A record number of training classes and participants highlighted the KOI Auto Parts-Federated Cavalcade of Customs, organizers said.

Held in January at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, KOI and Federated also hosted a record number of students at Student Day, which annually kicks off the Cavalcade.

“This year’s Cavalcade was incredible and I want to thank everyone from Federated, Fisher Auto Parts and KOI who helped make it such a great success,” said Dave Wesselman, vice president of KOI region. “We provided more progressive and varied training than ever before, covering all facets of our business, including parts, paint, equipment and business management. The result was increased registration of over 20 percent from last year and because of this, we were also able to offer classes to more than 300 of our own parts professionals.”

As part of the popular annual event, Federated and KOI hosted special seminars for shop owners. Larry Pavey, CEO of the Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) and president of Federated Auto Parts, delivered a presentation entitled, “Tackling Future Technology – Demystifying the Technology Challenge of the Coming Years,” which drew more than 250 shop owners. In addition, more than 70 vendor partners were on hand for a booth show, displaying products and answering questions for attendees.

“Larry Pavey gave a very compelling presentation, which was extremely well-received by our shop-owner customers,” Wesselman said. “I want to thank him and everyone at Federated who volunteered their time to help with our training sessions. I also want to thank our vendor partners who help make the Cavalcade a huge success every year.”

On the opening day of the Cavalcade, KOI hosted its annual Student Day, which gave approximately 400 students from local high schools, adult education programs and colleges the opportunity to attend a morning session in which they heard testimonial presentations from successful auto care professionals.