According to inside sources, DJ Times is “pulling out all the stops” to celebrate their 20th Anniversary this August 16-19 at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ.
The keynote speaker is the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, who will do Q&A with the audience. Attendees will have the opportunity to test and purchase the latest gear from major manufacturers, get industry tips from the pros in seminars and workshops, network with America’s top DJs and music-makers, and experience world-renowned parties and evening events featuring major recording artists.
This is the world’s largest gathering of professional DJs of all varieties. To register, visit the DJ Times website.
Never been to a DJ convention? Here’s a re-print of an article I wrote for DJ Times for their 2008 Expo. The story will reveal the many reasons why YOU should attend!
DJ Expo Moves Back to the Boardwalk
By Stacy Zemon
Much to the delight of attendees and exhibitors alike, this year marked the triumphant return of the International DJ Expo back to the Trump Taj Mahal on the boardwalk where it had last been held in 2001.
Disc jockeys of all varieties converged upon the exhibit hall, which featured the latest in audio and visual technologies; business management and organizational software and services; and up sell games and party props.
Vendors had the opportunity to meet with some of their existing customers as well as showcase new products and services. DJ Intelligence for example, released a new blogging tool as part of their suite of DJ website tools.
The legendary Grandmaster Flash, the first and only DJ inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was the Keynote Speaker, participating in a special Q & A session, moderated by DJ Times Editor, Jim Tremayne.
Seminars presented by industry leaders presented valuable learning opportunities for both newcomers and veterans alike. Manufacturer sponsored workshops offered both the beginner and long-time pro an opportunity to beef-up their technological and performance skills know-how.
Then there were the off the hinges parties including the annual Mobile Party and BIG event at the Casbah, hosted by NJ emcee Mike Walter of Elite Entertainment. DJ Jasmine of Chicago’s Hype Entertainment became the first female to win the coveted “DJ of the Year” award. The always highly anticipated Promo Only/Pioneer Party held this year at the House of Blues featured a special performance by Cyndi Lauper as well as Akon, Joey Bottone, Lady Ga Ga along with DJ Unique and DJ Krispy K, among others.
Mobile, Club, Karaoke, Remixer and Producer Jocks were thoroughly engaged and entertained both day and night by the Expo that always keeps it fresh. What follows is a “best of” list of what a few of this year’s International DJ Expo attendees learned and liked:
JAMIE SIMPSON - HOUSEROCKERS DJ
Was there a new game or dance you learned that you intend to use with clients?
Betsy Fischer’s Dance floor Bingo in the “DJ of The Year” competition is something I could see using at my private parties and Sweet 16′s.
Did you try out or learn about a new product or service that you thought was awesome?
I really enjoyed the Denon and Numark booths showcasing the new mobile MP3 products.
What was your best buy of the show?
(2) QSC Plx 1804 amplifiers. The price is too low to print 
How do you think what you’ve learned will positively impact your bottom line?
It was great to get my mind charged up with some new ideas to start off the second half of the year.
STEVE CIE - THE STEVE CIE SHOW PREMIER DJ ENTERTAINMENT
Did another DJ share valuable information or an idea with you?
The New Jersey Disc Jockey Network meeting was the highlight of the week for me. Nearly 150 DJs attended and were treated to not only a great and unique networking opportunity but also four mini-seminars given by some of the biggest names in our industry; Sean McKee, Mike Walter, Jeffrey Craig, and Marcello Pedalino. Each speaker was informative, enlightening and most importantly, inspirational.
The seminars were also informative and inspirational. Although this has been a bad year for the economy, the speakers and fellow DJs at the Expo rekindled my drive to be successful.
Did you try out or learn about a new product or service that you thought was awesome?
I learned about the new Chauvet Vue 4.1 Light fixture with gold and white LED. The Storm Scorpion Laser Fixture seemed to be another crowd pleaser.
Was there a new game or dance you learned that you intend to use with clients?
I learned “Dancing in The Rain” by Mike Wieder as demonstrated in his competition for “DJ of The Year.” He showed a very easy to teach and learn dance that can be used at Sweet 16′s , Corporate Events, Mitzvahs, Weddings – just about anywhere!
How did you like the keynote speaker?
Grandmaster Flash us a legend in the music mixing industry. It was great to see this self-made success story in-person.
What was your best buy of the expo?
The American Audio QSD Mixer/Player. I will be using this device to power my second system (used for ceremony & cocktail hour music). The show price was exceptional and well worth waiting for.
DJ FLIP - DJ FLIP ENTERTAINMENT
Did you try out or learn about a new product or service that you thought was awesome?
The most exciting new product I saw was Pioneer’s new SVM-1000 audio/ visual mixer.
Another was Serato’s new video application for Scratch Live along with Rane’s TTM 57SL mixer. This new application is ideal for VJs that either don’t want to carry around a bunch of DVDs or don’t have the budget for a DVJ and SVM set up. The TTM-57SL mixer not only has the internal Scratch Live interface to operate software, but you can use it as a video switcher as well.
The third exciting product that I saw was Denon’s new HS-5500 because of it’s ability to have two separate decks in one tabletop turntable plus the ability to access MP3′s directly from a thumb drive.
How did you like the keynote speaker?
Grandmaster Flash was the reason 98% of the DJs are around today. He is a true pioneer in Hip Hop and the DJ art form.
DAVID MILLER - DJ TEDDY BEAR/REV. DAVE
Did another DJ share valuable information or an idea with you?
A new classy way to introduce father/daughter and mother/son dances.
Was there a new game or dance you learned that you intend to use with clients?
I liked the Hobbie Horse Race and Trivia Speed Balls games.
JASON JANI - SOUND CONNECTION ENTERTAINMENT
Did another DJ share valuable information or an idea with you?
The key take away for me was the presentation Marcello Pedalino made at the NJDJ Network meeting regarding life, happiness and overall wellness. He showed “The Last Lecture” that Dr. Randy Pausch gave on Oprah, and it really struck a cord with me. Ever since Marcello’s presentation I have had this topic on my mind.
The Dancing on the Radio: Mixshows & More seminar led by Promo Only’s Cary Vance was insane. From radio program directors – to artists – to DJs – to remixers and producers, the panel was filled with the ‘who’s who in our industry.’ The seminar was highly informative, and it was nice to meet some of the great talent in our business.
DJ Russ Harris’s Remixing 201: The Next Level seminar was very valuable to me. Russ used Sony Acid software to produce a track, breaking it down step-by-step for the beginners. Even though I use this product on a daily basis for production, I learned a couple of new things that will save me time and in essence, money. The production side of music is only limited to your imagination and most of the software tools have a huge amount of flexibility and options to tweak out any component of a song or production.
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