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South Point Hotel and Casino to host KnowledgeFest and the Industry Awards
North Andover, MA (June 21, 2021) – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announces a new location for KnowledgeFest™ West to be held at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on February 18-20, 2022. For the past three years KnowledgeFest West was held in Long Beach California where attendance grew each year while attracting more retailers from outside the typical 300-mile radius.
“Although Long Beach exceeded our expectations as our fastest growing KnowledgeFest event, Las Vegas is a more convenient destination for accommodating retailers traveling from many locations on the West coast and from Canada” said MEA President, Chris Cook.
KnowledgeFest Las Vegas will kick off the 2022 Education and Trade-Show line up which includes Indianapolis (April 1-3), Orlando (June 10-12) and in Dallas (August 26-28). Now with four events across the country, KnowledgeFest solidifies its position as THE Mobile Electronics industry’s educational venue featuring member exhibitors showcasing their latest products and technology for attending retailers.
Adding to the excitement, the winners of the 2021 Mobile Electronics® Industry Awards will be honored at the new Las Vegas event. “The Industry Awards will be better aligned to celebrate a full year of recognition.” stated Cook. “The mobile electronics industry will celebrate those that exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, business ethics, service, and expertise.”
KnowledgeFest 2022 will showcase more than 100 exhibitors, representing over 125 brands. The education and training will represent 500+ hours of Owner/Sales/Installer Workshops and Vendor Training sessions. It will attract more than 6,000 attendees throughout the year seeking to learn more about their profession, networking with like-minded industry professionals, and discovering new technologies, products, and services from exhibitors.
“With over 25 years of serving the Mobile Electronics Industry, KnowledgeFest is established as the most respected educational event of our time.” stated MEA Chairman, Tony Frangiosa. “MEA and the mobile electronics industry are set to succeed well into the future as retailers coast-to-coast take advantage of this valuable experience.”
For more information and to register for KnowledgeFest, visit KnowledgeFest.org
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Becomes new home to kick off the year for the Mobile Electronics™ industry
North Andover, MA – March 7, 2022 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) introduced a new location for a KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas marking an important milestone for retuning the industry back to Las Vegas with an exciting and record-breaking event.
Held at the South Point Hotel and Convention Center, February 18-20, the event hosted more than 1,500 attendees, 50 exhibitors with over 30 show vehicles and 80,000 sq.ft. of indoor exhibit space. The experience also delivered over 100 hours of informative vendor training and targeted educational workshops that took place over the three-day event.
“The Las Vegas event had an exciting energy that we attribute in part to how long it has been since we all were together as an industry,” said Chris Cook, president of MEA. “Looking at the numbers, we were excited going into the event, but the turn-out and attendee engagement was beyond our expectations. Many industry members shared that it felt like a homecoming for our industry.”
MEA keeps that momentum going for 2022 as KnowledgeFest goes coast-to-coast with three additional events: Indianapolis, Orlando, and Dallas. Now with four strategically located annual events, Mobile Electronics specialists—both retailers and manufacturers—have recognized the great value of KnowledgeFest for delivering education, manufacturer training, and the opportunity to network while reviewing the latest technologies.
“Las Vegas exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the event as nearly all signed up for KnowledgeFest Las Vegas for 2023.” said Chris Cook, president of MEA. “Their show of support coupled with the great reviews from the attendees solidifies Las Vegas as a new home for KnowledgeFest.”
The event closed Sunday evening with the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards hosted by the Mobile Electronics® Association and Sponsored by new MEA partner, SNAP Finance. Top awards went to Marty Adamschek - Installer of the Year, Titan Motoring - Retailer of the Year, Robert Kowatch - Sales Pro of the Year, and HKI USA - Vendor of the Year. The full list of winners can be found at MEIndustryAwards.com.
MEA thanks its partners and sponsors for their help in supporting the Las Vegas event and the Mobile Electronics industry.
Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
• April 1-3, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN
• June 10-12, 2022 – Orlando, FL
• August 26-28, 2022 – Dallas, TX
• February 3-5, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
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Top Manufacturers announced new products, provided great exhibits, and important training sessions
North Andover, MA – June 16, 2022 – The Mobile Electronics Association, the Industry’s Leading Trade Association, reports a successful year two in Orlando. The first step was establishing the event in 2021. While a launch mid-pandemic was a challenge, it solidified this new KnowledgeFest as an important event for the southeast and beyond. Year two provided growth in every area including the number of exhibitors, education and training sessions, and attendees.
The event boasted 60,000 sq. ft. of exhibits, include more than 45 exhibitors representing more than 60 brands, and more than 100 hours of dealer education workshops and vendor sponsored training. Attendance was strong for a second-year event with nearly 900 industry professionals in attendance.
“KnowledgeFest Orlando is our newest event, and it is exciting to be celebrate a strong forth event that caters to the Southeast, mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and beyond,” said Chris Cook, President of MEA. “KnowledgeFest now delivers a truly coast-to-coast footprint when combined with our other events in Las Vegas, Indianapolis, and Dallas that combined now serve over 4,500 specialty retailers nationwide.” KnowledgeFestis the only industry event devoted exclusively to the mobile specialist, the installing dealer.
For more information and to register for KnowledgeFest, visit KnowledgeFest.org
Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
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-- August 26-28, 2022 - Dallas, TX
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-- February 5-7, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV
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-- May 5-7, 2023 – Orlando, FL
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-- June 23-25, 2023 – Indianapolis, IN
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-- August 2023 – Dallas, TX
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
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The best of the best of the Mobile Electronics Industry were honored for their accomplishments
Las Vegas, Nevada – February 20, 2022 – The Mobile Electronics® Association (MEA) announced the winners of the 2022 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. The awards were presented Sunday evening at the conclusion of a successful KnowledgeFest Las Vegas event. The awards recognize and honor professionals in the mobile electronics industry that exhibit outstanding service, business ethics, professionalism, and expertise in their field.
Chris Cook, President of MEA, hosted the event which was attended in person and viewed online by thousands of industry professionals, including family and friends, from the United States and around the globe. Top honors for Installer of the Year went to Marty Adamschek of Andres Electronics – Courtenay, BC. Retailer of the Year was awarded to Titan Motoring – Nashville, TN. Sales Pro of the Year went to Robert Kowatch – Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security – Anchorage, AK. and Trusted Tech of the Year went to Adam Devine - Devine Concepts - Naples, FL. Vendor of the Year went to HKI USA and Distributor of the Year went to DOW Electronics.
“Congratulations to all the nominees, finalist, award winners”, stated Chris Cook, MEA President. “Their accomplishments set a high standard for the Mobile Electronics Industry.” Going forward, MEA will continue to hold the Industry Awards at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas.
Installer of the Year
Marty Adamschek – Andres Electronics – Courtenay, BC
Retailer of the Year
Titan Motoring – Nashville, TN
Sales Pro Award Winner
Robert Kowatch – Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security – Anchorage, AK
Trusted Tech Award Winner
Adam Devine – Devine Concepts - Naples, FL
Rookie of the Year
Jacob Mallette – Car-Tunes, Inc. – Greensville, MS
Most Improved Store or Chain
Sudbury Car Audio – Sudbury, ON
Best Online Presence
NVS Audio – Roselle, NJ
Best Customer Retention Program
SoundsGood – Coquitlam, BC
Best Customer Experience
SoundsGood – Coquitlam, BC
Best Store Culture
Titan Motoring – Nashville, TN
Customer Choice Award
Sound Evolution – Houston, TX
Expeditor of the Year
Titan Motoring – Nashville, TN
Distributor of the Year
DOW Technologies
Rep Firm of the Year
12-Volt Specialists
Rep of the Year
Johnathan Mercado – GoFast Solutions
Vendor Support Tech of the Year
Jason Ewing – Firstech
Vendor of the Year
HKI USA
Top Vendor: Autosound & Processing
Sony
Top Vendor: Security, Safety and Driver Assistance
Firstech
Top Vendor: Accessories and Materials
Metra Electronics
Top Vendor: Infotainment & Multimedia
Sony
Top Vendor: Powersports & Marine
JL Audio
Top Vendor: OEM Integration
AAMP - PAC
Top Vendor: Lighting
Metra – Heise Lighting
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
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Finalists to submit materials for judging to determine final winners
North Andover, Mass., – December 28, 2021 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced the finalists for the 2022 Industry Awards earlier today, live on its Facebook page. MEA President, Chris Cook held the Finalists Presentation, in which The Top 12 Retailers, Top 12 Installers, Top 5 Technicians and new Top 5 Sales Professionals and other awards were announced. Also noted were the "Top 3" and "Top 5" awards for finalists in the vendor, vendor tech support, expeditor, sales rep, rep firm and distributor categories, as well as the top 5 Technicians denoting the finalists for the coveted Trusted Tech award. Each "Top" award recipient will receive a signed wall certificate.
