deplorably ergophobia: NTP Dealer Convention Sees Record Attendance

Friday, February 24, 2012

NTP Dealer Convention Sees Record Attendance | RV Business

Attendance at NTP Distribution Inc.?s 2012 National Dealer Conference was the largest the industry distributor has seen in its 30-plus years of shows, more than doubling in size from just two years ago, according to a press release.

The show, which marked the Wilsonville, Ore.-based company?s 50th year of operation, ran February 21-23 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Greg Boyd, president of NTP, attributed the dramatic attendance increase to several factors beyond the excitement over the company?s milestone and its recent acquisition by Keystone Automotive Operations Inc.

?A lot of factors outside of it being our 50th have combined to make this an incredibly successful event,? he said. ?Of course, everyone?s excited about our recent partnership with Keystone, but there?s a lot of interest in the new product lines we?re offering. I also think we?re starting to see dealer confidence rise as the economy starts to level out.?

The three-day event began with a full day of vendor workshops and product training seminars along with a cocktail reception to preview the show floor. The next day the company celebrated their 50th anniversary with dinner and entertainment on-board the USS Midway. The final day of show activity included lunch with an address by Boyd.

NTP launched several new initiatives including Home & Road, the company?s first private label mattress offering, a truck accessories program designed to help RV dealers expand their product mix, and several new marketing initiatives, including an exclusive on-demand marketing portal.

Ed Orzetti, CEO of Keystone Automotive Operations, called the conference a huge success, echoing the feedback from both vendors and dealers alike.

?This has been my first opportunity to attend an NTP show,? Orzetti said. ?Not only was the venue phenomenal, the energy in the room was contagious. NTP puts on a first-rate conference.?

NTP will return to San Diego for their 2013 show. For more information about NTP Distribution, visit?www.ntpdistribution.com.