NORTH ANDOVER, MA (08.20.2021) – Despite a strong number of early registrations, the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced today that it is rescheduling its largest KnowledgeFest event in Dallas from August 27–29 to later in the year on December 10–12. The reason for rescheduling is due to the spike in new COVID-19 cases in the Dallas County area along with several manufacturer cancellations, mostly due to global travel bans.
“Although the protocols where in place to assure a safe event, we respect the decision that many manufacturers regretfully made to not attend”, said Chris Cook, MEA President. MEA recently surveyed registered attendees and found that three (3) out of four (4) retailers still planned on attending the event in Dallas, and the top three reasons for attending were Education Workshops, Manufacturer Training, and the Exhibit Show Floor. “What is most important is to have a successful event for all that attend” stated Cook.
The industry is looking forward to the next KnowledgeFest event in Indianapolis on October 8–10 where attendance has grown over the last five events.
Registration is open at KnowledgeFest.com for the next three events. Attendees will not have to register again for Dallas in December and will be contacted for confirmation before the event.
Upcoming KnowledgeFest events:
2021 October 8-10, 2021 – Indianapolis, IN December 10-12, 2021 – Dallas, TX
2022 February 18-20, 2022 – Las Vegas, NV April 1-3, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN June 10-12, 2022 – Orlando, FL August 26-28, 2022 – Dallas, TX
COLUMBUS, OH (08.19.2021) – The first stop for this road swing was at Columbus Car Audio in Columbus, OH on Wednesday, August 18th. The next stop will be for a weekend Tent Sale event at Custom Audio Concepts in Lima, OH.
End Result’s Ed Dalesandro offered, “The Memphis Audio trailer has been updated with great vinyl graphics on the outside and product displays on the inside.The Memphis Audio product line is strong in the marketplace with the PowerSports category being especially hot. The recent updates with the Memphis Audio trailer highlight Memphis Xtreme Audio.”
The Wednesday, August 18th, event at Columbus Car Audio was a ‘1 Day Only Memphis Audio Trailer Sale’ at the company’s Morse Road location. There were 20% savings offered plus consumers could experience a live demo inside the trailer.
The display area inside the Memphis Audio Trailer is amazing!
Members of the Columbus Car Audio staff are pictured with the trailer. Left to right Standing: Rob A, Galen K, Todd P, Rob B, Nathan B, Jayson C, Javier F, Victor A, Tyler S, Victor G, Jose F. Front Row: Owner Todd Hays, Ed Dalesandro.
“No doubt the Memphis Trailer grabbed attention in front of the Columbus Car Audio store on busy Morse Road. When consumers experienced the live demo the smiles came to their faces. Sales were made and installations booked. In addition we were able to spend time with sales and installation tech staff members about the Memphis Audio line and answer any questions they had,” Dalesandro stated.
Left to Right: Jose F, Victor G, Jayson C, Galen K, Rob B, Rob A, Ed Dalesandro, Javier F, Tyler S, Ashley S, Victor A, Todd P, Nathan B.
Columbus Car Audio GM Anthony Reibe related, “The Pandemic created the opportunity for a new line because of product shortages. And Memphis Audio and End Result had been in our ear for a long time. We decided to give it a shot and we have expanded our offerings of Memphis over a short period of time. With the support from End Result, Memphis has quickly become a valued vendor.”
During the day sales staff members also made social media posts showcasing Memphis Audio products in the showroom.
During the day Michael made this post to encourage followers to come in and get their MOJO during the Memphis Audio Trailer Sale.
The Memphis Audio Trailer ready to head to the next stop.
Sales Manager Jayson Cook dictates the retail pace of the at the store as CCA has so many moving parts with car dealer, upholstery, classic cars and more.
Shortly after 6PM the Memphis Audio Trailer was hitched to the End Result pickup. After being pulled out of the wet area in front Dalesandro headed out on the 90 mile drive to Lima OH.
Drivers following the Memphis Trailer down the road get the message too!
Nate Gast, Custom Audio Concepts owner, conveyed to the 12volt Central Studios that preparations were under way at their location for the weekend Tent Sale.
“Staff members are putting up 10’x20’ tents outside with tables spotted for product display and sales. The Memphis Trailer will be a highlight. The graphics on the Memphis Trailer will definitely grab eyeballs in front of our store on this very busy street corner in Lima,” Gast stated.
ARLINGTON, VA (08.18.2021) – The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced that CES 2022 , the world’s most influential technology event, will require in-person attendees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. CES 2022 will take place in Las Vegas on January 5-8, 2022. For those who may be unable to travel to Las Vegas, CTA will again create a digital event that will run in parallel with the in-person program. Digital audiences will have the opportunity to share the spirit of the in-person event.
