As we transition from spring new product introductions to summer events, we will be highlighting events attended by MKA staff throughout the country. Enjoy and as always, let us know if you need anything! – The MKA Crew
May 4, 2022: DAS Show – Lancaster, PA
Jay Lambert, NE Area
This is the first year for this “combined” show, with DAS bringing together their Travel Center and Mobile Electronics shows into one. Turnout seemed solid, particularly on the travel center side. It was interesting to see the level of interest from those customers as many of them inquired about 12v/automotive products that might sell well in their stores. On the regular mobile electronics side of things, there were lots of great questions from DAS customers, many of whom sent their installers to the show. Comments we caught included on how accent/underglow lighting is “coming back” strong. Customers from both sides of the DAS business are looking for ways to branch out from their core offerings given today’s market.
May 12 & 14, 2022: F100 Nationals – Pigeon Forge, TN
John Iannotte, SE Area
A fan favorite, the Grand National F-100 Show is the largest Classic Ford Truck Show open to ’96 and older Ford Trucks. Overflowing with trucks each year – if you’re a Ford enthusiast you must be here! John already has this young fan sporting our decals.
May 13-14, 2022: C10 Nationals – Fort Worth, TX
Matt Ross, MINK/TX/OK Area
Thought the C10 craze had passed? Wrong! Texas Motor Speedway was packed with not just C10 Square Body trucks, but also ¾ ton and 1-tons. This event has evolved into one of the biggest truck specific events in the Midwest. Being as it’s the C-10 Nationals this was mostly all ‘67-‘87 Chevy trucks with more and more OBS trucks coming every year. Matt did see had a good mix of Chevy body styles that were lowered. He also noticed more ¾ and 1 Ton trucks (and duallys) than he’d seen in one place – many of which were dropped. While the car or spectator count isn’t typically given, Matt said the infield was packed on Saturday and the vendor midway stayed very busy.
“We fielded more questions about square body specific year ranges than anything else. Friday was slower and even though it was 100 degrees all weekend this was an enthusiast crowd. Great show for us!”, said Matt.
May 13-14, 2022: Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals – Carlisle, PA
Jay Lambert, NE Area
What do you see at a Carlisle Show? The weekend had Honda’s, Subaru’s, Volvo’s, SAAB’s and Mitsubishi’s all over the fairgrounds. And yes, there were your typical showing of domestic vehicles too. The A&A sales crew commented on experiencing strong sales in the tent. All the Carlisle shows cater to a variety of customers throughout the year. If you haven’t been to the August truck event, it’s another one not to miss!
May 16-17, 2022: Leonard’s Open House – Greensboro, NC
John Iannotte, SE Area
Ever-expanding with retail stores in the Piedmont area, John was on hand at the local Embassy Suites for Leonard’s vendor showcase.
May 21, 2022: Clemson 4×4 – Clemson, SC
John Iannotte, SE Area
Turned into a Fun Run for 2022, there were over 400 Jeeps participating at the Clemson 4×4 event! This marked the event’s 11th year, and also happened to be John’s 68th birthday!
May 25, 2022: National Performance Warehouse – Miami, FL
John Iannotte, SE Area
With the Dawg Days of Summer rolling in South Florida, John was catering (literally!) to just about 100 of NPW’s hard-working staff. NPW has recently opened its new 200,000 square-foot Hialeah warehouse. The future is strong with the Pacey’s leading NPW across the country. Thanks to John for providing lunch to all the employees and various local dignitaries on hand.