KONP HOME SHOW – LARGEST ANNUAL EXHIBITION EVENT ON THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA
How does KONP organize and pull off the largest annual event on the Olympic Peninsula, despite having a staff of less than a dozen people? They prepare almost year-round and enlist the help of professional event production specialists and both local Kiwanis Club volunteers.
“We love the KONP Home Show and this year’s event will be every bit as special as people have come to expect. Last year was our big reboot after two years off due to Covid and it was as though we never missed a beat,” said KONP owner Brown Maloney. “We fully expect this year’s to be as exciting as last year and even better than ever.”
Organization for the 39th annual KONP Home and Lifestyle Show started last March, immediately following last year’s show at Port Angeles High School.
Sales Manager Kevin Murphy noted, “It’s almost getting to be an ongoing year-round process,” as staff teams up to look at what went right and eye possible improvements.”
Last summer, KONP sales and marketing began contacting exhibitors, looking for those interested in returning for the 2024 event, then marketing for replacement vendors to sell out the show.
While many stalwart local businesses have returned to the same booth locations at the Home Show, Murphy said KONP attempts to “keep the show fresh” with new faces, including many startup ventures from local and Puget Sound areas.
The transformation of the Port Angeles High School gymnasium from an athletic facility to the Home Show venue starts on Thursday night prior to the event. This is where our many Kiwanis and Key Club members kick in and help us roll out the mats and wiring. The Kiwanis provide us invaluable assistance and support and have for many years.
Once Saturday morning rolls around, the Home Show doors open for thousands of Peninsula residents who take advantage of the free admission. KONP staff welcomes the event kickoff.
“Once Saturday morning rolls around, we can kinda relax because the show sort of takes care of itself”, Murphy said. “The exhibitors – that’s their time to shine. It’s all about them, and we’re just there as a caretaking role, to observe and be available.”
The KONP Home Show will take place on Saturday March 9, at 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Admission is FREE. For more information, please call 360-457-1450.