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31 Mar

SiriusXM Offers Free Access To Streaming Service Through May 15

SiriusXM Offers Free Access To Streaming Service Through May 15

With millions currently staying home, SiriusXM opens access in North America via the SiriusXM app and at SiriusXM.com/streamfree
Announcement made by Howard Stern broadcasting from his home.


Featuring 300+ channels of news and information, entertainment, escape, and companionship across ad-free music channels, plus channels of live news, faith-based content, comedy, sports talk, politics, and on demand content.


New #StayHome Radio channel brings happy, feel-good music
The Billy Joel Channel and Dave Matthews Band Radio channels return, plus The Top 1000 (songs) Channel.

 

NEW YORK, March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SiriusXM and Howard Stern today announced that starting today through May 15, SiriusXM will start offering free access to its full lineup of Premier Streaming content to listeners in North America.  Howard kicked off the unprecedented Stream Free access this morning while hosting The Howard Stern Show, on channel 100, from his home.

SiriusXM Select and All Access subscribers already have access to this great content included with their subscriptions.  Anyone who is not already a SiriusXM subscriber can download the SiriusXM app or go to SiriusXM.com/streamfree, and start listening free of charge, with no credit card or commitment required. 

"With so many people asked to stay at home, we are making our full streaming lineup of music, entertainment, news and information easily accessible to everyone," said Jim Meyer, SiriusXM CEO.  "In the days ahead, we hope it's a valuable source of information or diversion, a generous mix of fresh live content, and a source of companionship that comes from the hosts on our many shows and channels.  And there was no better way to launch the Stream Free content than with Howard this morning."

Listeners will have free access to more than 300 channels of dynamic programming, featuring the acclaimed TheHoward Stern Show, hundreds of exclusive ad-free music channels, and vital news and information sources.  SiriusXM is also adding entirely new curated content, and bringing back some beloved music channels by top artists.

#StayHome Radio, a feel-good, ad-free music channel, will launch April 1 on the streaming platform and channel 179 on most SiriusXM radios. The channel will feature happy and uplifting songs from artists like Lizzo and Coldplay to P!nk and Bob Marley.

And as people spend time at home, SiriusXM is bringing back The Billy Joel Channel, Dave Matthews Band Radio, and a new channel full of the Top 1000 songs across multiple genres, all available on the SiriusXM app, connected devices, as well as most SiriusXM radios, starting April 1. 

Billy Joel's exclusive SiriusXM channel, The Billy Joel Channel, features music spanning his decades-long career, including songs from his live and studio albums, and Billy telling exclusive stories about his music and career.  Throughout the month, the channel will also air Billy Joel: An Evening of Questions and Answers…and a little music too, which was recorded last year in Miami at the Faena Theater.  It can be heard on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category and on SiriusXM radios on channel 30.

Dave Matthews Band Radio will include music from the band's extensive career, along with exclusive, never-before-heard interview content, and encore airings and highlights from Dave's recent Pay It Forward: Live performance streamed from his home and simulcast live on SiriusXM.  Dave's "live from home" performance can be heard in full Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, Thursday at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, Friday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, and through the weekend.  The channel will also bring back the Friday Night Concert Series, featuring a complete show from the archives every Friday night at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.  While the band is off the road, the Friday Night Concert Series will feature standout shows including the band's 2018 and 2019 tour, originally heard live exclusively on SiriusXM.  Dave Matthews Band Radio can be heard on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category and on SiriusXM radios initially on channel 176. 

The Top 1000 Channel will bring a new genre countdown every two weeks, kicking off with the top 1000 Classic Rock Songs and followed by the top 1000 Oldies songs, Alternative Rock songs (80s to today), Country songs, RnB songs, Hard Rock songs and Hip-Hop songs.  It can be heard on the SiriusXM app and on most SiriusXM radios on channel 177. 

SiriusXM's ad-free music channels offer a wide variety of choices, from favorites The Highway, SiriusXM Hits 1 and our decades channels, to artist-backed channels such as The Beatles Channel, The Garth Channel, Pearl Jam Radio, Grateful Dead Channel, LL COOL J's Rock The Bells Radio, Bruce Springsteen's E Street Radio, and Eminem's Shade 45. 

There are also many additional online-only music channels, including more than 100 Xtra music channels, curated for any mood, occasion or activity, as well as music channels geared toward "relaxing-at-home" listening, such as SiriusXM Chill, Watercolors, and SiriusXM Coffee House.  SiriusXM music channels are home to more than 200 channel hosts who serve as trusted companions to millions in North America currently in their homes. 

Listeners also get live news from major outlets such as CNN, FOX News, CNBC, MSNBC and BBC World Service, and valuable information from channels such as Doctor Radio powered by NYU Langone Health, and Business Radio.  There are also inspirational and faith-based channels, multiple channels of comedy, dynamic sports talk such as Mad Dog Sports Radio, and more. 

