KnowledgeFest Indy Brings the Experience East

Another Record-Setting Event

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – March 29, 2018 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced attendance for its March 16-18 KnowledgeFest® event in Indianapolis, Indiana. Following a successful first-time event in Long Beach, California earlier in March, KnowledgeFest Indy, now in its fourth year, was another record-setting event with year-over-year growth for all KnowledgeFest events continuing in 2018.

Held in the Indiana Convention Center, KnowledgeFest Indy 2018 attracted more than 950 attendees, including more than 630 dealers, a thirty percent increase over 2017. KnowledgeFest Indy is the only industry event dedicated to the mobile electronics specialist, the installing dealer. And, KnowledgeFest is the only mobile electronics tradeshow east of the Mississippi; attracting dealers from more than ten surrounding states, as well as the east coast, “near east” cities like Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo and Rochester, and Canadian cities like Toronto and Ottawa.

Forty-five exhibitors packed a sold-out trade show floor. KnowledgeFest is unique in that it combines a tradeshow floor with educational programming and training for dealers. Indy featured sixty hours of manufacturer training and thirty hours of educational sessions focused on management, sales and installation. Billed as “Spring Training”, KnowledgeFest Indy is scheduled to allow dealers to get training on new products just coming to market and to kick-off the spring season.

“Indianapolis has become a great venue for us, our attendees and exhibitors. We continue to attract manufacturers from the specialty sector of our industry who don’t exhibit at other trade shows and who want to get their products and new technologies in front of our audience of mobile specialists, the installing dealers,” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “The opportunity for manufacturers to train dealers adds value to manufacturers and the dealers overall KnowledgeFest experience. Having Davis Distribution’s presence in Indy has helped drive attendance from nearby markets, and I thank them. As a Massachusetts-based business, we continue to focus on driving attendance from the northeast, New York City and Philadelphia. These dealers aren’t going to Vegas, so we need to communicate that KnowledgeFest Indy is accessible to them, inexpensive to attend, and a high-value experience.”  

KnowledgeFest is three regional events covering the eastern (Indianapolis), central (Dallas) and western (Long Beach) US and Canada. The next 2018 KnowledgeFest takes place in Dallas from August 17-19. For more information go to www.knowledgefest.org.

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®, events in Long Beach, Indianapolis and Dallas 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.

KnowledgeFest Set to Achieve

Theme for 2018-2019 trade shows and conferences announced

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS., June 11, 2018 — The Mobile Electronics Association™ (MEA) announced “Achieve” as the theme for its 2018-2019 KnowledgeFest™, a series of three trade shows and conferences. KnowledgeFest is the premier education and networking event for the mobile electronics industry. Each year a theme is selected to represent the events and to support both the attendee and exhibitor in their quest for learning. "Achieve" will be depicted on all show signs and artwork; signifying a call for industry professionals—whether installers, sales, or owners—to take their expertise, drive and professionalism to a higher level.

“After carefully evaluating the changing trends that directly affect the mobile electronics community, we chose ‘Achieve,’” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “That one word defines it: ‘To successfully bring about or reach a desired objective, level, or result by effort, skill and courage.’ What must you learn to be proficient in your profession? If you are ready to achieve success and want to make sure you have done everything in your power to ensure it, take the next step and register for an upcoming KnowledgeFest.”

The first KnowledgeFest of the of the 2018-2019 series takes place August 17-19 in Dallas at the Dallas Convention Center and Omni Dallas Hotel. 2019 events include Long Beach February 22-24 and Indianapolis March 16-18.

This year’s KnowledgeFest Dallas is growing with more manufacturer trainings and more exhibitors, including new exhibitors from growth categories such as power sports, connected car, and driver assistance and safety. The expanded show floor gives attendees the opportunity to see and hear new product and consider new business opportunities.

Registration for KnowledgeFest Dallas 2018 is open to all mobile electronics retail industry professionals and technicians. Attendees will be able to select and reserve space in education and training courses in the coming days. For more information and to register online, please visit knowledgefest.org.

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™, events in Long Beach, Indianapolis and Dallas 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.

Set to open August 20, KnowledgeFest 2016 will focus on its theme of "SHIFT." The theme stresses the importance of adapting to changing market conditions in the industry. The show, sponsored by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), will feature 50 exhibitors, a variety of manufacturer trainings and a change in the format of classes. 

"The educational component of the conference will “SHIFT,” changing from individual classes to three-class courses," said Chris Cook, president of MEA on the KnowledgeFest website, kfest.me. "Each course is intended to enhance the attendee’s educational experience with graduated lessons from class-to-class, as well as a broader view of how the chosen curriculum works within the store structure. Attendees who complete each course will receive wall certificates marking their achievement."

