March 25^th, 2020

Last Friday, we communicated our intent to transition The BIG Show to an online event to be hosted on eKeystone.com, from Tuesday through Friday, March 31 – April 3.  Since then, more than twenty states have implemented “shelter in place” orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic with seemingly more to come.

This is a fluid situation and as you can imagine, we have given these latest developments much thought as well as solicited feedback from our Customers and Suppliers. Based on these discussions, we have concluded that it is in the best interest of all involved parties that we postpone the online BIG Show. As we continue to monitor the developments in this situation over the next few weeks, we will decide on the best course of action to present an online version of The BIG Show.

Our team is hard at work developing unique content and sections of eKeystone dedicated to the event.  This decision allows us more time to collaborate with our suppliers on content and video presentations that will enable us to deliver a first-rate Customer experience.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding, flexibility, and support as we alter our approach based on the environment in these challenging times.  Please look for further communication over the next week or so that will include details and updates on our BIG Show Online efforts.

The Keystone Team

Due to escalating concerns about the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and in following the guidance of numerous organizations and government officials, the decision has been made to cancel The BIG Show scheduled to be held in Grapevine, Texas March 27 -28, 2020.

Our priority as an organization is the health and safety of our customers, suppliers, and employees so it has been determined that taking this step will reduce the opportunity for exposure to the virus.

We understand that there are questions and concerns regarding participation and attendance at The BIG Show. We are in the process of developing answers to address many of these issues along with additional updates that will be available via email and The BIG Show homepage.

Given that another date was not available, we are planning on moving the show to a virtual environment. While the details are still in development look for a further communication on our plans for the Virtual BIG Show.

We thank you for your understanding and continued support.

The Keystone Team

As the 2020 BIG Show approaches, Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. is aware of the questions regarding safety and travel concerns pertaining to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) for those who will be attending the event March 27-28 in Grapevine, Texas.

As of March 10, 2020 we are continuing to receive registrations and will be proceeding with The BIG Show as scheduled.  Our priority is the safety of all event participants and we continue to monitor organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as regional and national government agencies and organizations.

We are in close contact with the venue and our partners to ensure appropriate precautions are in place which include but are not limited to training, additional cleaning measures and increased sanitation units throughout the event.

We will continue to provide updates via email and The BIG Show homepage and look forward to welcoming you to Texas for The BIG Show. 

EXETER, PA –  Keystone Automotive Operations is proud to announce that Chris Kersting, president and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), will be presenting the Keynote Address to open The 2020 BIG Show at the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. As the CEO of the trade association dedicated to helping businesses involved with vehicle customizations for the past 18 years, Kersting will be sharing his uniquely qualified perspective into trends and patterns that provide insight on where the automotive industry is heading.

“When selecting a keynote speaker, we looked for an individual that would exemplify this year’s theme: Our Vision for Serving the Aftermarket,” said Keystone Automotive Operations President, Bill Rogers. “Chris is an industry advocate, and as he leads SEMA into the new decade, he plays a vital role in many aspects of the automotive aftermarket. We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off The 2020 BIG Show and we’re looking forward to hearing Chris’ insights.”

Kersting will be discussing several factors and how they are impacting the future of the automotive industry, including the increase in electrified and alternative fuel vehicles, interest from the youth market and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Keynote attendees will learn more about what will power our vehicles in the future, if the next generation is interested in cars and how government regulations will affect the automotive industry. As he connects the dots between past, present and future indicators, Kersting will paint a realistic picture of disruptions and opportunities in the automotive aftermarket.

The BIG Show opens March 27 with Kersting’s keynote address presented by LEER, 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.

“There are few individuals who possess the insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the automotive aftermarket than Chris Kersting,” said John Aleva, President and COO - Truck Accessories Group / LEER. “As SEMA CEO, he has an important viewpoint on these timely topics that will resonate with BIG Show attendees. We are proud to be sponsoring this informative and educational keynote address.”

The Keystone BIG Show, presented by Weatherguard, brings the leading 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.

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

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.

About SEMA

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $44.6 billion specialty automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, IN. For more information, visit www.sema.org, www.semashow.com, or www.performanceracing.com.

Chris's BIO

Christopher J. Kersting, CAE

President & CEO

Specialty Equipment Market Association

Chris Kersting has been president and CEO of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) since July 2002. He is the fifth staff executive to lead the trade group since its founding in 1963.

As president and CEO, Kersting has led SEMA’s growing influence in the automotive industry through a series of innovative programs and services that help the association’s more than 7,500 member companies capture new business opportunities. With a focus on programs targeted to small businesses, he has championed initiatives that include industry collaboration on vehicle technology, industry data standardization, and strong legislative and regulatory advocacy.

Kersting became a SEMA staff member in 1996 when he joined the Washington, D.C., office as vice president of legislative and technical affairs. As the association’s lead representative in the nation’s capital, he successfully urged lawmakers to pass bills that protected the interests of SEMA member companies and challenged government regulation in order to maintain innovation and growth in the aftermarket industry.

Early in his career, Kersting worked for SEMA as outside general counsel and government affairs representative. He also handled legal matters for SEMA member companies, as well as industry institutions such as the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) and Auto International Association (AIA).

A Certified Association Executive (CAE), Kersting received his law degree from Washington College of Law, American University in 1989 and graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1985.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kersting currently resides in Pasadena, California with his wife and family dog.  In his spare time, he enjoys getting outdoors to mountain bike, backpack and ski, that is, when he isn’t home-brewing a tasty pale ale.