SiriusXM's entertainment channels include Radio Andy and SiriusXM Stars, featuring daily live shows covering the latest in pop culture, celebrities, lifestyle, and more.  Listeners can tune in to hear live shows from SiriusXM hosts including Andy Cohen, Jenny McCarthy, Jess Cagle, Jeff Lewis, Bevy Smith, Michelle Collins and more. 

The SiriusXM app also offers additional features such as SiriusXM video, Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora that listeners can curate themselves, and an On Demand library with more than 10,000 hours of archived shows, exclusive music performances, interviews and audio documentaries. 

The SiriusXM app is available on mobile phones, tablets and computers, as well as on a wide variety of connected devices in the home including smart TVs, devices with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more.

About SiriusXM

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the leading audio entertainment company in the U.S., and the premier programmer and platform for subscription and digital advertising-supported audio products. Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S. SiriusXM and Pandora together reach more than 100 million people each month with their audio products. SiriusXM, through Sirius XM Canada Holdings, Inc., also offers satellite radio and audio entertainment in Canada. In addition to its audio entertainment businesses, SiriusXM offers connected vehicle services to automakers and directly to consumers through aftermarket devices. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.

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30 Mar

MEA to Hold Retail Owner & Manager Weekly Webinar

MEA to Hold Retail Owner & Manager Weekly Webinar
North Andover, MA – March 31, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Association will hold a Retail Owner & Manager Roundtable on Thursday, April 2nd at 4:00pm Eastern Time.

Learn what the new legislation means for you as a Mobile Electronics Retailer. Special guest to be announced.

Join Chris Cook of MEA as we provide updates on the impact of COVID-19 on the Mobile Electronics industry.

This is meeting is designed for store owner and managers and we will discuss what the new legislation means for you and your business.

Guest panelist will take your questions and share their knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.

If you are a retail store owner or manager [Click Here] to register.
 
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30 Mar

MEAhelp.com Launched as Resource for Mobile Electronics Industry

MEAhelp.com Launched as Resource for Mobile Electronics Industry

Mobile Electronics Alert - North Andover, MA – March 30, 2020:

The Mobile Electronics Association announces the launch of www.MEAhelp.com as a resource for the Mobile Electronics Industry.

This resource will be updated frequenlty with infomation about: Vital Resources for Retailers, COVID-19 Health Information, Federal & State Resources and Education & Training Events.

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30 Mar

Small Business Association (SBA) for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Relief

Small Business Association (SBA) for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Relief

Mobile Electronics Alert - North Andover, MA – March 30, 2020:

The below link is for applying through the Small Business Association (SBA) for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Relief. This is a short form (5 screens) that can be completed online in a few minutes. MEA recommends that all members that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus apply for this relief.

 

You will need the following information:

1. Business Tax ID or Social Security number

2. Total Sales for the period from 2/1/2019 through 1/31/2020

3. Total COGS (Cost of Goods Sold - which is only what you pay for products for resale) for the same period (2/1/19-1/31/20)**

4. Total Operating Expenses (Total of everything else you paid not including the COGS) for same period (2/1/19-1/31/20)**

5. The date the business was established (usually date of incorporated) and current ownership is the same if it has not changed

6. Select “Automotive Repair” activity and “Automotive – Parts. Accessories” for detailed

7. Number of employees you had employed as of 1/31/2020

8. You will need the full name, address, DOB and social security number of each owner of the business and the % of ownership they have

9. Bank name, account number and routing number

 

**As long as you use a good faith effort in compiling the information, the government is most likely to forgive some errors.


To Start Your Application Click the Button [CLICK HERE]
 
When completed you will be assigned an application number and receive an email for additional information needed once your application is processed. Currently there is not a way to edit the information once submitted.
 
Visit MEAHelp.com for more tips on what other information you may need.
 
 

 

 

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25 Mar

Mobile Electronics Association to Hold Retail Owner & Manager Roundtable

Mobile Electronics Association to Hold Retail Owner & Manager Roundtable
 
North Andover, MA – March 26, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Association will hold a Retail Owner & Manager Roundtable on Thursday, March 26th at 4:00pm Eastern Time.

The moderator (Chris Cook of MEA) will provide updates on the impact of COVID-19 on the Mobile Electronics industry.

Some of the top KnowledgeFest instuctors will take your questions and share their knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.
 
Panelists for the webinar are Tomas Keenan -Top Class Installations, Jason Kranitz - Kingpin University, Bryan Schmitt - Mobile Solutions, Andy Wehmeyer - Audiofrog U

This is meeting is designed for store owner and managers and will discuss issues and opportunities regarding business operations.
 
If you are a retail store owner or manager [Click Here] to register.
 
