MTE, Jim Lafeber, Scott Perkin

Five Reasons Why MTE is the Best Professional Detail Show of the Year

MTE Show, Dr. Beasley's, The IDA

I just got back from my third year attending the Mobile Tech Expo, which is held each January in Orlando. Each time I’ve gone, I’ve been completely blown away by this fantastic event, and it gets better each year.

Here are five reasons why you should consider attending:

1. Amazing people come to MTE!

The first year I attended, back in 2013, I was lucky to meet Larry Kosilla of AMMO NYC.  I learned that Larry was formulating his own products for the same reasons I wanted to –our dissatisfaction with existing products.  That year I also met Scott Perkin of Scotty’s Shine Shop, a great, passionate business owner that has run a premier detail shop for over 20 years.  I’ve shared business practice ideas with Renny Doyle each year at the show, and he continues to be a great resource for me personally because he improves on the concepts I’ve shared with him.

Last year, I met Richard Lin of Black Wow and Show Car Detailing, who has some really phenomenal products out there. This year I got to meet Gina Budhai, who owns Car Pool Detail in Richmond, VA.  I had called upon her earlier this year for advice on how to handle a mold infested mini-van that had been shipped from Nigeria. She was gracious enough to walk me through a process and I got to thank her in person at the expo.

I keep in touch with these folks regularly and consider all of them good friends. They’re not just contacts in my address book, they are people I can call at any time to bounce ideas off of, to get their opinions or to get advice. And I met them all at MTE.

2. MTE offers the best education out there.

MTE’s setting and format is unmatched. There are classroom sessions for everyone from the new detailer to those with years of experience. There are hands-on demonstrations where you can try techniques yourself. There are plenty of opportunities to network and share, and meet others who you can learn from.  I promise, it is not your average conference.

3. It is, in all honesty, incredibly fun.

After the classroom sessions are over, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for more discussions. MTE is a very social event, and groups continue their networking and talks over drinks, dinner, and, like I experienced this year, a very interesting (and extremely fun) adult game called Cards Against Humanity. That was the latest I’ve stayed out for years!

4. Passion about our industry.

Everyone who attends MTE is there because they are excited about what we are doing as an industry. The enthusiasm and energy coming from the people at this event is really amazing, and I am so energized and excited to get back to work after it’s over.

5. IDA Annual Meeting and Award ceremony

The International Detailing Association (IDA) is such a worthwhile and positive organization, which promotes professionalism in our industry. MTE is where IDA holds its annual meeting, where new officers are elected, goals for the year are set, and awards are presented to recognize the best in the industry. This year Dr. Beasley’s co-sponsored the IDA Awards and ceremony with Autogeek.net. Yours truly, along with the world famous Mike Philips (Autogeek.net) presented the awards along with Rob Schruefer, incoming President of IDA. This year IDA presented awards to two people that I’ve grown to really admire; Bob Phillips, of P&S Sales in San Francisco, and to Prentice St. Clair of Detailing in Progress in San Diego for their commitment to professionalism in detailing. Congratulations to both of them!

I recognize that there are a lot of events that we, as detailers, can attend. I’ve been to many of them, but I have to say, MTE is the one I have found most educational, enjoyable and energizing. Each time I’ve attended I come back with a new sense of drive and overall excitement to challenge myself to higher levels of success.  Attend, and you will too.

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