In the News

MERA ANNOUNCES KNOWLEDGEFEST 2010
Selects Dallas location during September timeframe

LAS VEGAS, NV, January 6, 2010…The Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA) announced today the location and timeframe for KnowledgeFest 2010 at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show.  The event will take place in Dallas, Texas after Labor Day. The MERA team is finalizing specific dates and the site as well as beginning to focus on event content and special welcoming preparations.    

"MERA has been conducting research with its members, and found Dallas and mid-September to be an ideal venue and timing for this year's KnowledgeFest," said Chris Cook, MERA's director of industry relations. "It was important for us to select a central location, which establishes KnowledgeFest as a national event and accommodates travel," he added.  "We were also sensitive to the rhythms of the retail channel in choosing a timeframe between the back-to-school and holiday selling seasons."

Cook also named The Acumen Group as a partner for the next phase of KnowledgeFest planning.  Acumen responded last October to MERA's request for proposal sent to management companies for assistance in identifying the venue and delivering a successful event.

"While the MERA team works with Acumen to develop what is sure to become an industry premiere event," Cook said, "we'll also be contacting manufacturers to exhibit, with selection priority based on prior event participation, and beginning to build educational tracks on selling, managing and installing and to highlight MECP training and certification."

Additional information about KnowledgeFest 2010 will be available soon on a new website www.knowledgefest.org.

The new MERA is dedicated to the success of the mobile electronics industry, with a focus on growth of the mobile electronics retailer channel.  MERA is calling for the industry to come together to advance the in-vehicle mobile lifestyle category and promote driving fun, driving safe and driving smart.

For more information, visit MERA at www.merausa.org, or call 800.whyMERA for more information.