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04 Mar

KnowledgeFest Indianapolis Sets New Records

KnowledgeFest Indianapolis Sets New Records
NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – March 4, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced that its Indianapolis KnowledgeFest event has become the fastest-growing of the three current events (Long Beach, Calif., Indianapolis, Dallas), based on pre-registration numbers to date. The exhibit space is sold out for the event and an additional hotel was contracted to meet the increased demand. KnowledgeFest Indianapolis is celebrating its sixth year as a regional trade-only education conference and exhibition. More than 1,200 industry experts are expected to attend.
Since KnowledgeFest is a domestic event, it will not be cancelled or rescheduled as a result of the coronavirus concern. There is only one known case (Chicago) within 350 miles of Indianapolis and the convention center is taking precautions by providing continuous cleaning and disinfecting of exposed surfaces, hand-sanitizing stations throughout the facility, and posted reminders about best sanitary practices.
 
Upcoming KnowledgeFest Dates:
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, March 27-29, 2020
NEW for 2020! Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, May 15-17, 2020
Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas, August 14-16, 2020
Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California, February 12-14, 2021
 
About KnowledgeFest
KnowledgeFest is now coast to coast. Its four regional trade-only events cover the eastern, southeastern, central and western US and Canada. KnowledgeFest combines a tradeshow floor with educational programming and training for dealers. KnowledgeFest is the only industry event dedicated to the mobile specialist, the installing dealer. For more information and to register to attend, go to www.knowledgefest.org. For exhibitor sales, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.\" style="color: #000000;">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
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.
 
24 Feb

KnowledgeFest Long Beach Established as Premiere West Coast Event for the Mobile Electronics Industry

KnowledgeFest Long Beach Established as Premiere West Coast Event for the Mobile Electronics Industry
 
NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – February 24, 2020 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) today announced KnowledgeFest™, in its third year at the Long Beach Convention Center, marked another success for education and training. Attendance was more than 1,500 industry professionals, including over 1,000 retailers and distributors. This year the event provided over 30 hours of educational workshops, including three additional sessions in Spanish. Also new for this year were three educational sessions focused on Fleet Safety technologies led by published author and business management expert Tomas Keenan. Key exhibiting companies provided education about new products and services with a record-setting 70 hours of manufacturer training.
 
“The decision was made three years ago to bring premium industry education to the west coast with the first KnowledgeFest in Long Beach,” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “Through the consistent effort of local reps, manufacturers and retailers who have attended our other Knowledgefest events, we have been able to educate local retailers on the benefits of our curriculum, training and networking. The collective hard work has paid off, and exhibitor space selection for the 2021 event finished with over 90% of the available exhibit space chosen. This includes several new exhibitors.”
Coming up next month, March 27-29, KnowledgeFest sets its sights on Indianapolis in a Friday-through-Sunday event at the Indiana Convention Center. KnowledgeFest 2020 will then continue with a new event in Orlando Florida May 15-17 and then concludes the 2020 season with its Dallas event: August 12-14 at the Dallas Convention Center.
 
“The Indianapolis show and education conference continues to be one of our fastest-growing events,” added Cook. “Attendee pre-registration is up 50 percent to date over the previous year. Our 2020 show floor is nearly sold out. We’re looking forward to a great show in Indy, and an exciting first foray into the southeast with the new Orlando show.”
 
Upcoming KnowledgeFest Dates:
  • Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, March 27-29, 2020
  • NEW for 2020! Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, May 15-17, 2020
  • Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas, August 14-16, 2020
  • Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California, February 12-14, 2021
 
About KnowledgeFest
KnowledgeFest is now coast to coast. Its four regional trade-only events cover the eastern, southeastern, central and western US and Canada. KnowledgeFest combines a tradeshow floor with educational programming and training for dealers. KnowledgeFests are the only industry events dedicated to the mobile specialist, the installing dealer. For more information and to register to attend, 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®, 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.
 
24 Jan

Mobile Electronics® Magazine Announces 2020 Digital Strategy

Mobile Electronics® Magazine Announces 2020 Digital Strategy

Mobile Electronics® Magazine Announces 2020 Digital Strategy

Interactive digital format to become more smartphone ready

North Andover, MA (January 23, 2020) – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), producer of Mobile Electronics magazine, announced today a new strategy that will focus on its digital publication which has more than 1.5 million impressions since the digital service first launched a few years ago.

For more than 35 years, Mobile Electronics magazine has been the industry’s premier information and education publication, including current topics like Real World Retail, What’s Happening, Difference Makers, Strategy and Tactics and Tech Today. None of that will change, and it will continue as a monthly publication featuring its rich content.  

As a digital focused publication, Mobile Electronics magazine will deliver more timely information while tracking which content is more interesting to the readers and provide quick links to advertiser websites and other valuable resources. The magazine will feature KnowledgeFest supplements (Long Beach, Indianapolis, Orlando and Dallas) with timely content of the latest information for each event.