While the final stage of the Industry Awards will be held in Las Vegas during KnowledgeFest, Cook noted that the announcement produced its own set of winners.
"It's important to recognize that making it to the Top 12, Top 5 and Top 3 categories signals a major achievement in this industry," he explained. "It means that these individuals, stores, brands and companies are part of a unique group that represents the best of our industry. We're overdue in recognizing the significance of their efforts, and I am proud to create a special event for that purpose.
Some of the award categories are decided solely on industry votes. For these, the top vote-getter will be announced at KnowledgeFest as the ultimate winner of the category. For the Top 12 retailers, Top 12 Installers, Top 5 Technicians, Top 5 Rookies, and Top 5 Sales Professionals, each recipient will need to submit additional materials for judging to determine the winner in each category.
The finalists lists can be viewed at meindustryawards.com by clicking on the Winners tab and selecting '2022' winners. To view the 2022 Industry Awards Finalists Presentation, visit the Mobile Electronics magazine page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MobileElectronics. The final awards will be announced at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebration during the KnowledgeFest trade show and conference in Las Vegas, February 20, 2022. For more information, visit www.meindustryawards.com.
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
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Strong Attendance Expected for KnowledgeFest™Las Vegas
State of Nevada joins New York and California removing the mask mandate
NORTH ANDOVER, MASS., February 11, 2022 — The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA)reported today that advance registrations indicate a much higher than expected attendance at next week’s KnowledgeFest Vegas event. This is the first KnowledgeFest to be held in Las Vegas which will now host the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards, as retailers and vendors are gearing up and looking forward to meeting in person again.
Yesterday, Nevada’s governor announced that masks are no longer required for in-door events, joining New York, California, and most of the rest of the country, who have either removed the requirement or announced a plan to in the near future. The Nevada announcement is effective immediately and supported by the South Point Hotel and Casino. This will allow KnowledgeFest Vegas attendees to have the option to wear a mask or not.
“These are certainly unique times where companies recognize that business continues and the mobile electronics industry needs to come together to support them” stated Chris Cook, MEA President. “The show must go on and the record number of attendees are being heard loud and clear”. MEA now projects attendance to reach 1,500 which would be a record for a first-year new venue. Previous KnowledgeFest locations included Dallas, Indianapolis, Long Beach, and Orlando.
KnowledgeFest Vegas will be a three-day event featuring hundreds of hours of education utilizing three workshop tracks (Owner & Manager -- Sales & Marketing -- Technician & Fabricator), manufacturer specific training sessions, and over 80,000 square feet of exhibitor space with more than 50 booths, capped off with an evening of celebration and entertainment as the industry recognizes the best-of-the-best at the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards.
Discount rooms are still available at the beautiful South Point Hotel and Casino (located on the Las Vegas Boulevard about five miles from Mandalay Bay) and online advance registration, along with schedule and details, is available at KnowledgeFest.com.
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest™, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
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Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
- February 18-20, 2022 – Las Vegas, NV
- April 1-3, 2022 - Indianapolis, IN
- June 10-12, 2022 - Orlando, FL
- August 26-28, 2022 – Dallas, TX
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October 28, 2021, North Andover, Mass — The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), producer of Mobile Electronics magazine, announced that industry professionals can now submit their nominations for inclusion in the 2022 Industry Awards. Nominations will be accepted until November 14th.
