3-6-2017 -- Del Ellis produced a short series of educational videos to make the case for attending KnowledgeFest Spring 2017.

Click on the video below to view part 2 of the series:

August 15, 2019 -- DS18 is very happy to be a part of 2019 Knowledgefest in Dallas, Texas where Rob Ferro, Aaron Zook, and Jason Martin represented the brand. Massive support showed up in attendance where current and future dealers came to see all the new and evolving products that are being debuted at the show.

Among these products are the Frx4k4, which is a 1000x4 1-ohm stable full range amp that is bridgeable at 2 ohms and produced over 1600 watts burst power on our lab amplifier dyno and 1250w x4 in uncertified mode.

DS18 has also released two midrange speakers designed to shine in the motorcycle community named the Pro-SM6.2 and Pro-SM8.2. These midrange blasters are shallow mount and 2 ohms so you can get the max power per channel out of your amplifier without having to bridge. Don’t let the name fool you, these are not only for motorcycles. They can be used in many applications inside and outside the vehicle of your choosing.

The next new release is the long awaited JL-Soundbar! Now Jeep JL owners have the same option as the JK and JKU from DS18! Fully loaded, it comes with 4 waterproof 8-inch speakers with built in tweeters in the grill. To complement these 8-inch monsters, we added 4 1.75-inch super tweeters to get that blasting sound all Jeepers want. Coming in 3 colors and having many RGB options, the color combinations are endless.

Saving the best for last, DS18 has proudly teamed up with Zumba to bring an array of studio PA speakers to fill the needs of fitness buffs to DJ sets with these powerful portable powered speakers. They come in 3 different sizes that all provide room rumbling bass, clear and loud midrange, and pleasing highs to complete the full range of frequencies for your endless amount of applications. All Bluetooth, mic enabled, USB ready, and linkable these will bring real life to your music with authority.  

We are ecstatic and grateful to all our supporters and thank you all for making DS18 one of the busiest booths on the floor! We will see you again in 2020! We like it loud!

August 3, 2018 -- DS18 will display at KnowledgeFest in Dallas, August 17-19 at the Dallas Convention Center. Visit them at booth #014.

DS18 will be introducing its new lithium batteries, which are assembled in the U.S., including a 4,500-amp high-output power cell battery and a 9,000-amp version.

For more information, visit the company's website: www.ds18.com

Detection Systems, Dash Cams and JumPacks to be showcased for the 12V specialist market at the ESCORT / Cobra booth 

CHICAGO, IL – August 10, 2017 – Cedar Electronics, a consumer electronics company specializing in communication and detection products, announced its ESCORT and Cobra Electronics brands will showcase its mobile electronics and specialty automotive products at KnowledgeFest 2017 in Dallas, Texas. These products designed for the 12V specialist market will be on display in booth #501 at the Dallas Convention Center, Saturday, August 12 – Monday, August 14th. ESCORT will also be holding three training sessions throughout the KnowledgeFest conference as well.

The products on display will include:
ESCORT MAX Ci 360
The ESCORT MAX Ci 360 is the best, most advanced detection system for the ultimate in driver alert and ticket protection on the planet. Designed to be seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, it features both front & rear radar detection as well as front and rear laser shifters that protect drivers against all speed monitoring devices.

Completely redesigned, the new ESCORT MAX Ci 360 gives you smaller, more powerful laser shifters that defeat the latest in laser-based speed detection technology along with updatable IVTTM filters that reject false alerts from the in-motion vehicle safety systems like collision avoidance and lane departure systems. The new MAX Ci 360 also includes GPS and Bluetooth® for connectivity to the ESCORT Live Community and the DEFENDER® database of red light & speed camera locations. The ESCORT MAX Ci 360 is available now for a MSRP of $3,499.95 (plus installation). 

ESCORT REDLINE EX

The all-new ESCORT REDLINE EX is the first portable detection system to combine connected technology, like GPS and Bluetooth® wireless technology with 100% TotalShieldTM technology making it able receive real-time alerts and filtering, but still be invisible to radar detectordetectors. With a twin antenna design, the REDLINE EX provides extreme range detection on all radar bands including instant-on, plus maximum laser range and off-axis coverage. Its patented AutoLearn® anti-falsing design uses GPS to learn and automatically rejects fixed position false alerts, while its updateable IVTTM Filter reduces noise from In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems for more quiet and accurate alerts giving the driver only the information they need.