“We have a new challenge to leverage faster, more interactive and more vibrant mediums to educate, inform and empower you (our readers),” stated Solomon Daniels, Mobile ElectronicsÒ editor-in-chief. “The book format will evolve into something else that will be more intuitive to electronic formats; we will be able to gauge your opinions in real time, share your advice one day, so other retailers can implement it the next day,” Daniels concluded.

“The economics of printing and mailing any publication, along with the increasing number of readers who prefer to access it from their smart phone, justifies this targeted approach,” said Chris Cook, President of Mobile Electronics Association. “Now,” Cook continued, “we can establish valuable partnerships with other magazines and associations to cost effectively increase our circulation.”

 

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.        

15 Oct

MEA Announces Retirement of Industry Veteran Kerry Moyer

MEA Announces Retirement of Industry Veteran Kerry Moyer
North Andover, MA – October 16, 2019 – Kerry Moyer, MEA’s vice president of strategic partnerships, has announced he is retiring from MEA. Prior to joining MEA’s senior management team in 2014, Moyer worked with the Consumer Electronics Association (now CTA) and earlier in his career was a partner in a chain of audio-video-mobile electronics stores local to the Washington, DC-area.
Since joining the MEA team, Moyer increased revenue by developing innovative partnership programs for manufacturer members exhibiting at KnowledgeFest. Moyer was instrumental in engaging and supporting new partners and helped launch additional KnowledgeFest events (Indianapolis, Long Beach and soon in Orlando) making KnowledgeFest a national education conference and trade show event.
“I will miss working with my friend and colleague,” said Chris Cook, president, MEA. “We’ve spent many years together in this industry, and I will miss Kerry’s insight and advice. Many times, he added a voice of reason. Kerry has always brought integrity and customer service to his sales relationships.”
“I have been blessed to work in this industry in jobs that I loved. After 43 years and three careers, I’m going to work on my ‘retirement’ and carry-on with my consulting business. I won’t be sitting still. I plan on cycling and traveling, and I’ll always be on the lookout for new challenges and opportunities.”
MEA will be launching a new more-simplified partnership program for 2020 allowing manufacturer members to customize an offering to meet their marketing, education and budget needs. Chris Cook will be leading the new enterprise program efforts and Kerry Moyer will remain with MEA to provide consultation and support during the transition. 
Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
  • February 7-9, 2020 - Long Beach, CA
  • March 27-29, 2020 - Indianapolis, IN
  • ·May 15-17, 2020 - Orlando, FL
  • August 14-16, 2020, 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.
 
Media Contact:
Jenni Moyer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-598-8296
 
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15 Oct

MEA Partners with WINNING, Inc. to Provide Sales Training to Members

MEA Partners with WINNING, Inc. to Provide Sales Training to Members
North Andover, MA – October 16, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with WINNING, Inc./Sandler Training to provide sales training and other services to MEA members. Through this partnership, Kevin Hallinan, principal, will offer customized sales training programs to retailers and manufacturers at a reduced cost for MEA members and partners.
 
“We’re excited to offer this new benefit to our members,” said Chris Cook, president of MEA. “Sales training is an essential tool that increases our industry’s professionalism and a business’s profitability. It supports MEA’s goal to empower, educate and inform our members and achieves our mission to deliver exceptional customer experiences.”
 
Hallinan has over 30 years of sales, training, and management success.  An engaging and dynamic trainer and mentor, and an award-winning sales producer, Kevin has provided training and coaching to hundreds of companies in numerous industries. His experiences range from small private companies, to family run businesses, to the corporate setting where he has successfully sold both products and services. He is a former business owner, industry leader and constant overachiever, having earned numerous sales awards including Producer of the Year and Top Account Executive, and holds two yet unbroken company records for Highest Weekly Sales and Highest Quarterly Sales. 
 
For more infomation, go to www.Mobile-Electronics.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.
 
Media Contact:
Jenni Moyer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-598-8296
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16 Sep

Installer of the Year - Embracing Change

Installer of the Year - Embracing Change

For Installer of the Year Tim Baillie, moving forward meant choosing to make major changes. With a renewed sense of freedom and self-confidence in both work and personal life, he hopes to spread a message of health and wellness in the industry.

Words by Rosa Sophia

Tim Baillie was led into the 12-volt industry after growing up around his father, who was a mechanic. “I had my first car when I was 14,” he said. “I wanted to follow [in my dad’s footsteps] and be a mechanic.” Baillie took automotive courses in high school and went into the industry, but was led toward car audio in the early 90s. “There was a car audio school in Orlando called CMA. I think it was only around four or five years—before Mobile Dynamics and Installer Institute. My parents said, ‘If this is something you want to do, we’ll send you to school.’”

