading distributor and marketer of aftermarket automotive products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service and innovative marketing support. Keystone is committed to expanding its offering to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them what they need, when they need it most.

February 24, 2018 Gaylord Texan and Convention Center, Grapevine, TX

KEYSTONE AUTOMOTIVE OPERATIONS, Exeter, PA.

Keystone Automotive Operations is excited to announce the return of BIG Show sponsor, WEATHER GUARD® for the eighth consecutive year. “We’re ecstatic to return as the 2018 BIG Show title sponsor. It’s one of the most effective ways we have found to connect one-on-one with our customers” says Lenny Colasuonno, Senior Vice President of Sales. “We utilize the time at BIG Show to showcase new products, hear what is working, and learn how we can improve the products and services we provide to help our customers be even more successful selling WEATHER GUARD® products. The fact we get to do it while having a little fun is a bonus” he adds.

A highlight of the WEATHER GUARD® sponsorship will be a concert following the show opening on Friday February 23^rd.  BIG Show guests are invited to kick up their heels with Tim Montana from 8:30 pm – 10 pm at the Glass Cactus. This up and coming band has been dubbed as one of Rolling Stone’s “Artists You Need to Know.”

The BIG show opens Friday, February 23, 2018 from 6 to 8 pm with a reception on the show floor followed by the WEATHER GUARD® concert. On Saturday, February 24 the exhibit hall will be open from 9 am to 6 pm and will feature more than 200 exhibitors with new products on display and the best deals of the year. The show concludes with a closing reception from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday at the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel & Convention Center on in Grapevine, Texas.

Previously, Keystone held two (2) events annually, BIG Show East and BIG Show West. “This year, we’re combining our two events to create a BIGger, Better experience all under one roof. Our new one-show format will draw on the best elements of each event and be a destination for customers from all over the US and Canada to learn about new products while having the chance to capitalize on some of the best buying opportunities they will find anywhere,” remarked Fred Petrivelli, Keystone VP of Sales.  

For more information, attendees and suppliers should visit www.keystonebigshow.com or contact their Keystone representative.

Keystone is the leading distributor and marketer of aftermarket automotive products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service and innovative marketing support. Keystone is committed to expanding its offering to meet the ever-growing needs of its customer base, providing them what they need, when they need it most.

WEATHER GUARD® is an industry leader in truck and van equipment, including truck boxes, drawer units, shelving, cabinets, and racks for trucks, vans and utility vehicles. WEATHER GUARD® organizes trucks and vans for greater productivity and provides tools and valuables superior protection against break-ins and weather.

February 24, 2018 Gaylord Texan and Convention Center, Grapevine TX

KEYSTONE AUTOMOTIVE OPERATIONS, Exeter, PA. Gary Comer, Founder of Lands’ End, once said, “Worry about being better; bigger will take care of itself.” That was exactly the perspective the Keystone team took when they decided last year to host one big North American event in 2018 - do a thing they really do well and do it better. Keystone’s focus on improving the BIG show and delivering a quality, value-rich experience for their customers and suppliers will prove Mr. Comer’s prophetic words true.

“The 2018 BIG Show will combine the best of our East and West Shows in one location making this the largest exhibit we have ever had – hosting more suppliers under one roof than ever before,” said Bill Rogers, Business Leader for Keystone. “That means we will have a broader representation of products from all the aftermarket segments for our attendees to see. It will be the perfect place for any aftermarket retailer or jobber, regardless of their focus, to see trends and new products that they can offer their customers. Our focus on better really has resulted in something a lot bigger,” adds Rogers.

The BIG show will be a truly North American event. Customers from all over the US and Canada will be in attendance. This intersection of geography and market interests will make for a really dynamic buying and educational environment for all attendees. “By leveraging all of our resources together for one event we plan to show our customers how we can support them in growing their business in the changing retail environment we all operate in. The bigger show experience will allow people to see more, do more and learn more,” commented Fred Petrivelli, Keystone Sales Leader.

New products and exceptional buying opportunities from hundreds of suppliers will continue to be a mainstay at the event. In order to give attendees more time to take advantage of all the activities, the BIG show will be open up for active buying during the reception on Friday night. That means more Power Hours, more deals and more time to connect with suppliers and peers during the largest distributor aftermarket event in North America.

No BIG Show is complete without a little fun and entertainment. “The Keystone Events team has been working around the clock to ensure that guests to the BIG show have an exceptional experience. On the floor activities and prize drawings, vehicle giveaways, concerts and more will keep everyone in attendance hopping,” says Melissa Holland, Keystone Events Manager. “We deliver a complete show experience and have struck the perfect balance between business and fun with our offering in 2018,” she adds.

For more information, attendees and suppliers should visit www.keystonebigshow.com or contact their Keystone representative.

Keystone is the leading distributor and marketer of aftermarket automotive products and services, uniquely positioned to offer customers and suppliers substantial scale, the most comprehensive inventory selection in the industry, high levels of customer service and innovative marketing support.

“I think if you're an entrepreneur, you've got to dream BIG and then dream BIGger.”

Howard Schultz
(executive chairman of Starbucks and a former owner of the Seattle SuperSonics)

THAT WAS EXACTLY OUR THOUGHT PROCESS WHEN WE DECIDED TO HOST ONE SHOW THIS YEAR — do a thing we do well, BIGger and better. The 2018 BIG Show will combine the best of our East and West Shows in one location. The BIG Show will have the largest exhibit space we have ever used and we will be hosting more suppliers under one roof than we ever have. That means we will have a broader representation of products from all the aftermarket segments for our guests to see. It will be the perfect place for any aftermarket retailer, regardless of their focus, to see trends and new products that they can offer their customers.

Our plan is to make the BIG Show a North American event. We will be inviting customers from all over the world. The intersection of geography and market interests should make for a truly dynamic environment for all our attendees. By pulling all our resources together for one event we hope to show our customers how we can support them in growing their business in the changing retail environment we all operate in.

New products and exceptional buying opportunities will continue to be a mainstay at the event. To give people more time to take advantage of all the activities, we will be opening up our show for active buying during the reception on the first night. That means more Power Hours, more deals and more time to connect with suppliers and peers during the largest distributor aftermarket event in North America.

No BIG Show is complete without a little fun and entertainment. We’ve got plenty of that in store, too. On the floor prize drawing opportunities, vehicle giveaways, concerts and more will keep everyone in attendance hopping.

2018 will bring other events and programs in line with our plans to enhance the experience for our jobbers, and reach and exposure for our suppliers. Stay tuned for more details.