MERA Schedules KnowledgeFest 2010 Trade Show

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 3/17/2010

North Andover, Mass. - The Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA) scheduled its KnowledgeFest 2010 trade show for Oct. 10 -12 in Dallas at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.

The show, which resumes after a one-year lapse, will feature more than 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, manufacturer product training, and more than 20 workshops "designed by, and for owners, managers, salespeople, and installation technicians," the association said. For the first time, the event will feature exhibits and training sessions for "The Connected Car" and "Driver's Safety" categories, which MERA said "will become an important part of the mobile electronics retailer's business in the near future."

Potential exhibitors and sponsors interested in participating may contact MERA at (800) 949-MERA or exhibit@merausa.org for more information.

Because of the economic downturn, MERA cancelled last year's KnowledgeFest. The association later approved the purchase of the trade group by InstallerNet, which organized a national network of home and car electronics installers who perform installs for major retailers. The major retailers offer InstallerNet installation gift cards for use with purchased products. The customer buys the card and calls an 800 number to be directed to the local InstallerNet retailer who performs the installation for a set price.

Following its purchase last year by InstallerNet, the association changed its name back to the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association following a brief period during which it was called Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association.

The first KnowledgeFest was held in 1995.