With integrated Bluetooth® wireless technology the ESCORT REDLINE EX is compatible with ESCORT LiveTM, our exclusive real-time ticket-protection network, which warns you on upcoming alerts received and reported by other users in the area, and gives you access to local speed limit data for over-speed alerts, right out of the box. The ESCORT REDLINE EX will be available in September for a MSRP of $599.95.

Drive HD CDR 895 D Dash Cam by Cobra 

The newest addition to the Cobra Drive HD series, the CDR 895 D is a dual channel dash cam that simultaneously captures the road ahead and the road behind in HD video, offering front view resolution of full 1080P HD and rear view of 720P HD. The 6-meter rear cam cable allows for discreet installation of the unit on the rear window of an automobile. Alternatively, the rear cam can be installed to face back seat passengers. Cobra’s new CDR 895 D sports a two-inch LCD screen with simplified user-interface, making it easy on the eyes, plus a 160˚ ultra-wide viewing angle to film the entire road and periphery without edge distortion. The CDR 895 D is available now for a MSRP of $229.95.

Drive HD CDR 855 BT Dash Cam by Cobra
The CDR 855 BT dash cam continuously records video of the road ahead in 1080P Full HD video and uses patent-pending technology to connect the dash cam to a smartphone via Bluetooth® wireless technology embedding the exact location and time in every recording. Free PC software allows users to view captured video along with location and G-Sensor information. It also includes a two-inch LCD screen, ultra-wide 160° viewing angle and an embedded G-Sensor that automatically saves and protect video clips if a vehicle impact is detected. In addition, the CDR 855 BT provides alerts for upcoming speed and red-light cameras, live police locations and shared radar alerts from the iRadar® Community. The CDR 855 BT is available now for a MSRP of $169.95.

Cobra JumPack® XL H2O
The latest in the Cobra JumPack® series of portable power and jump starter line, the Cobra JumPack XL H2O is the most versatile and powerful JumPack yet. Designed to jump start large V8 gasoline and diesel engines, the new JumPack H2O is UL listed and will keep you going in allweather conditions. The rugged and waterproof design makes this the perfect portable power device for any trip, on the road, off-road or on the water. The new Cobra JumPack XL H2O also features two ways to jumpstart a car, truck, boat, etc., one
using the traditional jumper cables and a secondary option that allows the vehicle to be started through the 12-volt plug inside the car for a simple, non-intimidating jump start.
The Cobra JumPack XL H2O is available now for a MSRP of $169.95.

New platforms allow drivers to fully customize their install experience

Indianapolis, IN – March 16, 2018 -- ESCORT, the leader in premium radar and laser detection
technology, today announced it will showcase its mobile electronics and specialty automotive
products at KnowledgeFest 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. These products designed for the 12V
specialist market will be on display in booth #430 at the Indiana Convention Center, Friday
March 16th – Sunday, March 18th. ESCORT will also be holding two training sessions throughout
the KnowledgeFest conference as well.

The products on display will include:

ESCORT iX Ci Platform
The new ESCORT iX Ci platform features an intelligent range front radar receiver and includes
our patented In-Vehicle TechnologyTM (IVT) Filter to eliminate false alarms from vehicle collision
systems. The new iX Ci platform is expandable to add rear radar sensors and up to four
ShifterMax laser sensors. It also includes a LED matrix display, control panel, GPS antenna,
interface boxes and be Bluetooth® enabled to for real-time, connected driving through the
ESCORT LiveTM app.

ESCORT MAX Ci Platform
The ESCORT MAX Ci platform includes an advanced range front radar receiver and ultra DSP
technology for the earliest warning of speed monitoring threats. The MAX Ci features a full
color OLED display and controller and is expandable to add rear radar sensors and up to four
ShifterMax laser sensors. It also includes a GPS antenna, interface boxes and be Bluetooth®
enabled to for real-time, connected driving through the ESCORT LiveTM app.

ESCORT MAX Ci 360
The ESCORT MAX Ci 360 is the best, most advanced detection system for the ultimate in driver
alert and ticket protection on the planet. Designed to be seamlessly integrated into the vehicle,
it features both front & rear radar detection as well as front and rear laser shifters that protect
drivers against all speed monitoring devices for complete 360 degrees for driver alert
awareness with directional threat warning.

