• ORLANDO, Fla.
More than 180 managers and associates from the military exchanges — the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES); the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM); the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) and the Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) —kicked off the annual Military Exchange Electronics Expo (ME3) here on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
The expo connects associates and vendors to share industry knowledge of products and services sold at military exchanges.
All week, associates will be “Creating Connections Together” at breakout sessions, learning about the latest products and selling techniques from nearly 50 vendors, including Apple, Samsung, Microsoft and LG.
TOP-SELLING CATEGORY
Last year, electronics accounted for $1.1 billion in sales across all military exchanges, making electronics a top-selling category.
Best-selling items included computers, televisions, video game consoles, headphones and home audio.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
One of the biggest and most important innovations that attendees at the expo will be able to explore is Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“AI is driving innovation, as a growing number of manufacturers are using artificial intelligence to make products like computers and video game consoles more practical,” said AAFES Divisional Merchandising Manager (DMM) Duane Jeffery.
“We’re going to be seeing more technological advancements using AI in all electronics, and it will be a hot topic at this year’s expo,” he noted.
ATTENDEE CONNECTIONS
Attendees will also connect with Military Star, Apple and Asurion representatives to leverage credit and protection services to enhance the shopping experience — information they can share with their teams in preparation for the fourth quarter.
“The expo is designed to connect our frontline leaders with industry experts so they can provide the best service to service members and their families — helping them stay connected wherever they are in the world,” said Exchange Hardlines Vice President (VP) Josh Samuels.
“I encourage attendees to be open to asking questions and learning from suppliers, other Exchange associates and our sister exchange associates, too,” he stated.
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
