- 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
4-9-2017 -- MEA (Mobile Electronics Association) has partnered with HR Consulting firm, The SAMMAX GROUP to bring retailers the perfect tool to help them when hiring new employees.
By utilizing employment assessments to test past Mobile Electronics Industry Award winners and other top performers in our industry, SAMMAX has created a baseline for store managers, installers and salespeople that measures traits such as organization, flexibility, imagination, assertiveness, recognition and competitiveness, just to name a few. These traits often define a person’s behavior towards doing a job and are considered important in determining success in any organization, according to SAMMAX. The tool can also be used to evaluate current employees and indentify areas of opportunty to gain greater productivity. "When making a hiring decision, it is of great importance to find the right person. This new tool will provide the information needed to make the right decision the first time." said Chris Cook, president of Mobile Electronics.
Sergio De Oliveira of SAMMAX will present a seminar on Monday, 4/10/2017, discussing the assessments in the context of how they can impact car audio retail managers, installers and sales staff. The details are as follows:
THE HIRING PROCESS: NEW TOOLS TO MAKE BETTER HIRING DECISIONS
Instructor(s): Sergio De Oliveira - SAMMAX Group
John Schwartz - Perfectionist
Track: Owner - Manager
Start Time: 9:30 am
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Location: room 105-106
Description: Learn how to use a new human resources tool to help you make the right hiring decision while avoiding the trap of "gut feelings" and the applicant's "spinning" of abilities. In this session, you will learn how to use a complete employment testing system featuring stand-alone personality tests, honesty tests, and aptitude tests. It even has an assessment for team building! The Hiring Suite® is the online system that that will make the difference between a good and bad new hire. Learn how MEA and SAMMAX GROUP created benchmark profiles specifically for the Mobile Electronics industry that you can use to make better hiring decisions and to evaluate your current team to gain greater productivity.
For the complete schedule, visit KFest.me.
Solomon Daniels will oversee process for 11th straight year
LONG BEACH, CALIF., June 23, 2020 (MEDIAWIRE)—The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced that it has contracted SDG, Inc., a marketing and communications firm specializing in the automotive integration industry, to facilitate the 2020 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. Solomon Daniels, principal of SDG, has administered the awards process for the past 10 years as part of his former role as editor-in-chief of Mobile Electronics magazine. Daniels will oversee and implement the same processes up to the determination of the winners. MEA President Chris Cook will present the winners at the annual awards ceremony, scheduled for September 27 at the Dallas Convention Center during this year’s only remaining KnoweldgeFest event.
The Industry Awards process typically begins in May and runs through to the annual awards ceremony that accompanies the Dallas KnowledgeFest event in August. But the drastic impact of the COVID-19 virus forced the pushback of the remaining three KnowledgeFest education and tradeshow events. The Indianapolis and new Orlando shows have been moved to 2021, and the flagship Dallas event has been shifted to late September this year.
The Mobile Electronics Industry Awards celebrate the best examples of the industry from the retail, technical, supplier and support sectors. The process is divided into three segments to include endorsements from every segment of the industry. Participants submit nominations which are narrowed to a list of semi-finalists. Industry members and consumers then cast votes to determine the finalists in each awards category. In some award categories, winners are chosen from their final vote rankings. For the remainder, finalists are asked to submit additional materials for review, and the winners are selected by a judging body.
“I am extremely happy to be able to continue the tradition of overseeing the Industry Awards, even in this new capacity,” said Daniels. “My commitment has always been to remain a strong advocate and participant in our industry and provide help wherever I can. To be a part of rewarding our most-accomplished performers and sharing their best practices to benefit others is one of the most fulfilling tasks I could ask for.”
Announcements about the awards process will be made in the coming days. Participants will be able to stay up to date throughout the entire awards cycle by visiting meindustryawards.com. For more information, contact Solomon Daniels at (213) 291-7888 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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August 9-11, 2019 - Dallas, TX
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February 7-9, 2020 - Long Beach, CA
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March 27-29, 2020 - Indianapolis, IN
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May 15-17, 2020 - Orlando, FL
8-7-2017 -- Chris Cook, president of the Mobile Electronics Association, was interviewed on the Sound Advice radio show on August 8, 2017. The show is broadcast on KVGI in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. The host of the show is John Schellsmidt, owner of Audio Depot in Dallas.