ESCORT ZR5 Laser Shifter
The ZR5 Laser Shifter includes two ShifterMax sensors, bridge box, in-vehicle controller and
interface enabling the Shifter System to either be used independently or through a direct wire
cord to plug into existing ESCORT windshield mounted detectors for complete radar & laser
protection. The ZR5 is also expandable with two additional ShifterMax sensors for a total of
four shifters providing maximum front or rear laser protection.

ESCORT ZW5 Laser Shifter
The ZW5 Shifter System is designed to wirelessly integrate with ESCORT windshield mounted
detectors by allowing full audio and visual alert output as well as complete ShifterMax system
control all through the windshield mounted detector in real time. The ZW5 includes a wireless
interface, bridge box, ZW5 Smartcord, and two ShifterMax sensors. The interface mounts
under the hood and communicates to the Escort windshield unit through wireless technology.
The ESCORT iX Ci and MAX Ci will be available in April at retail price of $1,499.95 and $1,995.95
before installation. All add-on parts will be available a la carte at the same time. The ESCORT
MAX Ci 360 is available now for $3,499.95 (plus installation) along with the ESCORT ZR5 and
ZW5 Laser Shifters for $849.95. All the products can be ordered through Authorized ESCORT
Specialist Retailers.

Mobile Electronics® announced final figures for its recent KnowledgeFest educational conference and show in Dallas. Record-breaking attendance topped more than 950 mobile electronics industry professionals. The increase over 2014 can be attributed to new, first-time attendees and renewed growth in the specialist channel.

KnowledgeFest is the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational event. Dallas offered 36 hours of business management, sales and installation training and 40 hours of manufacturer training. Retailers responded: Dealer attendance at workshops and manufacturer trainings in Dallas increased over 2014.

“In the six years since re-inventing KnowledgeFest, this year’s event in Dallas was our biggest and best ever,” said Chris Cook, president of Mobile Electronics. “Our objective is to grow our new April show in Indianapolis in the same way, while making Dallas even better for our attendees and exhibitors.”

The Dallas show floor featured 46exhibitorsrepresenting over 60 brands and 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. Booth selection for KnowledgeFests 2016 took place onsite. Exhibitors renewed booth space for Dallas and choose space for Indianapolis 2016.

Eight new manufacturer partners also came onboard. Joining the fifteen other Mobile Electronics Partners are: Directed (Diamond Partner), Stillwater Designs (Diamond Partner), Voxx Electronics (Diamond Partner), AAMP of America (Gold Partner), Arc Audio (Gold Partner), K40 Electronics (Silver Partner), Accele (Silver Partner), and Cerwin Vega (Silver Partner).

“These vendors represent the diversity of products available in our industry. They control many of the best brands available to our dealer members,” said Kerry Moyer, vice president, strategic partnerships for Mobile Electronics. “We are pleased to welcome them onboard as business partners and appreciate their continuing support for our mission and the specialist channel.”

In 2016, KnowledgeFest will return to Dallas in August. KnowledgeFest Indianapolis takes place April 9-11 at the Indianapolis Convention Center. For more information, go to KnowledgeFest.org.

German-engineered audio products company to market product mix focused on North America.

DAVIE, FLA., August 2, 2018 (MEDIAWIRE)–SounDigital USA announced that Ground Zero, a worldwide speaker and amplifier brand distributed by SounDigital in the United States, will make its first independent appearance at KnowledgeFest, August 17-19 at the Dallas Convention Center. The company’s booth will be located next to the SounDigital show floor exhibit at Booth No. 101. The enhanced presence of the Ground Zero brand signals its push to grow its presence among retailers and specialists in the U.S. market.

Founded in 1995, Ground Zero engineers products from its headquarters in Germany. It is known for revolutionary subwoofer designs which set and broke sound records in the 2000s. The company has since expanded into power amplifiers and most recently, digital signal processing.

As Ground Zero’s U. S. distributor, SounDigital has selected an array of products from the company’s 400+ SKUs that best fit the U.S. market. Almost all current SounDigital sales representatives will offer Ground Zero products in their territories. SounDigital will also create a U.S.-specific website for the brand at groundzero-america.com. Retailers and technicians will obtain product support through SounDigital’s Florida headquarters.