In the course of his studies, Baillie learned the fundamentals of sound and electrical. In 1992, he got involved in IASCA, eventually winning over 150 first place awards, and several eastern and western regional events. “I placed in the top five every year from 1992 to 1999 at the IASCA World Finals, and in 1997 I won an IASCA World Championship in the Expert SC+ Class. I met Mark Fukuda there,” he said, adding, “He was doing things with routers and vinyl then—ten, fifteen years ahead of everyone else. Talking to him [opened up] a whole new world [for me] as far as building cars and getting better at it.”

Having a strong work ethic helped Baillie move forward with his career goals. “My dad, being a mechanic, always taught me if you... [Click Here] for the rest of the story

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22 Aug

Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline hightlights KnowledgeFest™ Dallas

Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline hightlights KnowledgeFest™ Dallas
Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline highlights KnowledgeFest™ Dallas
 

North Andover, Mass. – August 23, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) with its media partner "Into Tomorrow" with Dave Graveline, reveals highlights from its most recent KnowledgeFest Dallas event. Take a moment to see what you missed! [Click here] to view the interviews.

 
2020 KnowledgeFest Dates:
Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California, February 7-9, 2020
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, March 27-29, 2020
NEW for 2020! Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, May 15-17, 2020
Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas, August 21-23, 2020
 
About KnowledgeFest
KnowledgeFest is now coast to coast. Its four regional trade-only events cover the eastern, southeastern, central and western US and Canada. KnowledgeFest combines a tradeshow floor with educational programming and training for dealers. KnowledgeFests are the only industry events dedicated to the mobile specialist, the installing dealer. For more information and to register to attend, 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®, 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.
 
22 Aug

Exhibitors Turn-out in Dallas

Exhibitors Turn-out in Dallas
Space Selection for KnowledgeFest™ 2020 Events Strong
 
North Andover, Mass. – August 22, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced its KnowledgeFest 2020 events were off to a strong start. Space selection for Dallas 2020 and the other three 2020 KnowledgeFest events was held onsite at MEA’s recent event in Dallas where KnowledgeFest’s 25th Anniversary was celebrated. Due to a record number of exhibitors in Dallas, space selection was held over two days. Turn-out was strong.
 
“This year’s Dallas show floor was sold-out front-to-back and side-to-side—what a sight,” said Kerry Moyer, MEA’s vice president of strategic partnerships. “With advance onsite space selection for KnowledgeFest 2020 events now complete, floor maps for the venues are approaching sold out, and we are considering where to add booth space. We expect demand for booth space and manufacturer training time to continue to grow as more manufacturers look at KnowledgeFest as the industry’s trade show and MEA as a partner to help them meet their objectives in the market.”
 
As a key exhibitor put it, “Looking out at this year’s KnowledgeFest Dallas show floor, there was a greater number and concentration of pure 12-volt manufacturers than CES or SEMA. KnowledgeFest is the place to be to interact with qualified retailers from our industry. We will be at all four 2020 events.”
 
2020 KnowledgeFest Dates:
Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California, February 7-9, 2020
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, March 27-29, 2020
NEW for 2020! Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, May 15-17, 2020
Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas, August 21-23, 2020
 
For KnowledgeFest booth sales, contact [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
About KnowledgeFest
KnowledgeFest is now coast to coast. Its four regional trade-only events cover the eastern, southeastern, central and western US and Canada. KnowledgeFest combines a tradeshow floor with educational programming and training for dealers. KnowledgeFests are the only industry events dedicated to the mobile specialist, the installing dealer. For more information and to register to attend, 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®, 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.
15 Aug

KnowledgeFest™ Celebrates in Dallas

KnowledgeFest™ Celebrates in Dallas
Twenty-five Years and Growing Stronger
 
North Andover, MA – August 15, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) hosted its largest KnowledgeFest to date in Dallas this past weekend. Marking its 25th anniversary, the trade show and conference broke records for attendance and exhibit space.
Held at the Dallas Convention Center, August 9-11, the event hosted more than 2,000 attendees, 73 exhibitors with over 50 show vehicles and covered 110,000 sq. feet of exhibit space. Over 120 hours of vendor training and educational workshops took place over the three day event.
“Being in Dallas was a great way to celebrate KnowledgeFest’s 25th anniversary,” said Chris Cook, president of MEA. “Looking at the numbers, we were excited going in, but the turn-out was beyond our expectations. We are already at work to keep that momentum going for 2020 when KnowledgeFest goes coast-to-coast with the addition of our fourth event in Orlando. Mobile specialists—both retailers and manufacturers—have recognized that KnowledgeFest is the only event meeting their interests; delivering education and manufacturer training and the opportunity to see the newest products.”
The Saturday morning keynote with Bob Phibbs, sponsored by Rockford Fosgate, opened to a standing-room only crowd. Phibbs, known as the Retail Doctor, gave an engaging and interactive presentation showing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers how to compete with online competition and bring more customers into their stores.
 