According to the show's Sound Cloud description, "Sound Advice with your host John Schellsmidt and owner of Audio Depot, brings you all things to know about car audio, music, and electronics. Tune in to listen to his special guests share their knowledge on audio and electronics."
The show is available for listening HERE.
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.
Mobile Electronics Association creates focused event for in-vehicle technologies
NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – April 11, 2018 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced it is launching a new technology show and conference in conjunction with the popular CE Week show in New York City. The Connected Car Show will be co-located with CE Week New York and will take place June 20-21 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
The focus of the Connected Car Show will be to bring attention and awareness to changing vehicle technology trends on both the OEM and aftermarket sides of the vehicle, and showcase new technologies that can enhance the drive, whether they are factory- or aftermarket-installed. The exhibit floor will feature innovative companies whose connected-vehicle products currently drive the market.
In the accompanying seminars, a series of thought-provoking panels will explore the future of automotive technology and outline how autonomous technology will change the driving experience. In light of recent events, safety and the driver’s changing role will be key issues. In addition, topics will cover how drivers and passengers interact with the vehicle for comfort, entertainment and information.
The new show complements MEA’s existing KnowledgeFest tradeshow series, which informs, educates and supports the practices of retail establishments and technical professionals in the mobile electronics industry. KnowledgeFest is held in three cities—Long Beach, Calif., Dallas and Indianapolis, Ind.,—in February, March and August, respectively.
“The Connected Car Show gives us a forum in front of the automotive industry and covering media to create dialogue that impacts the future of the driving experience,” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “The exhibiting companies, speakers and attendees all have a vested interest in building or delivering products and features that mesh with evolving trends. We look forward to their participation in this important event.”
For more information, please visit connectedcarshow.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®, 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.
About CT Lab Global Media:
CT Lab Global Media is the result of a new partnership between IFA, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, and NAPCO Media, a U.S. business-to-business media company, that offers consumer electronics and home appliances brands an unrivaled platform to connect with retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and buying groups. CT Lab Global Media hosts the industry’s most prestigious events, produces the market’s most creative digital experiences, and publishes the consumer technology industry’s premier magazines and newsletters.
Understand the best ways to communicate that you and your business are prepared to take the extra care and time to thoroughly clean the vehicle prior to pickup. Also making your customer comfortable with your procedures for drop-off, pick-up, payment and demonstration of their purchase.
Learn important marketing techniques to use while your business is closed or your customer traffic is reduced.
Learn how to stay connected to your customers and your community during this time of crisis.
This is meeting is designed for store owner and managers and we will discuss what all this means for you and your business.
Join Chris Cook of MEA and our special guest speakers as we provide the marketing tools you need to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis.
We will take your questions and share knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.
The Hilb Group of New England -- Warwick, RI
Selling with Confidence: Remembering that you are the Expert
Do you know everything there is to know about all the gear you sell, but still find yourself selling the gear the customer wants, instead of what he really needs? Lack of assertive confidence during the sales conversation often costs you the sale, or worse, creates a dissatisfied customer. Join us to learn more about how to turn your knowledge into more dollars and bigger smiles. You ARE the expert.
This is meeting is designed for store owner, managers and sales professionals.
Join Chris Cook of MEA and our special guest speaker as we provide the marketing tools you need to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis
We will take your questions and share knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.
Learn that in every selling situation, someone is leading, and someone is following. When the buyer leads, we give away too much information and get next to nothing in return. When the seller leads, we learn what the buyer really needs, and why, and then sell them the correct solution. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to know who’s in control, and comfortably and seamlessly become the leader to achieve more of the results you want.
Learn important marketing techniques to use while your business is closed or your customer traffic is reduced.
Learn how to stay connected to your customers and your community during this time of crisis.
This is meeting is designed for store owner, managers and sales professionals.
Join Chris Cook of MEA and our special guest speaker as we provide the marketing tools you need to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis
We will take your questions and share knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.
This is meeting is designed for store owner, managers and sales professionals.
Join Chris Cook of MEA and our special guest speaker as we provide the marketing tools you need to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis
We will take your questions and share knowledge to help everyone through this challenge.
Kevin Hallinan of WINNING, Inc. shared sales insights in this week’s weekly presentation with Mobile Electronics Association
April 23, 2020 -- Today, MEA’s weekly webinar focused on selling, and Kevin Hallinan presented on “The Buyer Seller Dance and How to Take the Lead.” Hallinan—a KnowledgeFest speaker—has over 30 years of sales, training, and management experience. Those who missed the presentation can view the recording by visiting Mobile Electronics Association on Facebook. Attendees also asked questions relating to how the current COVID-19 crisis has impacted how salespeople interact with clients.
Hallinan urged attendees to be willing to think differently about selling. He then discussed how to create ground rules for selling. “In selling situations, someone is leading and someone is following in the conversation,” he said. “How do we know if we are the one who is leading or following? The one who’s talking is following. The one who’s asking questions is leading. The more questions we ask, the better off we are.”
Hallinan also asked attendees to think about the three most compelling words they can think of if someone were to ask whether they should work with them or with a competitor. “The bad news is, we’re not sure what will resonate with the customer. What is that customer’s reason for doing business? Honesty, quality of workmanship, and price are our reasons. But our job is to find out their reasons.”
Stay tuned for the next weekly MEA presentation. And remember to visit www.meahelp.com for resources relating to COVID-19.
Davis Distribution, DOW Electronics, and Go Fast Solutions All Honored
Seattle, Wash., October 15, 2020 – Elite Distributor Alliance (EDA) was thrilled to see three of its members recognized by MEA and its members as the best in the business. Davis Distribution, DOW Electronics, and Go Fast Solutions were named as the finalists for this years Distributor of the Year Award to be presented at Knowledgefest LIVE in Dallas, Texas the first week of December.
EDA believes in partnering with vendors and dealers alike bringing added value, sustainability, and integrity to both.
DAVIS DISTIRBUTION
Davis Distribution adds value to the vendor and their customer in some very special ways. For example, Davis is committed to protecting their dealers within their assigned trade areas and providing many trainings throughout the year that dealers can access on Davis’s powerful You Tube channel. On the vendor side Davis (and all EDA members) are committed to tracking serial numbers and eliminating all transshipping practices. Vendors love doing business with Davis – the integrity of the organization instills confidence.
Davis was founded in 1998 by Kevin Taliani, and today with two generations of Taliani’ working day to day Davis serves the needs of Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, Southern New Jersey, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Davis operates two distribution centers, with one each in West Virginia and Indiana.
DOW ELECTRONICS
DOW Electronics, founded in 1959, is currently under its third generation of family leadership and celebrating 37 years of 12-volt distribution. As a four-time Mobile Electronics Distributor of the Year winner, (2014, 2015, 2018 & 2019), Dow continues to stay true to their mantra ‘Customer Focused, Technology Driven’. Creating and expanding on industry leading, dealer centric programs like SmartServices, SmartShip and SmartCourier as well as a fun and informative You Tube channel. These value added services are helping DOW grow a very loyal customer base. Six fully stocked Distribution warehouses provide 1-2 day product delivery across 21 US states and Puerto Rico, while DOW’s 100 + employees ensure that customer satisfaction, product availability and vendor support are at the highest possible levels. Additionally, Dow supports many Industry events, shows and organizations to help maintain, drive and grow a healthy business market for dealers.
GO FAST SOLUTIONS
GoFast was founded in 2016 and entered the 12V arena in August 2019. True to their name, Go Fast has rapidly made a very positive name for themselves in New England. Now with over twenty employees, Go Fast’s mission is to provide the highest level of sales and service at competitive prices – and their customers love it.
Dave Prinz, president of Go Fast Solutions says, “Being recognized by the 2020 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards as one of the Top 3 Distributors is no small accomplishment for any company, but the thing that makes this recognition special for GoFast Solutions is that this is their first year in the industry.”
While Go Fast is a new name in the industry, its staff brings a wealth of industry experience. The company’s twenty plus emplyees not only are industry professionals, they’re also enthusiasts. Note: Jon Mercado, a sales professional on the Go Fast team is also being recognized as one of the Top Five Sales Reps!
Go Fast operates through a state of the art 30,000 square foot facility in Middletown, Connecticu
ELITE DISTRIBUTOR ALLIANCE
EDA is pleased to see the industry recognize these EDA members. Jim Warren EDA’s Executive Director said, “For Distribution to succeed it’s imperative that you build relationships with your customer by adding value. EDA members are very good at this – helping dealers have product in the right place at the right time, helping them become experts, and providing needed profitability to their business. It’s really inspiring to see these three distributors being recognized for their hard work.”
EDA is a member owned alliance of like-minded distributors committed to the highest standards and serving the 12 volt industry. Find out more at www.elitedistributoralliance.com
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.