“For the last 23 years, Ground Zero has steadily grown its reputation for outstanding sound quality and no-compromise performance,” said Diogo Ianaconi, CEO of SounDigital. “Since becoming the official U.S. distributor in August of last year, we have put together a plan to expand its footprint with a carefully selected mix of products and attractive dealer programs. We’re excited to present these to the industry this month in Dallas.”

In addition to Ground Zero’s booth presence, the brand will host a vendor training Sunday, August 19 in Room C145 during KnowledgeFest. Attendees will review the new product line and learn the processes behind its development. The company will also announce its upcoming events and programs for the 4th quarter. KnowledgeFest attendees can reserve a seat in the workshop athttps://mea-events.as.me/groundzero1.

For more information on the 2018 U.S.-based Ground Zero product line, contact your SounDigital representative or call (786) 600-1056. You can also email SounDigital atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Atlanta, GA — Hybrid Audio Technologies and the exclusive distributor of Audiotec Fischer brands Brax, Helix, and Match in the USA have announced participation and training at this year’s KnowledgeFest. 

The company celebrates its tenth year of business in 2016 and announces that it will display products at KnowledgeFest booth 458 and have company owner Scott Buwalda’s Hybrid Audio, Brax, and Helix-equipped BMW 135i on hand for sound demonstrations. Hybrid further announces an informational overview and training of Hybrid Audio Technologies products, including features that set the company’s products apart from others in the same category, selling techniques, and set-up and tuning advice in a two-hour long presentation and discussion. The “Selling It” session will be held at 8:30-9:30 am Monday, August 22 and “Using It” session will be held at 9:30-10:30 am on Monday, August 22 in Hilton Anatole Resort & Convention Center room DeSoto A. This training will be proctored by Klifton Keplinger of Hybrid Audio, Scott Welch of Audio Intensity, and Jimmy Bradfield of Momentum Marketing.

Dealers may register for the session here: (http://knowledgefest.org/attendees/manufacturertrainings). Scott Welch and Klifton Keplinger will also be mentors at the ‘Soundscape Processor Tuning Clinic,’ which will be a less formal, but completely hands-on event, where a minimum of five vehicles and seven mentors will be on hand to work with other industry professionals on learning more techniques to achieve success with sound processors. Please contact Daniel Greenwood at Soundscape Car Audio for more information: (972) 424-8000. KnowledgeFest will be held August 20-22 in Dallas at the Hilton Anatole Resort & Convention Center. Hybrid Audio’s training is open to anyone and is not exclusive to just Hybrid Audio, Brax, Helix, or Match dealers. Registration for the event is open, and attendees may reserve space in education courses. For more information visit knowledgefest.org.

8-17-2016 -- From 8:30-10:30 am on Monday, August 22, Hybrid Technologies will be at KnowledgFest, debuting its Unity amplifiers and offering two one-hour training courses. Two of the five new amplifiers will be on display: the U2A 200-watt 2-channel and U5A 1,000-watt 5-channel digital full-range model.

Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for the training by following THIS LINK. The company will be displaying products at booth 458, and demonstrate Hybrid Audio, Brax and Helix products in Scott Buwalda's BMW 135i. 

Additional specs on the amplifiers are as follows:

U1A: 1000W×1 @ 2Ω / 600W×1 @ 4Ω

U2A: 100W×2 @ 2Ω / 75W×2 @ 4Ω

U4A: 100W×4 @ 2Ω / 75W×4 2 4Ω

U5A: 100W×4 @ 2Ω + 600W @ 2Ω; 75W×4 @ 4Ω + 400W @ 4Ω

U6A: 100W×6 @ 2Ω / 75W×6 @ 4Ω

Features:

PCB: FR4 double-sided

Terminal: molded

Fusing: multiple ATC

Bass Remote available in all models

Tempered real glass top panel with embossed illuminated Hybrid Audio “cross” logo that lights upon operation

Thick extruded aluminum heat sink with no fans

On Friday, August 19, the company will be mentoring (along with five other mentors) at the ‘Soundscape Processor Tuning Clinic,’ which will be a less formal, hands-on event, where a minimum of five vehicles will be on hand to demo techniques on working with sound processors, including the Helix DSP Pro. (This event, like KnowledgeFest, is open only to industry professionals.) Contact Daniel Greenwood at Soundscape Car Audio for more information: (972) 424-8000.

