Instructors: Ken Ward - Educar
Track: Technician - Fabricator
Session ID: TF000
Location: TBA
[Click here to Reserve Your Seat*]
Description: What if you could make sure that an OEM integration device will do what's needed - before you install it? How do you tell what you need a device to be able to do? Learn Educar's 2018 Four Questions process, to find OE integration issues before they're problems. We will show you how to test the signal and how to learn each device's "core functions" beforehand. In this session, you will learn how to expose additional processing of audio signals used by the carmakers - even in base-model audio systems from mainline brands like Toyota!
*A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Reserved seating is located on the first two rows of each classroom and is on a first come first served basis. Please be at your class no later than ten minutes before start time.
Instructors: Mike Schwitz - General Manager - Sound Connection, Inc., Brandon Green - Owner - The Car Audio Shop, Chris Ott - Installation Manager - Audio Evolution Topics
Track: Technician - Fabricator
Session ID: TF002
Location: 128
[Click here to Reserve Your Seat*]
Description: Learn industry best practices for soldering, tesa tape, looms, nutserts, etc). Understand the best use techniques for testing equipment, learn the how-to and use case for each. Understand fabrication basics (wrapping enclosures, making panel insert, different bits and their use, etc.). WE will provide a complete review of electrical components (resistors, diodes, relays, etc). What they do and what to do with them.
*A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Reserved seating is located on the first two rows of each classroom and is on a first come first served basis. Please be at your class no later than ten minutes before start time.
KnowledgeFest Keynote Kickoff
Plan on participating in this dynamic presentation Saturday morning to kickoff the day with "The Retail Doctor" himself, Bob Phibbs, the World’s Leading Expert on Brick-and-Mortar Retailers!
Presenting - The Retail Doctor - Bob Phibbs
When: Saturday, August 10 from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM
Location: Ballroom C
[Click Here to Reserve Your Seat*]
Sponsored by:
Keynote Presentation: You Can Compete: How to Stop getting Your Butt Kicked by Online Competitors
Description: Looking to attract more customers? What if you could get more from those you already have coming in the door? The flawed assumption nearly every traditional retailer makes is that they'll edge out their online competitors by beating them on price. But with rising costs in both leases as well as labor, this just isn't sustainable. However, there is one thing that brick and mortar retailers can do that by design online retailers won't ever do. In "You Can Compete," Bob outlines the startlingly simple but mostly overlooked insight that will help you to not just grow your profitability but reinvent your business as a whole. In this presentation, you’ll discover how to engage customers, make bigger sales, and sell more often. You’ll be inspired to upgrade the way you do business.”
Sales Keynote Speaker | Customer Service Speakers | Bob Phibbs
Find Out More about The Retail Doctor:
Bob Phibbs - The Retail Doctor
Twitter ID: @TheRetailDoctor
Meet Bob Phibbs, The World’s Leading Expert on Brick-and-Mortar Retailers
Who is the champion of retailers? Before 1994, there wasn’t a champion because retail was already starting to lose ground to online competitors.
That’s when Bob Phibbs stepped into the fight to give brick-and-mortar retailers a fighting chance. The Retail Doctor launched in 1994 and for the past 25+ years, you’ve seen his work.
Bob Phibbs is an internationally recognized business strategist, customer service expert, sales coach, marketing mentor, author of three books, and motivational business speaker.
Sure, that’s impressive, but what makes Bob Phibbs the world’s leading expert on brick-and-mortar retailers? His client list. Bernina, Brother, Caesars Palace, Hunter Douglas, Lego, Omega, Hearts on Fire, Husqvarna, Vera Bradley, Yamaha - those are just a handful of the thousands of big and small brands who trust Bob Phibbs’ King Midas touch.
Bob Phibbs was named one of the top retail influencers of 2018, a recognition he is humbled and grateful to receive. He is also an American Express merchant advisor, IBM retail futurist, and RetailWire BrainTrust partner. His website and blog have been named Best On The Planet For Retail in both 2017 and 2018 by Feedbuzz and was listed on over twenty retail influencer lists in 2018, often as #1.
Yes, success doesn’t come without more than a few bright lights. Bob has made appearances on ABC, Fox, MSNBC, and PBS, among other networks. Bob and his work have also been featured in articles by Entrepreneur, The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. He also has provided business makeovers to The Los Angeles Times. He is a Top Voice on LinkedIn.
Bob knows what it takes to rock in retail because he’s spent 30 years in the trenches of retail ups and downs. He’s been a corporate officer, franchisor, and entrepreneur who fought his way to the top.
Bob’s direct influence generated the highest increase in sales from South Coast Plaza, the highest grossing mall in the USA. He is a member of the National Speaker's Association and Author's Guild.
Friday, February 7 -- Opening Reception
Time: 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: Exhibit Hall C
Description: Great time to network! Stop in and unwind after a great day of learning. Join us in Exhibit Hall C on the exhibit floor for Beer & Business.
Join the exhibitors for drinks and see what they have to offer.
Instructors: Ata Ehdaivand - Absolute Electronix, Dean Beyett - Five Star
Track: Sales - Marketing
Session ID: SM006
Location: 126
[Click here to Reserve your Seat*]
Description: Tired of saying, “sorry that won’t fit in your car”. The dashboard space has evolved and many new and late model cars present real challenges for selling aftermarket products. Learn the best techniques for selling solutions that fit the consumer lifestyle and their dashboard. OEM integration devices provide some great solutions, but some fall short of forcing a head-unit into the dashboard. Get a better understanding of the solutions available that allow you to say “yes” to every customer and know that you can get it installed.
*A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Reserved seating is located on the first two rows of each classroom and is on a first come first served basis. Please be at your class no later than ten minutes before start time.
