Trade Show Triumph: How Iron Peacock Events Delivered for 4Front at NADA 2025
After months of planning, a powerhouse team, and a bold vision, everything was set for 4Front Engineered Solutions at NADA 2025. Then, an unexpected snowstorm shut down New Orleans, stranding specialists and creating logistical hurdles that threatened to derail the entire exhibit. But Iron Peacock Events had other plans.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, held January 23-26, put Iron Peacock Events (IPE) to the test as they managed 4Front Engineered Solutions’ trade show booth amid unpredictable conditions. As one of the largest auto industry trade shows, NADA attracts more than 20,000 attendees, bringing together dealership executives, industry suppliers, and key decision-makers.
Despite travel delays, shipment challenges, and an unprecedented winter storm, IPE’s unwavering dedication, problem-solving, and sheer grit ensured everything came together against the odds.
Pre-Event Planning: Setting the Stage for Success
For 4Front Engineered Solutions, the primary goal of the event was business development—strengthening relationships with existing clients, engaging new prospects, and fostering partnerships. A powerhouse team of nine marketing leaders, engineers, and national and regional sales staff represented three major 4Front brands: Albany Commercial Automatic Doors, Epic Commercial Fans, and Dynaco.
However, the event posed unique challenges from the start. The booth location presented an obstacle—positioned toward the back of the trade show floor with two large support columns obstructing visibility. Rather than let this hinder engagement, IPE strategically designed a layout that maximized visibility and interaction.
The movement of the Epic Fan over the booth and the opening/closing of the demo door became a key attention-grabber. The motion naturally drew attendees in, serving as a powerful visual confirmation of what 4Front was offering the auto dealer industry.
Weathering the Storm: Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
Despite an unprecedented ten inches of snow, NADA 2025 still moved forward, bringing together top industry leaders, cutting-edge products, and high-value networking opportunities. However, for IPE, getting the booth set up for 4Front was anything but easy.
A snowstorm hit Tuesday night, shutting down New Orleans entirely—including airports. As a result, critical product specialists couldn’t arrive in time to install the 300-pound industrial fan or the 2,500-pound demo door—both key components of the exhibit.
With minimal labor available and key specialists stranded, Iron Peacock Events had to pivot fast.
Thanks to expert coordination, the team adapted by:
Working with show services and IPE Installation & Dismantle teams to navigate labor shortages.
Leveraging Facetime with engineers to power up the demo door remotely.
Using video instructions from the client to ensure the fan and door were installed correctly.
Staying on the show floor until 1 a.m. to complete the exhibit installation the night before the show opened.
Against all odds, everything was fully operational by showtime.
An Outstanding Outcome
While the weather created significant challenges, the show moved forward. Many pre-scheduled client and partner meetings were canceled due to travel disruptions. However, every possible meeting that could take place did.
With lower overall attendance, exhibit staff had more time for each client. Instead of quick interactions, they engaged in deeper conversations and progressed further down the sales path—an opportunity that’s rare at a fast-paced trade show.
Even with the storm’s impact, 4Front achieved its business development goals. The team scanned leads with several new prospects who showed interest in multiple solutions. It became a case of quality over quantity, where longer, more meaningful conversations led to stronger connections.
“Thank you so much for getting this all together in our absence. You are an absolute legend! We really can't thank you enough.”
—David King, Specialist, Marketing Communications, 4Front Engineered Solutions
This kind of resilience and execution under pressure sets IPE apart—keeping clients’ objectives on track, no matter the circumstances.
Why Resilient Event Execution Matters
Trade shows are about more than just showing up—they’re about standing out. When unpredictable challenges arise—whether it’s weather disruptions, labor shortages, or delayed shipments—an experienced team ensures the event stays on track.
"This event reminded us that true event management isn’t just about logistics—it’s about adaptability. When logistics and snowstorms turn things sideways, we get creative, stay focused, and find solutions that keep our clients' objectives on track."
—Sally Mainprize, Iron Peacock Events
Without the right team in place, these challenges could have led to delays—or worse, a canceled exhibit setup. Instead, Iron Peacock Events leveraged strategic problem-solving, hands-on collaboration, and decades of expertise to keep everything moving forward seamlessly.
That’s the difference true professionals make.
What’s Next for IPE and 4Front?
The success of NADA 2025 laid the groundwork for a growing partnership. Iron Peacock Events is now set to manage three more events for 4Front in 2025—proof that seamless execution leads to long-term collaboration.
This partnership is just getting started, and future collaborations will continue to build on the success achieved at NADA.
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