Safety and Driver Assistance becomes its own category, separate from security

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – April 20, 2016 – The Mobile Electronics Group has made a change to the vendor category of this year’s Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. The Safety and Retention category will now be split into two categories: Vehicle Security and Convenience, and Safety and Driver Assistance. The change enables industry participants to recognize companies that have excelled in providing vehicle and content protection as well as companies that help drivers stay safe and informed on the road.

“Each year we take an in-depth look at the awards makeup to ensure that it is in step with the current trends and practices of the mobile electronics industry,” said Solomon Daniels, program administrator. “Last year we noticed that there were several companies—those that solely produce safety or driver information products—that were not adequately represented. We’re taking steps this year to ensure that they have a proper place in the awards process.”

Prior to this change, safety was a subcategory of vehicle security, stemming from the fact that alarm and remote start manufacturers were also the driving force behind the industry’s first security-related features, such as GPS tracking, roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle recovery.

Today, safety has evolved into products and services that arm the driver with information to improve road awareness, increase efficiency, and minimize mishaps. This includes maneuvering aid cameras, dash cameras, radar detection, and the emerging line of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) products that provide lane departure and crash warnings.

As part of the awards, industry participants will vote for nominated companies in five categories. The company with the highest number of votes will earn the Top Vendor honor in that category and be eligible to win Vendor of the Year. Vendors have until May 6 to nominate their companies for inclusion in the awards process.

During last night’s Industry Awards held at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, JVCKenwood dedicated their Vendor of the Year Award to Brett Phelps from The Progressive Group. Brett was in Las Vegas a few days prior to the event and suffered a severe injury during a fall.

A Go Fund Me page was setup on behalf of Brett. “During this time, he will face many challenges that we take for granted on a daily basis. Although money will not cure all of these challenges, we hope that it will help with piece of mind so he can focus on his recovery,” said Jason Dubie from The Progressive Group.

Chris Cook, President of the Mobile Electronics Association, said “We want to rally around one of our own. We all wish Brett a speedy recovery and sending our thoughts and prayers.”

Please make a donation by clicking here.

Holly Hill, Fla. - February 7, 2020 – Metra Electronics’ Installer Institute, the nation’s leading school for car audio installation, announces that they will be giving away a one-week continuing education course at the 2020 KnowledgeFest event in Long Beach, Calif. from February 7-9. The winner can choose between Installer Institute’s Advanced Mobile Security, Intro to Window Tinting, Advanced Fabrication or Integrating with OEM Systems courses. The one-week class is taught at Installer Institute’s campus near Daytona Beach, FL and must be taken by 2/6/2021. Event attendees can enter the drawing by attending any of Metra’s six training sessions at KnowledgeFest to receive a raffle ticket. The winner will be notified by email/Facebook and does not need to be present at the drawing to claim their prize. The odds of winning depend on the total number of entrants and the approximate retail value of the prize is $1,500.

Installer Institute’s director, Monica Anderson, will be at KnowledgeFest in Metra’s booth to promote their continuing education courses for installation professionals. While the school offers 6,12 and 26-week programs, existing installation professionals can choose to take a one-week course in a specific area of interest to expand their skillset and allow them to provide new services in their shop. Additional topics available are subwoofer enclosure design, vehicle acoustics, practical installations, security and remote start, leather interior installations, home audio and structured wiring, home automation and control, advanced interior panel design, custom fabrication, fiberglass enclosure design and construction, fabricating with advanced composites, painting, welding and more. 

Installer Institute in Holly Hill, Florida is accredited by the ACCET, Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training, and has graduated thousands of installers over the past 28+ years. Both MECP and MESA certifications are available through Installer Institute’s programs. Installer Institute offers federal financial aid and financing to students who qualify. Visit InstallerInstitute.edu, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the school at 386-672-5771 for more information.

Don’t Miss Out

KnowledgeFest is Your Place to Learn and Connect with the Mobile Electronics Community

"These education events are designed provide you with the latest information to help you advance the professionalism and profitability of your business."

If you missed attending CES 2018 then take heart in knowing that you have another chance to discover your favorite brands at KnowledgeFest West in Long Beach, California, KnowledgeFest East in Indianapolis, Indiana and KnowledgeFest Dallas in Dallas, Texas. KnowledgeFest is the only industry event dedicated to the mobile electronics specialist, the installing dealer. These events combine a trade show floor with educational workshops and manufacturer trainings for added value to you, the attendee.