 
The first Women of Mobile Electronics networking lunch also took place during KnowledgeFest Dallas with more than 40 women attending. The lunch was hosted by MEA’s CFO, Ellen DeLuca, and included a panel presentation moderatored by Tech Up for Women founder, Dawn Pratt, with panelists Theresa Anthony from Rockford Fosgate, Rachel Clark from K40 and Elizabeth Parks from Parks Associates.
 
The event closed Sunday evening with the Mobile Electronics Industry Awards banquet hosted by Mobile Electronics® magazine. Top awards went to Tim Baillie - Installer of the Year, Sound FX - Retailer of the Year (single store), VOXX - Vendor of the Year and DOW - Distributor of the Year. The full list of winners can be found at ME-Mag.com.
 
MEA thanks its partners and sponsors for their help in supporting the event and the 12-volt industry.
 
Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
  • February 7-9, 2020 - Long Beach, CA
  • March 27-29, 2020 - Indianapolis, IN
  • ·May 15-17, 2020 - Orlando, FL
  • August 21-23, 2020, 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.
 
Media Contact:
Jenni Moyer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-598-8296
 
13 Aug

Mobile Electronics Magazine Presents 2019 Industry Award Winners

Mobile Electronics Magazine Presents 2019 Industry Award Winners
Dallas, Texas - August 11, 2019 – Mobile Electronics® magazine, the industry’s #1 resource, published by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), announced today the winners of the 2019 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. The awards were presented Sunday evening at a celebratory banquet held at the conclusion of a successful KnowledgeFest in Dallas. The awards recognize and honor professionals in the mobile electronics industry that exhibit outstanding service, business ethics, professionalism and expertise in their field.
 
Solomon Daniels, editor-in-chief, hosted the event which was attended by more than 450 industry professionals. Installer of the Year went to Tim Baillie of Trickfactory Customs in BC, Canada. Retailer of the Year (single store) was awarded to Sound FX, Lewes, DE. Vendor of the Year went to Voxx and Distributor of the Year went to DOW Electronics.
 
Installer of the Year
Tim Baillie
 
Runner Up - Installer of the Year
Matt Vowell
 
Vendor of the Year
Voxx Electonics
 
Distributor of the Year
DOW Electronics
 
Retailer of the Year, Single Store
Sound FX
 
Retailer of the Year, Store Chain
Certified Autosound & Security
 
Runner Up - Retailer of the Year, Single Store
Handcrafted Auto,Marine & Off Road
 
Runner Up - Retailer of the Year, Store Chain
Soundsgood Auto Services
 
Career Achievement Award
Kimon Bellas
 
Salesperson of the Year
Jayson Cook
 
Sales Representative of the Year
Jon Brothers
 
Trusted Tech
Nicholas Frazier
 
Rookie of the Year
Christian King
 
Expeditor of the Year
Titan Motoring
 
Rep Firm of the Year
Marketing Pros
 
Best Online Presence
Absolute Elextronix
 
Best Customer Retention Program
NVS Audio
 
Best Customer Experience
Titan Motoring
 
Best Store Culture
Titan Motoring
 
Customer Choice Award
Elevated Audio
 
Top Vendor, Autosound & Processing
Sony
 
Top Vendor, Accessories & Materials
AAMP Global
 
Top Vendor, Infotainment & Multimedia
Kenwood
 
Top Vendor, Powersports & Marine
JL Audio
 
Top Vendor, Security, Safety & Driver Assistance
Firstech
 
Most Improved Location or Chain
Handcrafted Auto, Marine and Off Road
 
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.
 
Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
  • February 7-9, 2020 - Long Beach, CA
  • March 27-29, 2020 - Indianapolis, IN
  • May 15-17, 2020 - Orlando, FL
  • August 21-23, 2020 – Dallas, TX

 

02 Aug

MEA Appoints Lynn Swezey as Director of Member Services

MEA Appoints Lynn Swezey as Director of Member Services
North Andover, MA – August 2, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), owner and producer of KnowledgeFest™, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lynn Swezey to the position of Director of Member Services. In this role, Swezey will oversee programs and benefits related to MEA’s retail memberships, as well as manage Knowledgefest education tracks and special events.
“With more than 1,100 members and the addition of a fourth KnowledgeFest event coming to Orlando, Fl. in May of 2020, we recognize the need to add resources to our team in order to meet the increasing growth of our retail membership.” said Chris Cook, president, MEA. “We are so pleased to have Lynn join us at such a crucial time.”
 
