What was 2012 DJ expo all about?

The 2012 Dj expo was out and out interactive event that was held at the Trump Taj Mahal in the city of Atlantic of New Jersey in August. It had 20% more attendees than last year and had the perfect blend of new technology, opportunities to network and exceptional panels for the seasoned as well as the new mobile DJs.  

 

This expo produced by the magazine DJ Times and Testa Communications, drew more than 6,000 participants and offered over 150 exhibitor booths. For over twenty-two years, this 27^th show featured seminars, parties and exhibits that drew companies such as Pioneer DJ, Rane and Chauvet as well as many others.

 

Featured Legends

 

DJ legends such as John “Jellybean” Benitez and Paul van Dyk were keynote speakers and hosted evening events.   There were live performances on the stage from JES, Sean Paul and Pretty Poison’s Jade Starling.

 

Awards

“DJ of the Year” was awarded to New Jersey native Jack Bermeo for the second year in a row. In addition, Matt Pellettiere, also a New Jersey native won an awards package that consisted of DJ lights from American,  Beamz gear, Pioneer gear and a Promo Only subscription.

 

Summary of panels, workshops and seminars

 

This expo offers mobile DJs seminars, panels and workshops to help make them successful. In his keynote presentation, Paul van Dyk discussed his rise to one of the best DJs despite having a deprived childhood in East Germany. Jellybean Benitez also gave a keynote presentation that discussed his rich career that spans from playing tin NYC’s top clubs such as Studio 54 to running a successful record label which helped launched mega-stars such as Madonna. Chauvet DJ partners offered a seminar providing tips to increase their bottom line by $10,000 as well as a demonstration of a dry-ice machine. Another seminar led by Ken Moss, founder and CEO of Kingdom Photobooth shared his methods to book almost 1,000 rentals to add immediate cash flow. Other workshops provided business education such as music copyright law. Attendees also had the opportunity to participant in a focus group that will help determine new product decisions for the entire DJ market.  

 

With all of these exciting sessions as well as the top-notch exhibits, the 2012 DJ expo was a well-organized event that showcased the health and vibrancy of the mobile DJ industry. The success of this event despite the tough economic times is a testament that this event will continue to exceed the expectations of participants. Here’s looking for 2013’s event.