Setting a new record for pre-registration, 1,000 industry members signed up for the event ahead of time according to Cook. Courses include Elminate Walkers: 5 Out-of-the-Box Closing Strategies, Training and Retention: A Storewide System That Works For Everyone. and many more. 

The first day of sessions has seen a scheduling change due to inclement weather. "The Perfect Pic: Better Photography to Promote Your Business" will be moved to Monday at 3:40pm in Cortez C&D. "Public Relations: Let the Media Market For You" on Monday is cancelled. There will be no class held in Cortez C & D on Saturday at 11am. "Several conference speakers experienced cancelled flights due to the severe weather outbreak Friday afternoon and could not make it in to the Dallas area in time for their presentation," Cook said. "We apologize for the inconvenience." 

The event will also include a town hall session with manufacturers discussing integration technology and the highly anticipated Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. KnowledgeFest is being held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas from August 20-22. Visit the KnowledgeFest web site, kfest.me, for more information.

15 Focused Classes, Expanded Show Floor and Brand-Specific Training Sessions Await Industry Attendees

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – March 3, 2016 – Mobile Electronics, dedicated to the growth and education of retail establishments in its industry, has announced that registration is open for its second annual KnowledgeFest Spring Training tradeshow and conference. The three-day event spans April 8-10 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Attendees can also reserve seats in the series of workshops and training sessions that will comprise the educational part of the event.

KnowledgeFest Spring Training features 15 educational workshops, segmented into three tracks to cover topics related to owners and managers, sales professionals and installation technicians. In addition, more than 50 brands welcome attendees to ask questions and experience the latest gear in the 42,000-square-floor exhibit area, and several hold separate training sessions to familiarize attendees with features and selling tactics of their new-for-2016 products.

"We're very proud of the fact that the instructors for our educational series all come from our industry," said Chris Cook, president of Mobile Electronics. "It not only speaks to their willingness to share their experiences for the benefit of their peers, but also to the respect they've earned as evidenced by the hundreds of professionals who come here every year to learn from them."

KnowledgeFest is the only venue that is solely dedicated to the mobile electronics industry. Through its workshops, exhibit floor and networking events, it serves to provide a meeting ground on which professionals can learn, share ideas and collaborate on solutions to common issues facing the industry.

Bryan Schmitt, president and lead instructor at Mobile Solutions in Tempe, Ariz., has been a presenter at KnowledgeFest spring and summer events for more than eight years.

"I'm pleased to continue to be a part of KnowledgeFest, and as a result, part of the industry community," said Schmitt. "Every year my team and I try to bring something fresh to teach attendees. I look forward to the opportunity to give technicians productive tips to take back to their stores."

Professionals who wish to attend KnowledgeFest Spring Training can register at www.knowledgefest.org/attendees/attendee-registration. Mobile Electronics members may attend at no charge. The fee for non-members is $149.00; however, the fee is waived if the person is invited as a VIP by an exhibiting manufacturer.

Prospective attendees can view and register for available workshop classes, reserve seats and print out a personalized itinerary at http://bit.ly/KFSpring16. Seating may be limited in some workshops, and those with reservations will be given priority access over walk-ins, according to Cook, who also noted that professionals must register to attend KnowledgeFest—in addition to workshop reservations—to participate in workshops and have access to the exhibit floor.

To simplify the process for attendees, the KnowledgeFest Spring Training schedule classes, trainings and events is available only online this year. The schedule can be accessed at www.kfest.me. 

The site offers several page sections, including Events, Workshops, Manufacturer Training, Exhibitors, Sponors, and a Gallery section with updated photos of the event. On-site registration is available through the website as well, to expedite the process. 

This year's event features a networking event, town hall meeting, manufacturer trainings and an invitation-only after party, hosted by Davis Distribution. For more information on the events at KnowledgeFest Spring, visit http://kfest.me/kfevents.html. 

Industry-dedicated show readies for Dallas event, Industry Awards

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – April 18, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) – The Mobile Electronics Group completed the second Spring Training session of KnowledgeFest, an education and exhibiting conference series centered on advancing the knowledge and expertise of mobile electronics retail and technical professionals. Held April 8-10 in Indianapolis, the show boasted more than 750 attendees and over 40 exhibitors.

"We are extremely pleased with the turnout of the event," said Chris Cook, Mobile Electronics Group president. "We had a steady presence of retailers during exhibit floor hours and workshop attendance was strong. Exhibitors we've spoken to are pleased with the traffic they received, both in their booths and their individual product training workshops. In fact, onsite we received strong commitments from exhibitors to come back to Indy next year."