The next event is just around the corner in Long Beach California, February 23-25, 2018. This city is a great destination for West Coast dealers, especially those in the Southern California market. The Long Beach Convention Center is a downtown venue with lots of nearby hotels and restaurants. And February is a great time for manufacturers to showcase their new products and provide the best information and education to sell and install them.

The KnowledgeFest experience is designed to provide you with the information you need to provide that experience. Here's how:

Education

Learning from the best in our industry provides an unequalled educational experience that now occurs three times a year. Make plans to experience the next event in your area. These events combine educational workshops and manufacturer trainings with a trade show floor. No other event provides the quality and hours of training targeted to mobile specialists. These education events are designed provide you with the latest information to help you advance the professionalism and profitability of your business. Employees of MEA member companies attend all KnowledgeFest events free of charge.

The three-day event is packed with more than 40 hours of top-notch educational workshops, great networking opportunities, over 50 hours of manufacturer training sessions, and an exhibit floor on which new products and categories are available to discover. Educational workshops and manufacturer trainings will empower you to deliver exceptional customer experiences and grow your business.

Information

Mobile Electronics Association publishes Mobile Electronics® magazine, the best read for business, sales and installation. Mobile Electronics magazine, our Hotwire e-newsletter and various websites keep you in the know and ready for action. MEA member companies and their employees receive free magazines, e-newsletter subscriptions and access to MEA digital media. Social media sites like the Mobile Electronics Facebook page also offer ways to connect with the industry.

Empowerment

Mobile Electronics Association is the only industry group dedicated to the 12-volt specialist. Our primary focus is help you build your business. The MEA community is comprised of retailers, manufacturers, sales reps, distributors and service providers. The Mobile Electronics Association is committed to growing the mobile electronics industry and ensuring a future for mobile specialists. You can support that through your membership. Become a part of our community. Be empowered. Let your voice be heard and ensure your interests are represented.

Learn by Profession

The education at KnowledgeFest is comprised of three tracks that focus on each area of expertise. For the installer, there is the Technician and Fabricator track. This track provides a balance of the top techniques for making physical modifications to the vehicle as well technical expertise for key topics like remote start and audio upgrades. The Sales and Marketing track will appeal to owners, managers, sales professionals and those responsible for marketing. You will learn tried-and-true processes taught by retailers who use these techniques effectively in their own businesses.

Also, for the entrepreneur there is the Owner and Manager track. This year the focus will be on essential practices that every CEO should live by. Topics will include: a day in the life of a CEO and learning the best way to calculate your true hourly rate. In addition to these business building topics, a special keynote address will help you define what success in your business and life should look like.

Peer Advice, Meet the Makers

KnowledgeFest provides the best networking opportunity in our industry! Talk one-on-one with people with whom you do business (or should be). Participate in your choice of 50-plus product training sessions to get real insight on product characteristics and selling strategies to make you the expert in your market.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a relative newcomer to mobile electronics, KnowledgeFest has something for you. Learn from the experiences of others in our industry who have dealt with both failure and success. Many social activities after hours add fun to the mix.

I challenge you to join us this February in Long Beach for our first KnowledgeFest on the West Coast.

On behalf of myself, and of the entire Mobile Electronics Association team, we thank you for being part of the only industry event dedicated to the Mobile Electronics Specialist, the installing dealer!

Read the story in Mobile Electronics magazine HERE.

July 20, 2018 -- Elgin, Ill. – K40 Electronics announced today it has partnered with Elias Ventura, Mobile Electronics Sales Pro of the Year 2017, to offer “pro proven” sales insights during K40’s training sessions at KnowledgeFest Dallas, August 17-19, 2018, at the Dallas Convention Center.

Ventura, Retail Operations Manager for Sound FX of Lewes, Del. will team up with K40 Electronics to share easy-to-implement techniques retailers can use in their stores to present K40 radar/laser products with confidence. Based on actual retail interactions, Ventura’s insights will enable attendees to engage customers on K40 products in creative new ways and utilize new sales techniques to answer and overcome objections. 

Two training sessions will be available from K40 Electronics:

Easy-to-Implement Ways to Sell More K40 Radar/Laser Products

These training sessions will cover:

• Why the radar/laser category is important to retailers and their customers.
• Understanding the reasons why customers buy any product.
• The secret to selling more than one to two radar/laser systems a year.
• Recognizing objections as requests for information and how to respond to them.
• How to keep the conversation going when it feels like it’s hit a road block.
• How to present K40 systems by focusing on customers’ wants/needs. 

