Keller Marine and RV is retooling for a virtual show after recent Pennsylvania coronavirus restrictions put a stop to the company’s in-person aftermarket event.
Originally scheduled Dec. 15-16 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Keller’s new virtual format will give vendors and dealers an extra day to access show features via the TradeWise platform Dec. 16-18.
“Moving on your feet is the key to this one,” President Mike Keller said in regard to the change.
Keller originally planned to host virtual walkthroughs following the in-person event. That platform now will serve as the main show, set to go live starting at 8 a.m. Dec. 16.
“[The event] is three days as a virtual show, but we feel trading will go on long after that,” Keller said.
The company will accept show orders until Jan. 8., but show day-only specials will need to be placed within the event period to receive maximum deals, the company stated. Promotions, cash-back opportunities and other event features will be available like they would be in-person, Keller said.
Dealers and 225 registered vendors will be able to have independent meetings, which likely will take place via phone rather than the show’s software.
“If [dealers] can be called on the phone, they can be doing something else and still pick up,” Keller said. “Vendors can act like they’re at the [in-person] show with dealers.”
Registered vendors and customers will be given individual links to the event. Registration is available on the Keller Marine and RV website under the customer service tab, or by calling 800-326-9766.
“We have prayed a lot about the direction of this show,” Keller stated. “When the door closed on the in-person show, we are thankful we can open a window and go with our back-up plan, the virtual show.”
The company noted that dealers who place orders during the event’s three-day period will be entered to win one of nine large-screen 4K Smart TVs. Names will be drawn throughout the show for cash giveaways, Keller stated. Dealers must be in the show system at the drawing’s happening to win.
This is the second event in 2020 that Keller Marine and RV has reformatted with limited time. The company had to move its November open house to a new venue in just six hours following a tropical storm warning.
“You better be nimble,” Keller said in regard to company planning. “You can’t get stuck in any groove; you have to be able to move fast and change.”
“We are excited about what we will learn from this virtual experience to carry into the future, and appreciate the understanding and support of our amazing vendors and customers,” Director of Marketing Lori Morrow stated.
