FLAGSHIP PERFECTION /// CASE STUDY /// BRAND DEVELOPMENT /// MILESTONES /// THE DKN LEGACY

FLAGSHIP PERFECTION /// In 1998, Founder & CEO Kevin M. Yee began with a vision to create an automotive event never before seen in Canada. The automotive aftermarket was booming to new heights, as enthusiasts were ready to participate in this all-new phenomenon. Thus, the Darknights Nationals (DKN) was born, and instantly claimed the tile as the largest sport compact car show and lifestyle event in Canada.

During its seven year triumph the Darknights Nationals was Canada’s leading authority in showcasing the latest trends in the automotive and lifestyle industries. Covering more than 1,000,000sq.ft of both indoor and outdoor space and attracting more than 1,800 competing vehicles across North America. In addition, DKN hosted more than 150 exhibitors with an impressive 35,000 plus spectators annually over the two days event.

The event also had numerous show stopping features and attractions which included the FMX Motocross and Street Bike Stunt Show, Jeep Crushing Showdown, Phat 50’s Mini Bike Race, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Action Sports Theater, Foosball and Gaming Tournaments, and Graffiti Competition just to name a few. Not to mention, the main attraction of the 1,800 plus vehicles competing respectively in the Darknights Outlaw Challenge (DOC), Darkworld "Luxury Division", Trucknights, and the Bikers District. Furthermore, the Darknights Nationals boasts a show staggering Tri-Stage Entertainment Showcase, in three respective featured areas, that including everything from the latest music groups to the infamous Miss Darknights, Miss Trucknights, and Miss DOC Beauty Pageants.



DARKNIGHTS RETIRES /// The Darknights Nationals endured and superseded virtually every challenge thrown its way, regardless of the rain, or the overzealous police presence, or other competing shows, or even SARS, Darknights always found a way to crush through any obstacle in its path. More impressively, Darknights continued to improve the show quality, entertainment, features, and most importantly the sponsorship, corporate presence, participants, and attendance continued to grow (resiliently) on a yearly basis. It seemed as if nothing was ever going to stand in the way of the Darknights Nationals, until that faithful year in 2006, when Yee arguably had to make the most difficult decision of his thriving entrepreneurial career…

"I started the industry from ground up. Create and generated tens of millions for the Canadian economy. Created the most wanted brand of the Generation-X era, but unfortunately the future of this industry was looking far too cloudy." – Kevin Yee, Founder & CEO

...After the record shattering success of the 7th Annual Darknights Nationals, Yee ultimately decided to announce the early retirement of the legendary show while it was still at the "APEX" of its game. Going out the "Michael Jordan Championship" way was the only suitable solution for an event of this caliber. Times where shifting, the industry was changing, and Yee recognized that unless certain expansion criteria were met, including a new venue, that it would all eventually come to an end as it has for so many other car shows and lifestyle events today.

What many don’t know, and now you will, was that Darknights had already started to outgrow the 105 acres venue by the 4th year of the show. As such, and for years leading into its retirement, Yee search far and wide for another venue capable of hosting the event. Downsizing and settling for just any alternate venue was simply not an option. Yee even considered and actually began the initial process of building a venue from ground up, the Darknights Entertainment Complex (DEC), which ultimately would have provided the perfect playing ground for the show including all the expansion needs. During Yee’s efforts to get the required zoning and permits for multiple pieces of land, the concept of the DEC eventually came to a halt in 2008 as a result of the work, time, and energy required for the development of the 10th World Wushu Championships. (See Case Study /// 01)

None the less and moving forward, with today’s trying economy, world recession, and major automotive manufacturer bankruptcies, Yee’s prediction of the aftermarket tuner industry were spot on accurate including the decision to halt the DEC project. The Darknights journey has provided Yee with numerous business opportunities along with countless friendships and great business relationships. Most importantly, Darknights gave Yee a brand name that many would simply call Flagship Perfection.

"The best part about retiring at the top of your game is that you’ll always remain on top of the game!" - DKN