Swezey brings a wide range of experience and connectivity within the 12-volt electronics industry. She also brings with her an intense passion and drive to help improve the ways in which the Association communicates, trains and collaborates with its partners and members.
Swezey began her career in the mobile electronics industry as an Account Executive with D.A.S. Distributors in Palmyra, Pa., managing the New England and upstate New York territories. She also served as an Account Executive with A-Z Autosound a distribution house located in CT. In 2016, Swezey joined the firm of Trent Partners and Associates as a manufacturer’s rep covering the New England and upstate New York territories. 
 
Now in her sixth year working closely with 12-volt partners, Swezey also has a strong sales and marketing background dating back to 2002. She will be immediately taking over some aspects of planning and organizing the Association’s events. 
“Since starting in the mobile electronics industry in 2013, I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the smartest and proactive retailers and installers in the country,” said Swezey. “I look forward to continuing that work on a larger scale, helping to educate and empower our membership with new benefits and learning opportunities.”
 
Swezey will be at the upcoming KnowledgeFest event in Dallas, Aug. 9-11. Please join us in Dallas to welcome Lynn to the team. Welcome Lynn Swezey to our industry’s association at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
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.
 
Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
  • August 9-11, 2019 - Dallas, TX
  • February 7-9, 2020 - Long Beach, CA
  • March 27-29, 2020 - Indianapolis, IN
  • May 15-17, 2020 - Orlando, FL
 
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29 Jul

MEA Announces Partnership with Centricity

MEA Announces Partnership with Centricity

New extended service plan option now available to MEA members

North Andover, MA – July 29, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced today a new partnership with Centricity that will enable MEA members to offer extended service plans to their customers. The service option, Protection Plus from MEA, can be integrated with MEA’s point-of-sale software program, TSS, and is also available as a standalone purchase option. Service plans are available nationwide and include removal and re-installation of covered mobile products for up to three years.
 
“As the connected devices market grows, we are partnering with companies who share the same vision to offer solutions around these products,” said Mike Kelly of Centricity. “Our product provides benefits to both the customer and retailer, delivering a customer experience beyond the point of sale.”
“We’re excited to partner with Centricity to offer this new service to our members”, said Chris Cook, President, MEA. “Extended service plans present an opportunity for our members to improve the sales experience and build stronger relationships with their customers. They also create an additional revenue stream.”
 
Protection Plus from MEA will be launched at MEA’s upcoming KnowledgeFest event taking place August 9-11 in Dallas, TX. Visit Mobile-Electronics.com to learn more.
 
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.
 
About Centricity
Centricity, a service and protection powerhouse, provides comprehensive risk management solutions centered around the customer. The company is a privately-held and wholly-owned subsidiary of Bankers Financial Corporation (BFC). Since 1976, BFC has been the corporate parent to a diverse set of businesses, including property and casualty insurance companies, a professional employer organization (PEO) for small business, and a financial services company. With assets over $500 million, Bankers Financial Corporation employs more than 800 associates throughout the United States.
 
Media Contact:
Jenni Moyer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-598-8296
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26 Jul

MEA Partners with Tech Up for Women

MEA Partners with Tech Up for Women
Encouraging More Women to Get Involved in the Mobile Electronics Industry
 
North Andover, MA – July 26, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced today a new partnership with Tech Up for Women to provide networking opportunities and engage more women in the mobile electronics industry. MEA will host an inaugural meeting of Women of Mobile Electronics during KnowledgeFest™, August 9-11 in Dallas, Texas. Dawn Pratt, founder of Tech Up For Women, will moderate a panel discussion during the meeting on Saturday, August 10. KnowledgeFest, the flagship event for MEA and the mobile electronics industry, brings together retailers and manufacturers for education, training, networking and the opportunity to see new products and technology.
 
“In our industry, women often work behind the scenes contributing to the success of their company,” said Chris Cook, president, MEA. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for them to network with other women that come to KnowledgeFest and to increase the visibility of women working in our industry. In a male dominated field, it’s easy for men to find others that share their interests. It’s a little harder for women to forge those connections in our industry. Our goal is that by providing a forum for women to gather at our event it will encourage other women to attend KnowledgeFest and get more involved with the association. And, long term, increase the opportunities for and the number of women working in our industry.”
 
“We are excited to offer our network the opportunity to attend MEA KnowledgeFest and the first MEA women’s event to discuss new trends, technologies and opportunities” said Dawn Pratt, founder of Tech Up For Women. Tech Up For Women is a resource platform and event for all women, in all industries, to advance through greater technology knowledge, www.techupforwomen.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.
 
Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
  • August 9-11, 2019 - Dallas, TX
  • February 7-9, 2020 - Long Beach, CA
  • March 27-29, 2020 - Indianapolis, IN
  • May 15-17, 2020 - Orlando, FL
 
About Tech Up For Women
Tech Up For Women is an event & engagement platform designed to enable in all job functions to “Tech Up” to advance their careers. Forbes named Tech Up one of the “Top Five Most Inspiring Conferences of 2018”. The 3rd Annual Tech Up For Women will take place on November 19, 2019 at the Javits Convention Center, NYC, www.techupforwomen.com. For more information reach out to us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us 203-255-2112.
 
