MOUNT JOY, PA — Kinsey’s 13th Annual Dealer Show (KDS15), held February 20 – 22 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pa., was marked by significant changes to both ordering processes and event activities. New technology and services were unveiled with a dedicated focus on empowering the dealer. Excitement was enough to lure attendees from near and far despite frigid temperatures.
Perhaps the most innovative adaptation, Kinsey’s ordering went completely electronic through a partnership with J. T. Smith, the authority on trade show automation. Dealers benefited from expanded hours and remote ordering convenience — login information allowed orders to be entered during a relaxing stint in the lodge lounge or back in the comfort of their hotel room. Further, the digital interface provided supreme data accuracy and easy-to-obtain reporting.
The hallowed halls of Kinsey University opened its doors. This program strives to create a knowledgeable customer base that fosters growth and promotes better business for dealers and Kinsey’s alike. The courses offered Saturday and Sunday morning covered money-making front-end sales (Kinsey’s newest category) and setting up a reliable point-of-sale system.
The remaining curriculum for 2015 also was formally announced. Kinsey University will be strengthening dealers’ knowledge with Bow Technician Training and Crossbow 101 courses in the next few months. Interested retailers are urged to act fast as seating is limited. Contact Kinsey University Coordinator, Kurt Smith at KSmith@KinseysInc.com for more information and to register.
“It was great to get Kinsey University started out with our two business seminars. We got some really good feedback and I think those dealers who attended came away with some knowledge that will really improve their business,” said Smith. “There was also a lot of interest in the Bow Technician and Crossbow 101 sessions, so I think they will be filling up rather quickly. It’s really exciting to see so many dealers eager to learn so they can better serve their customer.”
This year’s KDS Hot Show also was recreated to be a more engaging event, allowing dealers to attend on multiple days. But the amazing savings on products that drive a great deal of business did not change, and participants left with wide smiles after receiving deep discounts on category-leading products.
Those who sought hands-on experience benefited from the shooting lanes in the Field Logic bow testing room. Leading manufacturers showcased their new-and-improved crossbows and compound bows, while fielding questions about exciting advancements in their technology.
KDS staples — Casino Night (brought to participants by HHA and Easton) and Dealer Appreciation Night (sponsored by Limbsaver, Carbon Express and G5) — rewarded dealers and vendors with memory-making evenings. Thousands of dollars in prizes, give-aways and refreshments were doled out to attendees. Country music and recording star, Rodney Atkins, treated fans to an encore-worthy performance featuring six Number One songs — complete with genuine crowd interaction and an exclusive meet-and-greet after the show.
At the close of the Show, a drawing sponsored by vendors represented by William Gartland and Associates, was held and two 2015 Polaris ATVs were won by lucky dealers!
In short, KDS15 delivered on its reputation as the margin-maximizing event that shouldn’t be missed. Those who attended cashed in on discounts, made relationships and learned skills that set up their businesses for success this year.
Kinsey’s 14th Annual Dealer Show, KDS16, will once again be hosted at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pa. from February 26 – 28, 2016.