The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebrate companies and individuals that best exemplify the highest standards of quality and service excellence. Winners represent the industry at-large to consumers and act as ideal examples to better peers within the industry. The process starts with nominations submitted online and via video. A panel of judges selects the Top 50 Retailers, Top 50 Installers, and Top 20 Sales Professionals, which are eligible to move on to the second phase of the awards process. In addition to the retailer nominations, the process for recognizing top vendors, sales reps and firms, and distributors is open for nominations as well. Final awards are given out at a special ceremony held on the last day of KnowledgeFest Las Vegas held February 18-20.
“The Industry Awards process is one of the most anticipated events in the mobile electronics industry,” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “It’s the one time when professionals are called on to promote themselves in one phase, then reach out to their peers and customers for support in the next phase. The final phase is a grueling preparation of materials for judging that often reveals aspects—both positive and negative—of a person’s character or work ethic, or a business’ focus and direction. Most who have gone through the process say it is as fulfilling as it is challenging.”
Mobile Electronics is accepting nominations through its special website at www.meindustryawards.com. Nominees submit a short video outlining their qualifications. Retailers, installation technicians, vendors, distributors, and sales representatives have until November 14th to submit nominations.
Complete information on the Industry Awards, including rules, award descriptions, past winners, eligibility requirements, instructions and submissions can be found at www.meindustryawards.com.
About the Mobile Electronics Association
Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is a trade association comprised of installing dealers and product vendors dedicated to serving the needs of the mobile electronics specialist industry. MEA owns and produces KnowledgeFest, regional trade-only industry events that combine educational programming and vendor training with a trade show floor. MEA owns and publishes the monthly Mobile Electronics® magazine, which is the industry’s #1 resource, as well as other digital media, including websites and the industry’s e-newsletter Hotwire. MEA provides software and data-driven services to vendors and retailers. Learn more at mobile-electronics.com.
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[Click Here] to Read the Latest Mobile Electronics magazine Editor Forum in the Digital Magazine
What’s New for 2022?
If you’re considering getting involved in the Industry Awards, there’s no better time than the present
If you’re considering getting involved in the Industry Awards, there’s no better time than the present
The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards comprises a months-long process to recognize and honor those in the industry who best exemplify the professionalism, business ethics, service and expertise we want consumers to notice when they do business with us.
Candidate companies and individuals submit video nominations and are narrowed to a list of finalists after a selection or voting process. In certain award categories, finalists submit material that’s judged by a select panel to determine a winner. In other categories, final voting tallies determine the winner. In past years, the awards ceremony has been held on the last day of KnowledgeFest in Dallas, hosted by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA). But as you probably know by now, this coming year will see the industry’s return to Las Vegas.
Refreshing the awards process
Many in the industry have expressed a wish that the Industry Awards undergo a refresh. You let us know, and we listened. We’ve gathered a committee of past award winners in various categories to discuss the best way to evolve and to honor our industry participants. This fresh presentation of the Industry Awards allows for clear progression from one award to the next, further encouraging winners to continue pursuing excellence as they advance in their careers.
Many in the industry have expressed a wish that the Industry Awards undergo a refresh. You let us know, and we listened. We’ve gathered a committee of past award winners in various categories to discuss the best way to evolve and to honor our industry participants. This fresh presentation of the Industry Awards allows for clear progression from one award to the next, further encouraging winners to continue pursuing excellence as they advance in their careers.
As part of this refresh, we’ve engaged some of the new committee members to help explain what’s new for 2022 via online video presentation. Kicking it off are Jeff Smith and Dean Beyett—both of whom have won Industry Awards in the past—to preview the changes. The entire video presentation can be found on the Mobile Electronics magazine Facebook page [Click Here]. To help us all stay on track and aware of our deadlines, we’ve created a clear timeline that’s now listed on the homepage at www.meindustryawards.com. In addition, the submission process has been refined to make it easier to create your submission and video. Most of the changes are related to the retailer and installer awards, with a couple of new awards for the vendor community.
Here’s a summary of the changes
The Installer of the Year will consist of one award with no runner-up. All of the questions for the initial video submission have also been streamlined and presented in order. We also reduced the number of years of experience required from five to two years.
The Installer of the Year will consist of one award with no runner-up. All of the questions for the initial video submission have also been streamlined and presented in order. We also reduced the number of years of experience required from five to two years.
