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.        

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

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.

• 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

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.

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – March 21, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) today announced last weekend’s KnowledgeFest™ Indianapolis event had a strong showing from both retailers and manufacturers.

In its fifth year, the 2019 event held at the downtown Indiana Convention Center boasted a sold-out show floor with 50 exhibitors and 60,000 square feet of exhibit space. There was a strong showing of new exhibitors from new companies. New product categories offered new business opportunities for retailers, while the wide-open market with Indianapolis at its center presented exhibiting manufacturers with an opportunity for business development. Most key companies from the 12-volt specialty industry had a presence.

“We had great turn-out from dealers for Friday’s ‘Beer & Business” kick-off,” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “Exhibitors reported strong traffic over all three days of the event. Even before the close, many expressed they were extremely satisfied with the event. After onsite space selection, we left Indy with strong booth sales for next March’s Indy KnowledgeFest. We’re coming back! My message to 12-volt manufacturers is this: ‘If you weren’t in Indy this year, be there next year! Don’t write-off this market.”

With 20% year-over-year growth in Indy over the past five years, MEA reported attendance totaling more than 1000 with more than 775 retailer and distributor attendees.

“MEA thanks Davis Distribution for its awesome support of our Indy event,” said Cook. “Working with their manufacturer partners, all did an exceptional job helping to drive retailer attendance and business.”

KnowledgeFest 2019 concludes with its Dallas event: August 9-11 at the Dallas Convention Center.

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. For exhibitor sales, contact Kerry Moyer 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.

Attendees will also benefit from extensive training on the groundbreaking DM-RTA as well as a tricked-out Honda S2000 demo car

Seattle, WA, March 11^th, 2019 – AudioControl (audiocontrol.com) makers of innovative high-performance audio solutions for the residential, commercial and automotive markets is bringing excitement and education to the 2019 Knowledgefest, March 15^th-17^th at the Indiana Convention Center. AudioControl will be highlighting innovative new car audio products plus a sporty Honda S2000 demo vehicle featuring a stunning sound system. On display will be the groundbreaking DM-RTA, a precision audio calibration tool that enables installation technicians to provide their customers with the best possible sound quality tailored to their listening preferences. Knowledgefest attendees will also see the new AC-BT24 Bluetooth Module, providing wireless connectivity and streaming to AudioControl’s D-6.1200 amplifier, DM-RTA and digital signal processors, as well as their full line of premium OEM upgrade solutions.

Five Star Car Stereo YouTube Live Show

Dean Beyett and Fernando Lopez will be broadcasting their popular YouTube Live show from the Knowledgefest show floor sponsored by AudioControl. The Clearwater, Florida-based show has amassed 90,000 followers and growing, bringing valuable insights along with some levity to the world of car stereo. Dean and Fernando will do a show on Friday and another on Saturday, bringing viewers an exciting look into the world of Knowledgefest and everything aftermarket car audio. Exact show times are TBD, so stay tuned and subscribe here.    

Course Description

The launch of AudioControl’s new DM-RTA has enabled dealers to deliver the best sound possible while simplifying processes for technicians and cutting installation time with this new, game-changing all-in-one test tool. AudioControl's Director of Mobile Audio, Chris Bennett, will be showing the features and benefits of having the DM-RTA available and making sure you have the know how to use it properly. Come and learn about AudioControl’s unique approach to making new and innovative products that continue to deliver the five pillars of great products: Price, Power, Performance, Unique Features and the Best Warranty.

Training Seminar Schedule

AudioControl Training will be held Friday, March 15^th 12:30pm (Meeting Room: 125) and Saturday March 16^th at 4:45 pm (Meeting Room: 124). Those interested in attending can contact Chris Bennett at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or register directly at the Knowledgefest website. AudioControl’s training seminar at Knowledgefest is already receiving a lot of industry attention, so early registration is recommended.

NEW PRODUCTS FROM AUDIOCONTROL

High-Performance OEM Integration

From active line output converters to signal processors and amplifiers, AudioControl has long led the way in providing sophisticated solutions for OEM audio upgrades. OEM integration represents a vital opportunity for every mobile electronics specialist, and AudioControl solutions deliver superb sound for nearly any application and are easy to install.

DM-RTA

The AudioControl DM-RTA is a sophisticated yet compact audio analyzer containing powerful analysis software designed to provide installers with the features of a fully functioning Oscilloscope, Voltage Meter, Real Time Audio Analyzer (RTA), SPL Meter and Polarity Checker. Because installers are often on-the-go and in cramped spaces when building a car audio system, the DM-RTA was designed to be light weight, compact and durable. Input/output options are staggering, including balanced XLR inputs, phono and RCA style unbalanced inputs as well as speaker level inputs designed to make OEM audio system interface a snap. Digital audio output options include Optical, COAX and USB. The DM-RTA is powered by a 5-hour rechargeable battery so that it can be effortlessly deployed anywhere.