“Based on today’s science, we understand vaccines offer us the best hope for stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “We all play a part in ending the pandemic through encouraging vaccinations and implementing the right safety protocols. We are taking on our responsibility by requiring proof of vaccination to attend CES 2022 in Las Vegas.”
CES logo
CTA is also assessing the acceptance of proof of a positive antibody test as an alternative requirement and will share more details on this later. Safety, security and health are always a priority at CES, and we will follow state and local guidelines and recommendations by the CDC. CTA will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and will announce additional protocols closer to the show.
In Las Vegas, attendees will experience a host of new technologies from global companies, hear about the future of technology from thought leaders and collaborate face-to-face with other attendees. Some 2000 companies including major brands and start-ups will be in Las Vegas. CES 2022 will feature new categories showcasing how the industry is evolving, including space tech, food tech and NFTs. The show will highlight advancements in AI, AR/VR, gaming and computing, digital health, automotive and transportation, home entertainment, smart home and more. Audiences will hear from industry leaders during live keynotes, including General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra and T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. The CES keynote schedule will be updated regularly as speakers are announced.
Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2022 will convene the tech industry in-person and digitally, Wednesday, Jan. 5 to Saturday, Jan. 8, with Media Days taking place Monday, Jan. 3 to Tuesday, Jan. 4. Global audiences will have access to major brands and startups, as well as the world’s most-influential leaders and industry advocates. For over 50 years, CES has been the global stage for innovation, and CES 2022 will provide an opportunity for companies from around the world, both large and small, to launch products, build brands and form partnerships.
OWASSO, OK (08.17.2021) – Owasso is a rural town just northeast of Tulsa. Residents in the community like their car audio and there was a big turnout for the 10th Annual Owasso FFA Alumni Custom Car Show at the Owasso High School on Saturday, August 15th. Tulsa-based 12volt retailer Code Zero Customs’ owner Cody Landis saw an opportunity to showcase a major SEMA Show build and set up a booth at the event.
The Code Zero Customs booth featured the SEMA Show bound Lexus ES350 on the right.
“We feel it is very important to showcase our work and connect with consumers in the area. We have had a booth at the FFA Custom Car Show the last 5 years and it has produced positive visibility for our store. There were literally hundreds of cars on the grounds at the high school with a ton of people walking around to check out the cool cars and trucks,” Cody Landis related.
When people walked by the Lexus ES350 trunk the installation came to light.
Code Zero Customs recently completed a big project Lexus ES350 build. That vehicle is a SEMA Show project build for Kyle Alcorn that will be in the NIA Booth at SEMA 2021. The build features a NIA Body Kit plus an extensive custom installation featuring AudioFrog and Audio Control products.
Cody Landis, Dustin Tessier, Daniel Dvorak, Sergio Torres and Andrew Blagg (LtoR) talked shop at the event. Tessier in holding a trophy for his Silverado build that also showcased Code Zero Customs work.
“it’s a tight knit community in the Tulsa area. Code Zero Customs has been open for a little over 6 years. Showing our work at area consumer events is a key factory in our company’s growth. The Lexus ES350 build was in our booth at the Starbird Show at the Tulsa Expo Center in May and it created a lot of excitement for that crowd also,” Landis offered.
Code Zero Customs makes frequent posts showcasing vehicle jobs they have completed.
Concluding, Landis commented, “We look forward to seeing Kyle’s Lexus ES350 build in Vegas at the SEMA Show. We know it will draw a lot of attention to the NIA Booth.”
NOBLE, OK (08.16.2021) – KICKER and more than 150 of the fastest street cars in the country, including high-profile television stars, were onsite at the annual Outlaw Armageddon no-prep drag race in Noble OK at Thunder Valley Raceway Park played host to the event on August 13th and 14th.
A burnout during Thursday trials.
KICKER rolled in with the completely revamped XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle). The 82-foot big rig houses a full showroom of KICKER Audio products in addition to the legendary Boom Room, which returned to life following major upgrades. A larger, louder Boom Room features an enclosure now suspended in a custom steel framework, built to withstand the low-toned torture emanating from a massive 40,000-watt power plant of amps. A dozen KICKER Q-Class L7 15-inch subwoofers, in addition to an array of 11-inch compression-driver, KM-Series Tower Speakers, delivered tons of bass – and fun – to countless racing fans.
The KICKER XRV positioned with the 187 Customs Scout under the awning.