Media Contact:
Jenni Moyer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
703-598-8296
 
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09 Jul

KnowledgeFest™ Dallas 2019 is Set to Break Records

KnowledgeFest™ Dallas 2019 is Set to Break Records

North Andover, MA – July 9, 2019 – Celebrating 25 Years this August, KnowledgeFest™ Dallas, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association, will be the largest KnowledgeFest event to date. The event will cover 110,000 sq. ft. of exhibits, include more than 65 exhibitors representing more than 80 brands, and more than 125 hours of dealer education workshops and vendor sponsored training. Advance registration is up 20% over last year’s Dallas event which hosted more than 1,700 attendees.

“KnowledgeFest Dallas is our flagship event. It’s exciting to be celebrating our 25th anniversary there,” said Chris Cook, President of MEA. “Since taking ownership of KnowledgeFest ten years ago, MEA is pleased with the growth and success of the event. Next year, KnowledgeFest goes coast-to-coast with our new event in Orlando joining our other regional events in Long Beach, Indianapolis and Dallas.” KnowledgeFestis the only industry event devoted exclusively to the mobile specialist, the installing dealer.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary, a special celebratory concert will be held on Saturday, August 10 at the House of Blues featuring the Chris Weaver Band. The event is sponsored by Sony, 2018 Vendor of the Year, and DOW Electronics, 2018 Distributor of the Year. “We’re excited to be partnering with MEA and hosting this special event to celebrate not only the 25th anniversary of KnowledgeFest, but all MEA has done to support the 12-volt industry,” said Dave Elkin, Sr. Vice President, DOW Electronics.

Saturday morning kicks off with a dynamic presentation from Bob Phibbs - the Retail Doctor, sponsored by Rockford Fosgate. In his keynote – "You Can Compete: How to Stop getting Your Butt Kicked by Online Competitors” – Phibbs will show retailers how to harness the advantages brick-and-mortar retailers have over online sellers. Attendees will discover how to engage customers, make bigger sales and sell more.

On Sunday evening, August 11, the winners of the annual Mobile Electronics® Industry Awards will be honored. Sponsored by Mobile Electronics® magazine, the Awards recognize those in the mobile electronics industry that exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, business ethics, service and expertise. The top 50 finalists for the awards can be found at http://meindustryawards.com/2019-winners/

For more information and to register for KnowledgeFest, visit KnowledgeFest.org

Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:

  • August 9-11, 2019 - Dallas, TX
  • February 7-9, 2020 - Long Beach, CA
  • March 27-29, 2020 - Indianapolis, IN
  • May 15-17, 2020 - Orlando, FL

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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22 May

Mobile Electronics Leaders Gather in Orlando to Discuss KnowledgeFest™ 2020

Mobile Electronics Leaders Gather in Orlando to Discuss KnowledgeFest™ 2020

Industry trends and strategies for growth considered.

North Andover, MA – May 23, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) hosted a leadership conference last week in Orlando to discuss its newest KnowledgeFest event planned for May 15-17, 2020 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. Companies represented included MEA Partners: Alpine, Cerwin Vega, DS18, InstallerNet, JL Audio, JVC, Kenwood, Focal, Rostra, Sony, VAIS Technology, VOXX, all of which will be exhibiting at the Orlando event. Seventy-five percent of the exhibit space is pre-sold. Leadership discussed growth trends and opportunities for KnowledgeFest, met with Visit Orlando and received tours of the host hotel, the Rosen Centre, and the convention center exhibit hall.

The group acknowledged that KnowledgeFest plays an important role in educating retailers and provides value for all their employees through its workshops and manufacturer-sponsored training. Now with the new KnowledgeFest Orlando event drawing attendance from the east coast, exhibiting manufacturers can support training for retailers nationwide.

KnowledgeFest is the only industry event devoted exclusively to the mobile specialist, the installing dealer. The addition of a fourth event in Orlando brings KnowledgeFest to a coast-to-coast nationwide audience. Combining an exhibit floor with dealer education and manufacturer training, KnowledgeFest delivers a tremendous value for the entire industry.

Other topics that were discussed at the conference included strategies to grow MEA’s retailer membership, mobile industry trends and challenges facing today’s mobile electronics specialists. "We had many of the top leaders from our industry in the room,” said MEA President, Chris Cook. “We appreciate the many actionable ideas they contributed to help us grow membership and improve the quality of service delivered to consumers.”

Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:

  • August 9-11, 2019 - Dallas, TX
  • February 7-9, 2020 - Long Beach, CA
  • March 27-29, 2020 - Indianapolis, IN
  • May 15-17, 2020 - Orlando, FL

 

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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