MERA-CEA Regional Workshops Head to Northern California
Indianapolis, IN: Following its successful events program in 2006, the Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association® (MERA) will continue conducting the MERA-CEA Regional Workshops, featuring MECP, throughout 2007. The next event will be held in San Ramon, Calif. The program, sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®), enables MERA to take its nationally recognized training on the road with workshops designed to complement the educational programming and workshops offered at the annual MERA KnowledgeFest event.
The MERA-CEA Regional Workshops will be held at the San Ramon Marriott on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007. Retailers are invited to participate for a low fee of $49.95 per person, which enables them to attend one of the following programs:
• Half-day morning program - Sales/Business Owners Track
• Half-day morning program - Installation Track
• Full-day program - Sales/Business Owners Track followed by the Installation Track
MERA is also offering mobile enhancement manufacturers the opportunity to host their own event – such as a dealer meeting or product training – in the afternoon or evening on Feb. 11 or on Saturday or Sunday of the same weekend. Manufacturers can make those arrangements directly with the hotel.
“We have made a minor adjustment to the schedule structure to enable attendees to take advantage also of the manufacturer training,” said Bob Graham, president of MERA. “While the MERA-CEA Regional Workshops are quite different than the annual MERA KnowledgeFest event, which spans four days and offers workshops, product training and exhibits, the regional events certainly offer a well-rounded program, especially for those dealers who may not be able to attend MERA KnowledgeFest.”
The San Ramon session of the MERA-CEA Regional Workshops, featuring MECP, will include “Custom Installation for Today’s Vehicles,” with Bryan Schmitt, Mobile Solutions; “Getting Connected with Today’s Technology,” led by Chris Cook, Peripheral Electronics; “Staying Ahead of the Competition” by Ray Windsor, Leadership Systems; “Promote and Profit,” led by MERA’s vice president, Barry Vogel of The Ultimate Edge in Oswego, N.Y., and MERA’s president, Bob Graham of Breakers Stereo, Oxnard, Calif.
“The regional workshops have proven to successfully unite CEA and MERA in their common goal to educate mobile electronics professionals that are on the frontline with consumers,” said Todd Ramsey, MECP program manager. “We believe continuing to offer local events will ensure even busy retail owners and installers have the opportunity to receive the latest training available.”
MERA is also planning events for the remainder of 2007. Tentative locations and dates are East Rutherford, NJ and Dallas, TX in April, and Tampa or Orlando, FL in October. Further details are pending.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA’s members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA’s resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
About MERA:
MERA is a non-profit association founded in 1996 and based in Indianapolis, Ind. MERA’s purpose is to elevate the success of specialty retailers in the mobile enhancement industry. Membership includes more than 600 companies throughout the United States, comprised of retailers, manufacturers, manufacturers representatives and others related to the industry who realize professionalism and continuing education are cornerstones for successful business. MERA serves as the safe and neutral field where all parts of the industry can gather to learn from and share with one another. For more information, visit www.merausa.org, or call 1-800-WHY MERA (949-6372).