11-21-2016 -- Another exclusive MECP Masters Appreciation Dinner occurred November 3rd during the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The annual MECP Masters Dinner has become a “can’t miss” event for up-and-coming leaders in the aftermarket automotive electronics industry. With a new venue, Gordon Biersch Restaurant, and many new manufacturer and sales rep partners – the 2016 event was one of the best Masters Dinner yet.

Nearly 30 people in all attended the event. MECP Master Installation Technicians and their spouses, as well as industry guests from manufacturers such as Sony, Orca, Audio Control, AAMP Global, Metra and several sales rep firms. During the dinner, MECP awarded several achievement prizes and giveaways for the technicians in attendance. This year the bounty of prizes were generously furnished by Sony, Audio Control, Bojo Tools, CTA, Focal America, Heise Lighting, Mobile Solutions. Everyone was well fed and had a great time getting to know each other, or catch up with friends and industry colleagues.

Each Master technician in attendance received these exciting gifts from generous MECP supporters:

• Sony Notebook/Journal
• Audio Control, Focal and Mosconi T-Shirts
• Numerous Bojo Premium Pry and Scrape Tool Sets
• Audio Control and Focal T-Shirts
• iSimple Smartphone Charging Cable
• CTA Pens, Aluminum Luggage Tag and USB Wall Plug
• CTA/CES Stainless Steel Water Bottle

MECP achievement prize winners:

• Very First in Attendance to become MECP Certified: Bill Repicky (Metra/Heise). Bill became MECP Basic certified back in September 1994, over 22 years ago. Bill won a Sony MEX-MB100bt head unit.

• Longest Continually Master Certified in Attendance: Josh White (Firstech/Compustar). Josh has been an MECP Master since February 2008 and now works as a Technical Support Specialist. Josh won a Sony MEX-MB100bt head unit.

• Longest Continually MECP Certified in Attendance: Bryan Safford (Best Buy). Bryan has been an MECP Master since February 2009, but has held MECP certifications continuously without expiration (or having leveled-up) since July 2004. Bryan won a Sony MEX-MB100bt head unit.

• Leadership Award: Jeff Meece (Meece Car Audio). Since becoming Master certified in 2008, Jeff has opened and grown a successful independent retail business with many employees to manage and positively influence. Jeff won a Heise LED light bar, Focal ear buds and a Focal pry tool set.

• Entreprenuer Award: Jim Smyka (IDEA Solutions). Since becoming Master certified in 2006, Jim has started an expeditor-focused installation business as well as a few other businesses including his t-shirt company Warhole Designs. Jim won a Heise LED light bar, Focal ear buds and a Focal pry tool set.

Additional fantastic giveaway prizes at the MECP Masters Dinner included:

• Audio Control LC-4.800 Amplifier
• Focal Ear Buds
• Heise LED Light Bars
• Mobile Solutions PT9A and PT2 Polarity Testers
• Phoenix Gold RX65CX Coaxial Speakers
• Sony MEX-MB100bt Head Units
• A Sony RSX-G59 Digital Media Head Unit
• Stinger SPX 350.2 Micro Amplifiers
• Installation Technician T-shirts from Warhole Designs

MECP recognized Kris Bulla and Pete Daley as exceptional proctors who have been responsible for delivering many MECP exams throughout 2016 where retailers in their respective regions request a proctor. The two men are some of MECP’s greatest evangelists. Finally, MECP also took time to recognize the MECP Facebook group’s incredible growth and success which is administered/monitored by Master technicians Michael Abeita, Kris Bulla and Rick Costello.

For making the annual Master’s Dinner an extreme success, MECP would like to thank all the technicians, spouses and supporting companies who participate. When one looks around at these dinners, it’s clear that many current and future industry leaders are positively influencing the technical skills and career path of the 12 volt Installation Technician through their connection to MECP. The future is bright and technical knowledge is not going out of style in the aftermarket electronics category. If you’re an MECP Master, consider joining MECP at next year’s event in Las Vegas!