Instructors: Bryan Schmitt - Mobile Solutions, Tom Miller – Musicar Northwest, JT Torres - Automotive Entertainment
Track: Technician - Fabricator
Session ID: TF005
Location: 128
[Click here to Reserve your Seat*]
Description: Custom installation is the cornerstone of being a specialist retailer and the ability to execute profitably and maintain high standards separates the professionals from amateurs. This informative session focuses on elements that influence the final cosmetic integration of custom automotive interiors and audio system fabrication-related projects. Plastic and aluminum fabrication, adhesion/bonding techniques, machining dash panels or trim with a router, surface finishes and serviceable mounting strategies are all covered. Join Instructors Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions, Tom Miller of Musicar Northwest and JT Torres of Automotive Entertainment for this can’t miss training class.
Highlight training topics include:
Plastic and Aluminum Fabrication
Many real-world examples of how to use different plastics and aluminum parts on a daily basis are covered in detail. Increase your acumen dash integration by using similar materials that the automotive manufacturers utilize. Learn how to machine automotive-grade plastics and non-ferrous metals with remarkable precision. Discover effective techniques for cutting, sanding, and polishing acrylic and aluminum. This training also demonstrates excellent examples of using LED lighting applications for acrylic and polycarbonate.
Cosmetic and Structural Integration
Learn the entire process of creating 3-dimensional dash and trim panels that look unbelievable. This training seminar also explores an in-depth look at creating ABS and metal pressed speaker grilles that snap into the factory plastic panels with very little effort. Finally learn the tools and techniques of robust and serviceable mounting techniques that include metal and plastic bracketry, premium hardware and rare-earth magnets. These techniques can be applied to everything from radar/laser sensors, dash and trim panels or electronic component mounting.
Upholstery and Surface Finishes
Upholstery and texturing techniques that take your work to the next level are part of the path to exceptional finishes. After all, it’s what the client sees on a regular basis. In the training session, several different types of trim panels are built start-to finish so attendees see the entire process. Learn how to create different vinyl inlays with multiple, OEM-like materials. Learn hot and cold vinyl wrapping techniques to ensure a great outcome every time. This segment of the course will capture the interest of even the most seasoned technicians. Many tricks and pro tips are presented.
Who Should Attend?
● 12 Volt Technicians Seeking New Skills
● Fabricators in a 12 Volt Shop Environment
● Automotive Upholstery Professionals
● Active Owners/Managers/Sales Personnel who bid Custom Labor
*A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Reserved seating is located on the first two rows of each classroom and is on a first come first served basis. Please be at your class no later than ten minutes before start time.
Instructors: Bryan Schmitt - President and Founder of Mobile Solutions USA
Track: Owner - Manager
Session ID: OM003
Location: 124
[Click here to Reserve your Seat*]
Description: In this informative seminar, Bryan Schmitt presents some compelling thoughts and ideas to keep moving your business forward. We’ll cover some of the up and down trending categories, where expertise makes a difference and the importance of a specialty retailer’s visibility to today’s consumer. Additional discussions about business strategies and vendor relationships round out the presentation. Don’t miss this inspiring and candid look at the road ahead for specialty retailers.
*A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Reserved seating is located on the first two rows of each classroom and is on a first come first served basis. Please be at your class no later than ten minutes before start time.
Instructors: Jayson Cook - Columbus Car Audio
Track: Sales - Marketing
Session ID: SM002
Location: 126
[Click here to Reserve your Seat*]
*A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Reserved seating is located on the first two rows of each classroom and is on a first come first served basis. Please be at your class no later than ten minutes before start time.
Title: Innovative Product and Tactical Sales Training the Memphis Way.
Description: Experience the cutting-edge innovative product offerings and receive a step-by- step walkthrough on how to sell and present products to customers. This fun and informative training will be hosted by Memphis Audio president Nick LoMonaco and Regional Sales Manager Ellis Mathis. Receive hands on interactive sales training and product overviews on the complete line of powersports, marine and car audio solutions. Live demos and sales discussions will have you understanding why Memphis is at the front of the pack for profit, innovation and supporting dealers. Learn how Memphis’s new product offerings and proven winners will make the front of your store as well as your back office a success by improving installation quality, warranty, reduced inventory costs and ultimately increased profits. Receive free door prizes and fun at the Memphis Audio training.
Friday, July 10
Time: 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm
Meeting Room: 122
[Click Here to Reserve Your Seat*]
Sunday, July 12
Time: 10:45 am - 11:45 am
Meeting Room: 122
[Click Here to Reserve Your Seat*]
*A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Reserved seating is located on the first two rows of each classroom and is on a first come first served basis. Please be at your class no later than ten minutes before the start.
Title: Tips to become a Lighting Professional
Description: Discover dozens of tips to becoming a Lighting professional in your industry, in your store, at your counter, and in your install bay! In this 1-hour training, Race Sport Lighting will bring you through tech tips on Lumens vs Lux, Projectors vs Non-projectors, Patent features of the GEN4 Ultimate LED kit, LED headlight Specification comparisons, HID vs LED, and the testing advantage that RSL does on all our products. Also gain helpful sales counter tools such as the Road Map to Success, the Starting Lineup, Our Vehicle Fit Guide, and our Race Sport Nation toolbox. At the end, we will show you how to sign up for continuing education courses on our RS University! In 1-hour, any sales and tech staff should have the tools they need to be a lighting professional in their businesses!
Friday, July 10
Time: 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm
Meeting Room: 121
[Click here to Reserve Your Seat*]
*A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Reserved seating is located on the first two rows of each classroom and is on a first come first served basis. Please be at your class no later than ten minutes before the start.