Dates and Times:

Saturday, 8/18/18:  6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Room C146

Sunday, 8/19/18:  3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Room C154

Click HERE to reserve a seat to the K40 training sessions.

K40 will also be exhibiting its entire product line in booth #107. “We’re looking forward to discussing the latest K40 police radar/laser countermeasures which include vehicle integration options” said Rachel Clark, K40’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Most important, KnowledgeFest gives us the opportunity to see old friends and make new ones.”

For information on K40’s entire product line, which offers the industry’s first ticket-free guarantee, visit http://www.k40.com/products.

3/22/16 Elgin, IL – K40 Electronics announced that they will offer two hands-on installation workshops for K40’s remote radar detectors and laser jamming products during Mobile Electronics’ KnowledgeFest Spring Training event being held April 8-10, 2016, at the Indiana Convention Center.

Brady Siebert, Director of National Accounts for K40, and Joshua Landau, from JML Audio of St. Louis, will lead the hands-on training on how to custom install a K40 RL360i dual remote receiver radar detection and Laser Defuser g5 laser jamming system. Also covered will be K40’s new Expert control unit that enables mobile electronics retailers to offer an additional customization option to customers. This permanently installed, yet easily concealable component looks and functions just like other factory installed vehicle controls, including back-lighting for easy button identification in low light conditions.  

Two training sessions covering the same topics will be offered by K40 in event booth #410:

Friday, April 8, 2016

5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

To register for a K40 training session, visit the following link and click on the K40 Brand Workshop listing:

https://knowledgefest.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php

“We’re excited to present this business-building training for the second year at KnowledgeFest," said Siebert. “It offers dealers interested in entering into the radar category key insights from both the manufacturer and an award-winning retailer on how K40 can be added into their product mix as well as offering established dealers a refresher on best practices for custom installations.”

For information on K40’s entire product line, which offers the industry’s first ticket-free guarantee, visit http://www.k40.com/products

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® will once again to attend KnowledgeFest 2016, August 20-22 at the Hilton Anatole Resort and Convention Center in Dallas.

The Stillwater, Oklahoma company will offer product trainings both Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. The KICKER training team will offer an in-depth lesson on how to use the digital-signal-processing (DSP) functions of KICKER ‘s premium IQ-Series amplifier line. New KICKER powersports and marine products will also be explored during the training.

In addition to KICKER sales executives in booth 401, members of KICKER representative firms David Lee Marketing (Edmond, Okla.) and Santa Fe Sales (Lenexa, Kan.) will also be available to answer questions throughout KnowledgeFest. 

STILLWATER, USA – KICKER® will highlight its newest interactive experience, as well as Vehicle-Specific and Powersports solutions, from booth 401 at upcoming KnowledgeFest™ 2017. The event will be held August 11-14 at the Dallas Convention Center.

The newest interactive product display, which is already shipping to dealers, is the third version released by KICKER. The “red” display, featuring brand new KX-Series Amplifiers, KS-Series Speakers and CompR® Subwoofers, is designed to act both as a “silent salesman” and a convenient way to demonstrate the quality of the products on the sales floor. With the press of a button, a full list of KX and KS features are immediately visible on the HD screen, matched with the lossless audio included with the display. The sales staff may also select its own music via Bluetooth® streaming audio for a demo. In addition to the new display in the KICKER booth, both the existing Q-Class and Marine interactive product displays will be available for attendees to explore.

Dealers will be able to check out the 2017 KX-Series and KXM-Series Marine Amplifier lines, which feature a new look and a bevy of new features. Mono and five-channel versions come with the KXARC – a Bluetooth LE (low-energy)-enabled wireless remote that monitors gain, bass boost, SHOCwave™ and signal clip. FIT2™ (Fail-Safe Integration Technology) is also integrated into both lines, ensuring a noise-free connection from the input of virtually any radio.

A pair of vehicles dedicated to the Powersports markets will also be featured in the booth. One is a Can Am® Maverick® X3 featuring KICKER PS-Series Powersports speakers, amplifiers and SSV Works® enclosures. The enclosures are custom-formed to the UTV, and the PX-Series Powersports amplifiers are made to draw minimal power while outputting the hundreds of watts needed to sound great on the trail.