Jeremy Wynn, Events and Promotions Manager, stated “Overall this was a great event. Showing so many people the revamped XRV, seeing cool race cars and hearing racers going down the track was exciting for everyone at Thunder Valley Raceway Track Park in Noble.”
The revamped KICKER XRV features a full showroom displaying a wide selection of Kicker car audio products.
KICKER-equipped vehicles from Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws’ own Ryan Martin (driver of the Fireball Camaro) and a SEMA Show- quality International SCOUT owned by Shawn Ellington’s (aka “Murder Nova”) 187 Customs (Mustang, OK) were in the KICKER XRV setup area.
The new Boom Room in the KICKER XRV is powered by 40,O00 watts to let all know KICKER is Livin’Loud at events.
More than 12,000 spectators attended the last Outlaw Armageddon. At press time this year’s final attendance had not been tabulated. With nearly $45,000 in prizes at stake in six different classes, several members of Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws and Street Outlaws: New Orleans attended.
The stands on both sides of the track were filled at Thunder Valley Raceway Park.
Racing celebrities like Big Chief, Daddy Dave, Jeff Lutz, Dominator, Farmtruck and AZN, Deathtrap, Birdman and many more were on hand, raced and signed autographs.
SHREVEPORT LA (08.14.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Pinnacle Autosound won the JBL prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, August 13th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Nine months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 140th time on Friday morning August 13th. The Wheel landed on the JBL space. The Pinnacle Autosound slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out by phone and talked with Joey Knapp at the retailer’s store in Lake City FL. We was happy to hear a JBL prize would be heading his way.
A JBL CLICK Bluetooth Remote Controller will be sent. The JBL Click is one of the JBL prize items that Shawn Spedding sent to the 12volt Central Studios. We will send the prize to Joey along with a JBL Harman Koozie.
The JBL CLICK prize, along with koozie and key chain, will be sent to Pinnacle Autosound.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash prizes have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL and Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, August 20th.
TULSA, OK (08.13.2021) – The motorcycle category is driving sales across the 12volt industry. Car Toys Tulsa has added fuel to their motorcycle business by partnering with local businesses. KMOD is a very popular radio station across the Tulsa marketplace. Uncle Bentley’s Pub and Grill is a popular meeting spot for area bikers. Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa owner, has partnered with these two businesses to put his store’s brand and products in front of area bikers at weekly evening events.
Bikers filled the lot at Uncle Bentley’s Pub… and more bikes were to the left.
The Rockford Fosgate tent drew attention to the demo bike.
KMOD has a wrapped SUV that they utilize at events and Car Toys Tulsa has a large logo on the back hatch window. KMOD, 97.5 is Tulsa’s Rock station, is a sponsor of the Crude Roundup that is set to takes place on Saturday, September 11th at the Exchange Center.
The KMOD SUV carries the Car Toys Tulsa logo on the back hatch glass.
“Participating with Uncle Bentley’s Pub every week to host an evening event for bikers has been very strong. The center where Uncle Bentley’s Pub is located is very large with tremendous visibility from main streets. The event last Thursday had over 100 bikes in the parking lot. We sell at the event and even do some installations there. Being at the event also gives an opportunity to speak with a lot of bikers and set up appointments at the store for bigger jobs. For those bigger jobs we installed a bike lift in the installation bay. Bret Bisel is our motorcycle tech and the lift makes him time much more efficient and productive” Stewart related.
At the events donations of canned goods are requested and those donations are given to a local charity.
“Our bike business is very strong and the weekly evening events at Uncle Bentley’s Pub have a lot to do with it” Charles Stewart, Car Toys Tulsa owner, stated.
Bret Bisel, Car Toys Tulsa motorcycle tech, is pictured with the bike lift in the installation bay.
Concluding, Stewart offered, “Rockford Fosgate has such strong offerings for bikes. We have one of the RockFord Fosgate event promotion kits with 10×10 tent and large banners. We have a loaded bike under the tent too. Jeeps are hot now also and we transport things we need at the event in our Jeep Gladiator.”
Great to see 12volt retailers like Car Toys Tulsa connect and work with other area businesses to create excitement in their markets. That visibility then leads to business for the retailer.
TEMPE, AZ (08.12.2021) – Audio Express Team members attended an extensive training session conducted by KICKER at the Residence Inn in Tempe AZ on Monday, August 2nd. Nearly 70 Audio Express Team members from the company’s Phoenix and Tucson locations attended.
The large meeting room at the Residence Inn in Tempe was an ideal setting for the Audio Express training session.
