By James Chevrette
The upcoming “super” SQ sound off supported by competing brands KICKER, KENWOOD and Alpine, in rare cooperation among industry rivals, appears to be gaining momentum.
The May 17 event at KICKER headquarters in Oklahoma is designed to bring renewed attention to car audio.
Ernie Ficklin of KICKER said “First off, I would like to recognize what’s happening here: three large manufacturers that compete for sales every day, are working together to spread the car audio culture.
We’ve got to do this…Someone must step up and be the first. Let’s get people enjoying their music again. The support we are getting from fellow manufacturers and car audio royalty has been overwhelming.”
Forty competitors were initially on the docket and now the event is almost sold out, according to MASQ, a new sound off organization which is helping to run the event along with IASCA.
‘This event already has people talking. We are getting calls daily from people asking what are you doing? This event has already been successful in bringing awareness back to car audio. I sincerely hope someone later this year holds a bigger and better show than us, then we will have to step up our game and make ours better for next year,” said Ficklin.
He noted, “…I hope this is the start of our industry working together to reinvigorate the old boys out there…while showing the next generation the transformative nature of music. Car audio can act as a time machine, bringing you back to your happy place while offering a break from life, even for that 5-minute drive to or from work.”
Here are their registration links for the event:
JVCKENWOOD said, “We’re excited to be part of this event because it brings the car audio community together. It’s about supporting each other, learning from one another, and making the industry better for everyone,” according to Scott Caswell.
And Alpine’s Dan Sparks said, “Alpine is proud to stand alongside KICKER and other industry leaders to celebrate innovation, craftsmanship, and the passion that drives the car audio community. We look forward to an exciting event and connecting with enthusiasts who share our commitment to exceptional sound.”
The “KICKER SQ@HQ” event will be held at KICKER parent Stillwater Designs headquarters at 3100 North Husband in Stillwater, Ok. More information can be found at iasca.com or MASQ’s Facebook page.
The aftermarket manufacturers need to work with the car makers. I would be happy if we went back to easy to replace head units. I don’t need or want the crap that is in new cars, just good tunes.
Robert with MASQ here, This is a MASQ headline event and it is preregistration only. The money round is currently full with a few spots open for the MASQ and IASCA portions of the show.
Wow, IMHO this is great! This sort of reminds me of an event that happened a few years ago, which lasted 32; a dynamic event that had brought industry and consumers together in one venue, with competition cars from 32 states, Canada, Mexico and even Puerto Rico. The Convention Center trade show environment with great manufacturer’s displays was open to consumers AND trade, with seminars for educating both parties. Ultimately, this event was upstaged by “trade only” events which, frankly, does not speak to the end user. While they may stimulate supplier’s sales, the importance of “trade only” events tend to stimulate dealer prowess and technical education that does not necessarily increase sales. I am excited to see the “three leading brands” collaborate, especially with the I.A.S.C.A. to stimulate interest in the new breed of client demographics. My 52 years began as a car audio installer, then 46 years (still) as a mobile electronics retailer, 32 years of a car audio event organizer and promoter, a board member of I.A.S.C.A. well before acquiring the organization to free it from bankruptcy, I question, with inquiries that we receive every year, whether or not the SPRING BREAK NATIONALS will be produced “this year”, my response is as follows: “When industry identifies that SBN was worth the investment, which, by the way was much less costly and more impactive than any industry trade show with greater participation, involving fun and a great environment to stimulate sales, it certainly can be produced again. IF industry support was plausible, I would rebrand the event: SBN “IN CAR EXPO”. This was the moniker I began to incorporate in the last of the convention center years to include all accessories purveyors, items that all car audio dealers should consider the inclusion of to diversify their product offerings, the operative word is “if”. If so, then I can, and I would produce it. SBN IN CAR EXPO? Let’s see if the auto sound industry has a deaf ear, it all starts with them.
Most will have taramps it possible for the point rms is good
This is amazing
Excited for this! I hope it is the beginning of a great future.
I love this & hopefully, this will reignite the passion for manufacturers, distributors, dealers, competitors (from amateurs to experts), & spectators to come together once again to have lots of fun & gain a wealth of knowledge. The industry has been needing something like this to happen & hopefully, this will drive a movement nationwide. Thanks to Kicker, Kenwood, & Alpine for standing alongside each other to make this happen. At the end of the day, money has to be made to thrive. Getting your average customer to attend an event like this is key to creating a lifelong interest in this industry. I started out exactly like this & at 54 years old, am still very involved in this industry.
Ernie, Scott and Dan, the guys at Kicker, Kenwood and Alpine—Way to go and invigorate the Industry with the beginning of 2025 IASCA and new MASQCar organization. Audio Sound Offs began in the early1980’s. It’s great that Kicker, Kenwood and Alpine have chosen to be the leaders to Kick this event off. I applaud you all.
This is so Cool!!!! can wait to see the vehicles and all the folks coming to see this awesome event.