The Trusted Tech will now be selected by the judges from the Top 50 Installers and no longer requires a separate nomination.
The Rookie of the Year Award will allow submissions for both installers and salespeople with up to two years of experience.
The Retailer of the Year will have two categories: Single Store and Multi-Store, with no runners-up.
Finally, Retailer Performance Awards will now be selected by the judges from the Top 12 Retailers. Alternates will be included in the selection. In the past, awards such as Best Online Presence and Best Customer Retention required their own nomination. This time, if you’re a retailer and you get picked into the Top 12—including alternates—when you make your second video, those questions will be included to allow the judges to recognize retailers who excel in specific areas.
For the Top Vendor Awards there are two new categories:
Lighting – products or technology related to lighting and appearance for automotive, marine, and power sports, lighting solutions.
OEM Integration – products or technology that integrates into an automobile’s electrical/data systems for audio, video, steering wheel control, remote start, and or any product or technology that allows for integration for an installed product.
Also, we will recognize the Top Vendor Support Technician who best exemplifies the characteristics of professionalism, service, and expertise, as voted by peers, staff and judges throughout the Industry Awards process.
All retailer awards will allow for self-nominations with a second, as well as blind nominations. Once you’ve been selected for Top 12 and Top 5, there will be a new outline and set of questions. Turn in your nominations by midnight on November 14 for consideration. On the deadline, all nominations must be received along with the videos. Be on the lookout for on the Top 50 and Top 20 announcements on December 3. We’ll make these announcements via video, and we’ll list them on the Industry Awards website.
Spread the Word at KnowledgeFest
KnowledgeFest Dallas will be held December 10-12. If you attend, you’ll get an additional ribbon to display on your badge that recognizes your place on the Top 50 or Top 20. This is a great way to encourage peers to vote for you during the event. Voting for that round ends on December 19 at midnight.
KnowledgeFest Dallas will be held December 10-12. If you attend, you’ll get an additional ribbon to display on your badge that recognizes your place on the Top 50 or Top 20. This is a great way to encourage peers to vote for you during the event. Voting for that round ends on December 19 at midnight.
Recognition for the Committee
The Mobile Electronics Association would like to extend a special thank you to all the Industry Awards committee members for their time and contributions.
The Mobile Electronics Association would like to extend a special thank you to all the Industry Awards committee members for their time and contributions.
Dean Beyett: IOTY Runner Up 2020, Five Star Car Stereo, Clearwater, Fla. Top 12 Installer 2019. Top 5 Trusted Tech 2019.
Bryan Piper: Trusted Tech winner 2015. He was also a Top 50 Installer in 2015. He worked at Bay Area Audio Visions, Corpus Christi, Texas. Top 12 Installer in 2016 while at Resonance Auto Craft, Corpus Christi, Texas. He now works for Cerwin Vega and Diamond Audio.
Kris Bulla: Rep of the Year winner 2016, while working for DOW Electronics. He now works for Sony (Actionlink) and is the president of MECP.
Ata Ehdaivand: Top 50 Retailer 2016, Absolute Electronix, Rockville, Md. Trusted Tech winner 2017. Most Improved Store winner 2017. Top 12 Installer 2017, 2018. Top 12 Retailer 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Best Online Presence winner 2019. Top 50 Installer 2019.
Elias Ventura: Sales Pro winner 2017 while working for Sound FX, Lewes, Del. He now works for HKI, SounDigital and Ground Zero.
Jayson Cook: Sales Pro winner 2019 Columbus Car Audio and Accessories, Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Car Audio and accessories, Best Customer Experience winner 2018.
Jason Kranitz: Two-time Retailer of the Year winner 2011 and 2017, Kingpin Car and Marine Audio. Retailer of the Year runner-up winner 2016. Top 12 Retailer 2015. Installer of the Year winner. Top 12 Installer 2015. Top 100 Installer 2014. Best Customer Experience winner 2017. Sales Pro winner 2020. Top 5 Sales Pro 2018.
Jeff Smith: Installer of the Year winner 2009.
We’ll explain the rest of the process as the Industry Awards roll out.
The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards will be presented on the last day of KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, February 18-20, 2022. See you there!
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