Hands on opportunities provided attendees with first hand knowledge.
Aaron Malin, KICKER Global Training Manager and Ken Bundy traveled from Stillwater OK to conduct the session. Malin commented “The meeting was really terrific. All in attendance, nearly 70 people, were very attentive and our training included a lot of hands-on demonstrations including the KEYLOC and applications. In-vehicle listening sessions in the Murfco demo truck added a real world aspect to the session for attendees. There was some fun too with raffle drawings for audience members who asked questions.”
Aaron Malin (L) and Ken Bundy offered raffle drawings for audience members who asked questions. The KICKER Bullfrog was among the prizes.
Rob Valdez, Audio Express COO, related “We were extremely happy with the training that was so well set up and executed by Aaron Malin and Ken Bundy from KICKER with Steve Parsley from Murfco. The breakfast and location were awesome and we appreciate being partners with the KICKER Team. It was very gratifying to see our team members attend the KICKER training on their day off.”
Audio Express is closed on Sunday and Monday which allowed staff members to attend the Monday training.
AVON LAKE, OH (08.11.2021) – Enjoy a traditional rite of summer as Design Engineering Inc., in partnership with the city of Avon Lake, hosts its annual DEI Cruise-In on Saturday, Aug. 21.
Offering wholesome fun for the entire family, the Cruise-In will feature food, music and, of course, the hottest cars, trucks, SUVs, race cars, motorcycles and classic vehicles around.
“We’re inviting the entire community to come out and enjoy a Saturday evening of great cars and family fun,” said Steve Garrett, Creative Director at DEI. “Community cruise-ins are a great way to meet your neighbors and take a walk down memory lane. Plus, the first 300 participants will receive a free commemorative gift!”
Free and open to the public, the event will be held at the Weiss Baseball Fields, 33401 Webber Road, across from DEI headquarters. It will include activities, music, food vendors and more.
This year the Cruise-In will also serve as a fundraiser for Valor Home of Lorain County—a transitional housing program for homeless male veterans. Funds will be raised through a $10 donation for anyone wanting to show a vehicle, with all years, makes, models and styles eligible to participate.
“Whatever you have is welcome,” Garrett said.
Originally hosted on the DEI premises beginning in 2016, the Cruise-In gained the attention of city officials when cars and trucks circled the block waiting to enter the parking lot. The city of Avon Lake now serves as an official event partner.
For more information about the annual DEI Cruise-In and how to register a vehicle, visit facebook.com/DEIcruisein
LANSING MI (08.10.21) Electronic Outlet celebrated the company’s milestone 50-Year Anniversary with an in-store event on Saturday, July 17th, that ran from 10AM until 5PM.
A very happy and proud John Pavlik related “The weather was terrific and my wife Doreen, children and grand children were at the store. We had a very good day that included offering discounts on products and labor with priority bookings. Refreshments were enjoyed along with a catered BBQ lunch.”
John Pavlik, wife Doreen, children and grandchildren pictured at the 50th Anniversary Event. John is holding a plaque from his family that lists the nearly 20 DBA’s he has started over the years.
Continuing Pavlik offered “We work to keep our customers up to date with new technology. In-venicle connectivity is the forefront today. We included the new CRUX wireless Apple Car mod in our TV ads and had a working demo in the new Dodge RAM truck here in the lot for the event. That made for a great demo that opened people’s eyes”
A customer checking out some specials.
Bob English, Altron International Owner, relayed “A big congratulations to John Pavlik for 50 successful years in the electronics business. From one old-timer to another, sincere wishes for continued success from me and all at Altron International.”
Geoff Dixon, with Opus Marketing in the Michigan territory, was on site. “There was a nice turnout for the event. John does a really great job connecting with consumers in the area and really takes good care of his customers. He works with Altron for his KICKER products and we appreciate his support.”
Members of the Electronic Outlet Team pictured at the event.
“Mike, the first car stereo unit we sold 50 years ago was a Hitachi under dash 8-track and we sold a lots of them. Craig 8-tracks too back in the day when it was Craig/Pioneer. You had to be careful installing the Craig Hump Mount Powerplay because you could run a screw into the transmission” Pavlik related in a phone call with the 12volt News.
John gave his wife Doreen a kiss and said “I am a very lucky man. Thank you.”
“I was just 19 after 6 months of military time in the National Guard with $3000. in my pocket and said let’s do this. It’s been a great journey and I have enjoyed my run. Having Doreen and family by my side has made it a very enjoyable ride” Pavlik concluded. For more see www.electronicoutletlansing.com
12VoltNews.com 