Keystone Automotive Operations has named Erik Qualman as the keynote speaker for the distributor’s 2018 BIG Show at the Gaylord Texan and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

The keynote speech is set for 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, prior to the show opening at 6 p.m. The show will continue the next morning on Feb. 24.

“Our BIG show is bigger than ever this year and we wanted to add a Keynote Address as a new component to our program,” said Fred Petrivelli, vice president of sales for Keystone Automotive Operation. “We are always looking for ways to help our customers and believe that delivering thought provoking content and solutions that can expand the way they think about their business is important.

“We are very grateful of Warn’s sponsorship of Erik Qualman and helping us provide an educational and entertaining jumpstart to our event.”

Qualman is a best-selling author and motivational speaker who has performed in 49 countries and reached 25 million people during the past decade. His Socialnomics work has been featured nationwide, including on 60 Minutes and in the Wall Street Journal, and used by the National Guard to NASA. His book Digital Leader propelled him to once be voted the second most likeable author in the world behind Harry Potter’s J.K. Rowling.

What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube helped Qualman be listed by Forbes and Fortune as a Top 100 Digital Influencer. His business books are used in over 200 universities and he has received an honorary doctorate for his work.

His book How to Sell on LinkedIn is becoming mandatory reading for sales teams. Qualman was formerly a sitting professor at Harvard & MIT’s edX labs.

“The digital age has brought an unprecedented focus on branding, especially social reputation. We feel Erik’s remarks will strike a chord with our customers as they look for new ways to connect with their consumers,” Petrivelli said.

For more information, attendees and suppliers can visit www.keystonebigshow.com or contact their Keystone representative.