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.