Eight meeting rooms rotated educational and manufacturer training workshops throughout the show. Attendees received peer-based instruction, tips and advice through 18 workshops segmented for owners and managers, sales professionals and installation technicians. An additional 40 workshops were allotted to exhibitors whose trainers conducted brand-specific instruction, with most opening their workshops to prospective as well as current authorized retailers.

The KnowledgeFest show schedule has been adjusted over the past few years to improve efficiency and make the time more valuable for attendees and exhibitors.  On the last day of this year's spring training venue, the exhibit floor hours were moved to the morning and educational workshops finished off the day, resulting in more face time between manufacturers and attendees. 

The next KnowledgeFest event takes place August 20-22 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Now in its seventh year, the Dallas conference will feature more classes, a larger show floor and the finale of the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. For more information, visit KnowledgeFest.org.

New Long Beach KnowledgeFest Announced for 2018

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – April 18, 2017 – Mobile Electronics® has completed its KnowledgeFest® Spring Training Indianapolis. Now in its third year, this KnowledgeFest event held April 9-11 at the Indiana Convention Center has grown to more than 800 attendees and 32 exhibitors. KnowledgeFest Events are educational and exhibiting events whose audience is the mobile electronics specialist, the installing dealer.

Centered on advancing knowledge and expertise, KnowledgeFest Events educate, inform and empower mobile electronics retail and technical professionals. KnowledgeFest Spring Training featured over 29 hours of educational sessions, 39 hours of manufacturer training, and 14-plus sours of exhibit time. Spring Training highlights manufacturers’ new products now shipping and kicks-off the mobile selling season.

"Our Indy event continues to grow year-over-year," said Chris Cook, Mobile Electronics president.

“There were two drivers behind our creation of this event: First, to offer our retailer members the opportunity for training and networking; and, second, to offer our manufacturer exhibitors the opportunity to meet with their retail accounts east of the Mississippi, the mobile specialists they’re not seeing in January in Vegas. Exhibitors we spoke with onsite at space selection for our 2018 events were pleased with the traffic they received, both in their booths and their training workshops. We received strong commitments from exhibitors to come back to Indy next year and to participate in our new Spring Training Long Beach.”

In Indianapolis, Mobile Electronics announced it was adding a third KnowledgeFest event for 2018. A second Spring Training event in southern California at the Long Beach Convention Center February 23-25.  “With many manufacturers’ U.S. headquarters located in southern California, the Long Beach location allows manufacturers to meet with dealers in their own backyards and train on new products,” said Cook. “And, it allows us to offer a regional, yet nationwide approach to training and exhibiting with KnowledgeFest events in Indy for the east, Dallas central and Long Beach west.”    

For 2018, KnowledgeFest Spring Training returns to Indy and the Indiana Convention Center on March 16-18. The next KnowledgeFest event for 2017 takes place August 12-14 in Dallas at a new venue, the Dallas Convention Center. Now in its eighth year, the Dallas KnowledgeFest will feature more classes, a larger show floor and the finale of the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. For more information, visit knowledgefest.org.

8-21-2016 -- During the town hall panel on the KnowledgeFest opening night, five industry vendors presented their opinions on the industry's current status and how it can adapt to changing technological threats, including OEM advancements. The answers centered on the need for retailers to stay on top of ermerging technology and finding a way to communicate its usefulness to consumers.

The presenters included Jeff Fay from Harman, Brett Riggs from AAMP Global, Mark Ruttledge from Automotive Data Solutions, Manville Smith of JL Audio and Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions. After the conclusion of their presentations, Chris Cook, president of the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), asked the panel several questions about how the industry can "SHIFT" with technological trends. Core ideas from the group included using passion to drive innovation, which will in-turn inspire customers to want to learn more about 12-volt products, taking products out into the community to events as a marketing tool and relating to customers by installing powerful systems in the vehicles of those who are selling. 

"We need our own systems in our cars," stressed Schmitt, who received an applause for the comment. "We need something compelling. I put a system in my wife's car and played her favorite artist, Norah Jones. She cried and I thought 'This is what it's all about.'" Jeff Fay added to the idea by suggesting owners/managers install systems in their employees' cars to help empower them to take more ownership of both the products and business as a whole. 

The event closed a successful opening day that saw classrooms filled to capacity with many attendees having to stand in the halls while watching classes through doorways. The event continues through Monday, concluding with the Industry Awards on Monday night. For more information, visit kfest.me.

