Frequently Asked Questions

What is KnowledgeFest?

KnowledgeFest was founded in 1993 by a group of retailers and reps in the Midwest who saw the value in mobile electronics retailers getting together to share knowledge and experiences. In sharing successes and failures, all participants become better, smarter and more profitable business people.

What's in it for me?

Today, KnowledgeFest includes over 18 educational workshops, great networking opportunities, and:

Mobile Electronics Show floor featuring manufacturer and benefit provider exhibits and displays. Talk one-on-one with people with which you do business (or should be!). Every major manufacturer and many specialty manufacturers will be there for you.

Manufacturer product training sessions to make you the expert in your market.

Specialized training for owner/managers, sales professionals and installation techs to keep your business on the cutting edge of profitability. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, or a relative newcomer to mobile electronics, KnowledgeFest has something for you.

Many social activities after hours to bring FUN to the mix. Our previous 2011 Monday night KnowledgeFest Live: Presented by Sony is just one great example. The Mobile Electronics Magazine Awards banquet is another. And there are more to be announced. You have never enjoyed adding to your skill set as much as you will by attending KnowledgeFest 2012!

What kind of stuff will I learn?

KnowledgeFest 2012 will delve into the issues that retailers have told us are important to managing and growing their business. For example, topics like controlling expenses, maximizing cash flow and finding new ways to compete in this challenging economy. Learn the best ways for improving business relationships with manufacturers and reps, find out how to deal with connectivity issues and the defective dilemma and make the right decisions for marketing and advertising to today’s consumer. Find the most effective ways to make the internet your friend and realize areas for potential growth that you may not have considered. Specific course and titles for the 2012 event will be listed on the KnowledgeFest.org site soon.

What will it cost me?

A lot less than trying to get all of this content on your own! Attendance is $299 for the first person from each shop, and $149 for each person thereafter (ask about special discounted rates for MERA members). The event registration includes education, admission to Mobile Show exhibits and keynote lunches. Special rates from the beautiful Gaylord Texan Resort are $145 per night and resort fee has been waived. These rates are good up to three days before and three days after the event. Flying into Dallas airport is easy as most discount carriers fly here, and because it is centrally located, flight times are generally under three hours from anywhere in the Continental United States. Most attendees report their total event cost as less than $1000 per person.

Why have it in August?

Just in time for planning out your fall campaigns to maximize sales and profits. MERA is asking our manufacturer partners to bring the deals! Sharpen your product knowledge, and be ready to dazzle your customers this holiday season.

What do I do to sign up?

Click Here to to find out more about KnowledgeFest 2012.