A Chevy® Colorado will be displaying vehicle-specific audio. KICKER’s VSS™ (Vehicle-Specific Solutions) System is made of three essential components:  a factory-speaker amplifier with digital signal processing, wiring harnesses and 200-watt powered subwoofer. All three elements have been customized to physically mesh with the vehicle, utilizing factory plugs and mounting points, as well as integrate seamlessly with the factory radio and speaker system.

To show the effectiveness of the VSS System to dealers, the Colorado is equipped with a three-position switch, allowing easy access to the factory stereo, the factory system with the powered sub, or the full 4.1 system with DSP, amplifier and powered sub enabled.

Robust show presence precedes 4 diverse, hands-on training sessions in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, September 11, 2022 (MEDIAWIRE) – Kingpin University celebrated a high-value show presence at the latest KnowledgeFest exhibition and conference for the mobile electronics industry, held August 26-28, 2022 in Dallas. In addition to showcasing new product and hosting a series of training sessions on technical expertise and business growth, the company announced its fourth-quarter schedule for in-person, hands-on training at its Las Vegas campus. 

Students attending the upcoming Next-Level Fabrication course on September 21 will have the unique experience of building a car destined for the show floor. Kingpin University’s award-winning Rat Rod, a 1928 Hudson Essex Super 6, will be featured in the Diamond Audio booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. Students will assist with system design, panel architecture, enclosure fabrication and wiring. In addition, participating attendees will receive credit with their names on the builder board during the show. 

Sales professionals and store personnel who want to better understand the sales process will benefit from the DNA of a Sales Pro class session, October 15-16. The class studies the traits and habits of successful sellers in different industries and applies them to the customer-focused duties of the mobile electronics professional. Instruction includes customer outreach through phone, email and social media, proven listening and qualifying tactics, selling high-margin accessories, online-to-in-store transition and more. 

The Mastering the Motorcycle Market course is designed for stores that see the viability of specialty transportation as a profit center. The two-day session, October 29-30, spans the gamut of the category, from understanding the culture of the rider, specifics and limitations of motorcycle integration and popular enhancements, all the way to system design and fabrication. 

Automated fabrication is becoming a larger component of the car audio facility workday, and the Master Laser Class – Hands-On with Robots, November 11-13, is intended to teach shops to use laser-cutting technology to its fullest effect. The session covers the components of a laser cutter, use of drawing software to create the cutting patterns, materials selection, safety measures, system maintenance and upgrades, and most important, the timesaving and style-enhancing benefits of laser precision. 

“From talking with retailers and installers at KnowledgeFest, we’re seeing shops transition from the COVID / post-COVID boom to the normal market forces that impact retail seasonally,” said Jason Kranitz, principal instructor at Kingpin University. “Stores can maximize their time during the pre-holiday period with professional training specifically designed to add revenue-generating capability to every in-store professional. The four classes we’ve selected provide instruction on category opportunities, skills enhancement and improved efficiency. Like our KnowledgeFest experience, we are excited to share our insights with our peers and look forward to each teaching opportunity.”

For more information on class schedules, accommodations and pricing, please visit kingpinuniversity.com

8-11-2017 -- KnowledgeFest 2017 has opened in Dallas, Texas. The opening day of the four-day event featured advanced workshops, manufacturer trainings and an invitation-only night school. 

The three workshops featured on opening day will include the following:

TF001 – THE THREE QUESTIONS AND BEYOND: THE ESSENTIAL STEPS IN OEM INTEGRATION SYSTEM DESIGN

Instructor(s): Ken Ward – Educar Training

Track: Technician - Fabricator

SM001 - PERFECTING THE POINT-OF-SALE PROCESS

Instructor(s): Kris Bulla – Sony, Rich Basler – MEA, Melissa - Centricity

Track: Sales - Marketing

OM001- BUSINESS PLAN AND BUDGETING BUILDING ADVANCED WORKSHOP

Instructor(s): Marcel Newell – Avidworx, John Schwartz - Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security

Track: Owner - Manager

The last session of the day was at night called, NIGHT SCHOOL - OWNER MANAGER BUDGETING ADVANCED WORKSHOP. The workshop featured Marcel Newell of Avidworx discussing ways owners and managers can increase profits and decrease unnecessary costs by focusing on things like proper pay for installers, watching out for unnecessary shipping costs and making sure retailers are in the business of selling time. 

For more information on seminars, events, times and locations, visit http://kfest.me/default.html.