NORTH ANDOVER September 12, 2016—Mobile Electronics® announced final figures for its August 20-22 KnowledgeFest educational conference and show in Dallas. Record-breaking attendance topped more than 1,300 mobile electronics industry professionals. The increase over 2015 can be attributed to more attendees from outside the Texas region, more attendees from the West Coast and more attendees from the Midwest and upper Midwest.

Nearly 500 attendees were from outside the six-hour drive from Dallas, a measurement used by Mobile Electronics to gauge its attendee market. With a growing Indianapolis KnowledgeFest, more mobile specialists have discovered the educational workshops and training offered at KnowledgeFest and are willing to travel to take advantage of this programming. KnowledgeFest has become the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational event. Dealer attendance at the over 80 hours of workshops and trainings in Dallas increased greatly over 2015.

“We are fast becoming this industry’s showcase for new technology, product and educational programming,” said Chris Cook, president of Mobile Electronics.

The Dallas show floor featured a record-breaking 53exhibitorsrepresenting the top brands in the mobile electronics industry and specialist channel.

In 2017, KnowledgeFest will return to Dallas in August. KnowledgeFest Indianapolis takes place April 10-12 at the Indianapolis Convention Center. For more information, go to KnowledgeFest.com.

NORTH ANDOVER January 3, 2017 — Mobile Electronics® announced that after its record setting KnowledgeFest attendance in Dallas, it has secured larger exhibit halls for both its 2017 KnowledgeFest events. It’s moving the KnowledgeFest Dallas show and educational conference to the Dallas Convention Center. Dates for the 2017 Dallas event are August 12-14. 

“KnowledgeFest Dallas is growing with more exhibitors, programming and attendees,” said Kerry Moyer, vice president strategic partnerships, Mobile Electronics. “2016 was a record-breaking event. We had to redraw the exhibit floor four times to accommodate the number of new exhibitors. With growing booth sizes, to meet our and our exhibitors’ needs, we decided it was time to move from the hotel-based venue to the larger show floor provided by the Dallas Convention Center.” 

Also, for 2017, Mobile Electronics is moving its Indianapolis-based KnowledgeFest (April 10-12) to a larger hall in the Indiana Convention Center. “We started small, and now in our third year, we want the flexibility to meet expected growth,” said Moyer. KnowledgeFest “Spring Training” is the kickoff event for the new products being introduced now. Manufacturers can train and educate dealers on features, benefits and installation techniques of their new products. 

KnowledgeFest shows and educational conferences are the electronics industry’s only events specifically targeted to the 12-volt mobile specialist, the installing dealer. KnowledgeFest three-day events combine an exhibit floor featuring the top brands in mobile electronics with educational workshops and manufacturer training sessions; making them the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational events.

For more information, go to www.knowledgefest.org.  For exhibit sales, contact Kerry Moyer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The Mobile Electronics® group has added 7,500 square feet of exhibit space to make room for its new exhibitors at the second annual KnowledgeFest Spring event in April. Attendance for this year’s trade show and training event is expected to double over the previous year as a result of several manufacturers incorporating their regional training efforts into KnowledgeFest Spring 2016.
The event will be held April 8-10, 2016 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The Spring Training show floor is projected to feature more than 50 brands from manufacturer and vendor exhibitors throughout 42,000 square feet of exhibit space and 10 meeting rooms.
The Spring Training event provides dealers a top-notch venue in the midst of the new-product shipping season, allowing attendees and exhibitors to network and train on the latest mobile electronics technology. First time manufacturer exhibitors for KnowledgeFest Spring include
JL Audio, Sony, AudioControl, AAMP Global and Accele, all of who will be holding brand specific training on-site for their authorized dealers.
“We are extremely pleased to have these new exhibitors join us at KnowledgeFest Spring Training 2016, most of them have been supporting our Dallas event for several years” said Chris Cook, Mobile Electronics Group President. “Their support recognizes this event as the best opportunity to provide quality sales and installation training during the launch of their new products and services introduced earlier this year at CES”.
KnowledgeFest Trade Shows and Conferences are the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational events. This year’s events combined will offer more than 80 hours of business management, sales and installation training along with nearly 120 hours of manufacturer specific training. Additionally, some of the industry’s best known training organizations such as BusinessWorx, Del Ellis International, Mobile Solutions, Sonus Evolution and MECP will also be participating and exhibiting.
In 2016, KnowledgeFest will also return to Dallas August 20-22. For more information about either event, go to KnowledgeFest.org.

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• -- August 26-28, 2022 - Dallas, TX
• -- February 5-7, 2023 – Las Vegas, NV
• -- May 5-7, 2023 – Orlando, FL
• -- June 23-25, 2023 – Indianapolis, IN
• -- August 2023 – Dallas, TX