Following the exit of many leading exhibitors due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) announced today that it is rescheduling its largest event, Dallas KnowledgeFest, to December 10–12. The event had been scheduled to take place August 27–29.
MEA said that KnowledgeFest received a high number of pre-registrations, but the spike in new COVID-19 cases in the Dallas County area, along with several manufacturer cancellations, caused it to postpone the event. It also mentioned that international travel bans were a factor in the decision.
“Although the protocols were 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 out of four retailers had 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.
In the meantime, KnowledgeFest in Indianapolis will be held October 8–10. 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.
December? The biggest selling month of the year! Bad decision. We will not be going.
Good luck with December as well. Texas acts like there is no virus so I have to guess Texas will be just as bad if not worse in December as it is now. And Matt is right, who wants to leave their store in the peak of the holiday season and starter season for northern dealers.
How about a list with contact information on the vendors that were going to be there. There are several that I would like to have contacted.
Tough decision for all involved I’m sure, but I think it is the right move.
Incredibly disappointed 😔
Feel like a small show would have been better than no show at all. I really feel for all those who bought non refundable airline tickets and/or hotel reservations, took time off work, rearranged their schedule, etc. What a bummer. The unfortunate part is, it likely won’t happen in December either. And if it does, how many retailers really want to leave their store during the holiday shopping/remote start season? Ugh…