Atlantic City, N.J., Fall 2007 — Just as it did with its inaugural event in 1990, the ’07 International DJ Expo continued to shine a big spotlight on the DJ market. Additionally, the industry’s leading show offered a few welcome changes.
The Next Level: Video ventures
were hot at the DJ Expo.
Photo credit: John Hohman
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The ’07 DJ Expo — held this past Aug. 13-16 at the Atlantic City Convention Center—drew nearly 4,900 attendees, representing another 2-percent increase from the 2006 event. As is its purpose, the DJ Expo—produced by DJ Times magazine and Testa Communications—offered something new, exciting and educational for the entire market. And some of the changes—like the new noon-to-6 p.m. show hours—represented a new, exciting era for the Expo. Change, it seems, was good.
I know, I know, that’s an overused term,” said Vinny Testa, DJ Times publisher and DJ Expo producer. “Of course, you can’t please everyone, but there is little doubt that the excitement and the energy as a result of the changes at this Expo brought the show to a new level.”
For the attendees, 28-percent of whom were “first timers,” this year’s show boasted new and improved standing-room-only seminars, a dynamic keynote speaker in Brian Dodge, and DJ Times Square—a live performance stage/lounge right in the center of the exhibit hall. Star-studded evening events—like the annual Promo Only/Pioneer party featuring hitmakers like Cascada, Kat DeLuna and Martha Wash—gave Expo attendees a chance to get loose. And, as always, exciting product debuts offered the technological edge.
On opening night, Kid Capri took Expo attendees back to the old school.
Photo credit: Rahav Segev
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“The DJ Expo was a really positive experience for us, and the attendees of the show were very in tune with what they wanted and needed,” said Chris Roman, Product Development Manager for the Cumberland, R.I.-based Numark Industries, which showcased its iDJ² all-in-one DJ workstation. “The attendees came prepared with great questions about hard-drive and software solutions. It’s extremely important for manufacturers to hear from the DJs and understand what their needs are—the DJ Expo is the place for that.”
Attendees from all DJ segments were pleased. “As a club DJ, mobile operator and installer of nightclubs, I can tell you that the DJ Expo’s showfloor had a little bit of everything for me,” said Jeff Heart of the Philadelphia-based Wiggle Productions. “There was new technology everywhere from DJ software and video solutions to moving-head lights and PA basics like speakers and amps. And the best thing was that I saw products for the club, mobile and A/V worlds that I wasn’t even aware of—it was very educational.”
Tim Klick of Hagerstown, Md., was the winner of “The Ultimate DJ System,” which included gear from sponsors American Audio, American DJ, Community, Martin Professional, Pioneer Pro DJ, Promo Only, QSC Audio, and Rane Corp. “I can’t believe it—it’s so exciting,” said Klick immediately after his name was called in front of a throng of hopeful winners. “Thanks to the sponsors and thank you DJ Times!”
Wednesday’s annual “DJ of the Year” competition thrilled Expo attendees as well. Held at the Convention Center, the event’s big winner was Sean “Big Daddy” McKee of Stamford, Conn., who took home the trophy. “It was the closest competition we’ve ever had,” said host Mike Walter of New Jersey’s Elite Entertainment. “But ‘Big Daddy’ brought the energy and the crowd was with him. Everybody had a good time and learned a few moves as well.”
Back to the theme of an evolving DJ Expo, show coordinator and DJ Times editor Jim Tremayne said that the annual event will continue to respond to the market’s needs. “Change was very good for most everyone at this year’s Expo,” he said. “We are committed to continue to make this show one that reflects the interests and needs of both attendee and exhibitors, so stand by — it can only get better.”