AC-BT24 Bluetooth Module

The brand new AudioControl AC-BT24 Bluetooth streamer/programmer has been designed to give installers intuitive, wireless control over AudioControl’s DM-Series processors, DM-RTA and D-6.1200 amplifier while also enabling users to stream high-quality music from their mobile devices.

Honda S2000 Demo Vehicle

AudioControl will be showcasing a 2000 Honda S2000 demo car built by Ata Ehdaivand, owner of Absolute Electronix in Rockville, MD. The audio system features a Sony RSX-GS9 high-resolution digital media receiver mated to an AudioControl DM-608 DSP processor with AccuBASS^®, two AudioControl LC-4.800 amplifiers driving Gladen Aerospace 3-way front speakers and one LC-1.800 amplifier driving four AlumaPro 8-inch woofers. The installation also features Stinger wire and Dynamat sound deadening material.

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. – March 11, 2019 – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) today announced KnowledgeFest™, in its second year at the Long Beach Convention Center, marked another success:

• Attendance grew to more than 1500 attendees, including more than 900 retailer and 100 distributer attendees;
• The number of exhibitors increased to 53; occupying more than 70,000 square feet of exhibit space;
• 30 Hours of educational workshops; and
• A record-setting 68 hours of manufacturer trainings.

“Attendance-wise, this year in Long Beach our audience of mobile specialists was on par with last August’s KnowledgeFest Dallas, which is our long-standing flagship event now in its tenth year,” stated Chris Cook, MEA president. “This year’s increase in the number of exhibitors maxed-out the Long Beach show floor in its present configuration. We have room to expand for next year, and we’re planning some interesting new things to take advantage of that space.”

This weekend, March 15-17, KnowledgeFest sets its sights on Indianapolis. The Friday through Sunday event at the Indiana Convention Center brings its industry-recognized educational and training program and trade show floor to the Indy marketplace.

“2019 marks our fifth year in Indy. Yet, some in our industry still sell the Indy market short,” according to Cook. “KnowledgeFest Indy continues to grow with year-over-year growth. Attendee pre-registration is up more than 30 percent this year. Indy covers the market east of the Mississippi: the east coast and near east—cities, such as Pittsburgh and Cleveland. It's dealers from these markets who don’t show up for CES but are coming to Indy. There are manufacturers who recognize the value. After several expansions, our 2019 show floor is sold out.”

Kicking-off Indy, after a full day of educational sessions and manufacturer trainings, the show floor opens Friday at 4 PM for “Beer & Business”. This business-first event provides dealers and vendors with a relaxed setting to meet, see first-hand new products and do some business.

KnowledgeFest 2019 concludes with its Dallas event: August 9-11 at the Dallas Convention Center.

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. For exhibitor sales, contact Kerry Moyer 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.

MSC AMERICA announced today that they have added a new product category to an already impressive lineup.  

MSC and Mobile Solutions of Canada have been appointed as the exclusive Distribution Partner to STINGER LASER/RADAR SYSTEMS for North America. For over 25 years Stinger has been engineering and designing radar detectors, laser detectors and laser shields, specializing in speed trap protection systems tailor-made for high performance vehicles. Jason Digos- Vice President of MSC America stated- “The team at MSC is excited to offer the most technologically advanced speed trap detection system available today”. MSC will be hosting a brand introduction and training at Knowledgefest in Long Beach, CA on Saturday February 23^rd at 12:30pm in the Seaside 7 training room. Special guests will include Jim and Tom De Wilde from Stinger HQ! The training will cover an introduction to the brand, product overview along with how to present and excite clients on the idea of high end radar/laser protection systems. "This will be the most interactive hands-on training ever done in this category. We are not just going to tell you about our performance, we are going to show you!” says Digos.  

The new STINGER lineup will  be on display in the MSC booth #406 on the Knowledgefest show floor as well as prominently featured in all 3 of the MSC demo vehicles. Be sure to check out the stealth mounting possibilities of the new Fiber Laser and  HD+ Radar Antenna featuring Patch Array technology.

For questions please contact : Jason Digos at (480) 372-2929 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. For the Canadian Market contact- Chris Van Ry (403) 828-8191 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MSC America and Mobile Solutions of Canada are the exclusive distributors for Audiotec Fischer (BRAX, Helix, Match) from Germany, BLAM Audio from France and STINGER from The Netherlands. MSC America is headquartered in Mesa Arizona. The Mesa facility houses sales operations, training and technical support for the U.S. Market.

Mobile Solutions of Canada is Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta.