CEA’s 2008 Para Conference Features Education And Training To Grow Businesses

Robust Two Day Program Serves Audio-Video Dealers and Installers


The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® today announced its complete schedule for the 2008 PARA Conference scheduled for March 12-14 at The Peabody Orlando in Florida. The 2008 event includes two information-filled days that will provide many opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas among specialty audio-video dealers, installers and PARA’s vendor supporters.

“Whether retail, hybrid or custom, if you aspire to grow your business the 2008 PARA Conference is a must-attend event for you,” said PARA Executive Director Kerry Moyer. “Focusing on education and information sharing, this year’s high-value conference program, co-located with the Electronic House Expo Spring (EHX), provides concrete revenue-generating information you can immediately put into action.”

The 2008 PARA Conference is designed not only for existing PARA dealers, but also for non-PARA dealers and installers. “There’s no better way to tap into the PARA membership experience than by participating in the PARA Conference, thanks to sharing of valuable business tips and information among dealers at the conference.” He added that registration is limited, providing the right environment for education, networking and conducting business.

“Last year I took my management team to the event, and each member of my team came away with specific ideas that they put into practice, and we instituted many of the ideas on a company-wide basis,” said Michael Pope, President of Audio-Video Interior in Medina, Ohio. “I especially like this conference because it focuses on running your business, allows you to network with knowledgeable people from other companies and parts of the country, and lets you visit the Electronic House Expo.”

The 2008 Conference theme is “Demonstrating the Promise of Technology,” a PARA core value that sets the PARA dealer apart in the marketplace. The program includes sessions focusing on the showroom, the customer experience, salespeople and the art of demonstration.

On Thursday, March 13, the conference will open with “EthnoMetrics and your Showroom.” Martin Smith, president of Ethnometrics, will present results and recommendations from a case study of the customer purchase experience at a PARA dealer. The ethnoMetrics analysis focuses on how to display, price and sell the maximum amount of product at the highest margin possible and optimize spending dollars and maximize ROI while creating an enticing purchase experience that results in increased sales and customer loyalty.

Mike Albert, founder of Satisfaction Services and a panel of dealers and vendors will discuss “Evaluating the Customer Experience,” covering the importance of creating and maintaining a positive customer experience by measuring customer satisfaction against employee service and brand performance at point-of-sale.

Applied behavioral scientist Tim Daniels conducts “The Coaching Instinct: Transferring Talent to High Performance.” This workshop teaches “real leadership” by showing how to turn your employee talent into high performance.

Thursday closes out with an afternoon event entitled “Super Session: The Art of Demonstration.” This hands-on training from the experts brings together dealers and vendors to create six break-out sessions that focus on doing a compelling demo for audio, video, home theater, gaming, networking and entertainment distribution and home lighting control.

On Friday morning the program tackles the tough topic that is on the mind of custom installers: are you making money on labor? Industry expert Helen Heneveld, president of Bedrock Learning, provides answers and insight during this two-part workshop. The afternoon features an EHX Industry Connections Luncheon, and provides time for dealers to tour the EHX show floor and dealers to meet with vendors for one-on-one meetings.

For more information on the 2008 PARA Conference, including schedule information and online registration, visit www.CE.org/Events.