After 2 decades, this exposition continues to build momentum, propelling the DJ Entertainment industry into a recognized professional category of talented, passion driven entrepreneurs.
This year’s edition featured some of the greatest talents in the industry sharing their secrets to success!
Held in Atlantic City New Jersey’s Trump Taj Mahal, this year’s Expo heralded in Day One as the largest attended opening day in its 20 year history.
Once again, The New Jersey Disc Jockey Network members played key roles throughout the 4 day exposition.
Day One presented 7, yes 7 great content – filled seminars! These seminars cover contemporary topics relative to MCs, Gear, Presentation, Business Practices, and Motivation.
I selected the following seminars to attend.
Sound Connection Entertainment owner and New Jersey Disc Jockey Network member Jason Jani, opened the seminar schedule with an intriguing presentation, to a packed conference room, on how he has managed to balloon his business in the last few years to top-notch status. The seminar, entitled “The Brand of You” was enticing, informative, and inspiring.
Returning for his 3rd year, DJ Times DJ Entertainer of The Year finalist, and New Jersey Disc Jockey member, MikeWieder, owner of Ultimate Sounds Entertainment, delivered a sensational seminar entitled “You Don’t Have To Be Jewish to Book Mitzvahs”. Co-hosted by Chicago’s Shani Barret, in depth explanations of culture, preparation, order of customary events, and traditions.
All Star Wedding MCs’ Secrets Revealed was helmed by 2009 DJ of The Year Steve Moody, owner of Baltimore Maryland’s Steve Moody’s Music Connection, and New Jersey Disc Jockey Network Member. Featuring a half dozen successful experts in the field, attendees were feted with several nuggets for success!
The evening of Day One featured a private party at The Casbah featuring a talented line up of past DJ of The Year winners, and Black Hole recording artist JES.
This was followed by The Denon DJ Party featuring Jason Jani and VJ Roonie G.Incredible music mixes and video presentations “wowed” the crowd!
Day Two saw the opening of the Exhibit Floor with more than 70 exhibitors offering their wares at expo show prices. The talk of the town was the battery operated no wires DMX uplighting offered by several vendors.
A half dozen high quality seminars were offered on Day Two. I attended two of these.
Adam Weitz’, owner of Philadelphia based A Sharp Productions presented How an “Event Director” Can Change Your Business showed his secret to managing multilevel entertainment packages in today’s challenging market.
The day closed with The Annual New Jersey Disc Jockey Network Meeting featuring Peter Merry. The noted industry author, trainer and consultant delivered a very inspiring seminar entitled, “ Weddings- Make it Fun!”
The evening of Day Two provide the annual Promo Only / Pioneer Party at The House of Blues. Hosted by Joey Fatone and Blake Lewis, the show featured live performances by Mike Posner, Kelly Rowland, Shaggy, Salt-N-Pepa, Judy Torres, Alexis Jordan, Auburn, Jessica Jarrel, Jump Smokers, Kaci Battaglia, Tiffany Dunn & Tino Coury. The more than 6 hour event was undoubtedly the party highlight of the week!
For the hearty attendees, a second talent filled party ensued at TheBorgata featuring VJ Roonie G, Enferno, Travie McCoy, HYPER Crush, Jump Smokers, and Gibere Forte!
Day Three provide 8 additional seminars as well as the keynote speech by Sean Hollywood Hamilton. Highlights of the day included Denon’s DJ Technology Focus Group, Chauvet’s Lighting Seminar, Weddings – How to sell to Bride – and the closing seminar of the Expo—Darryl Jacobsen’s fast paced, action packed, Dances and Games DJs Play. This seminar featured segments by some of the most notable DJ entertainers in the industry, including Mike Walter, Sean “BIB DADDY” McKee, John Rozz, Johnny Kelly, Mike Wieder, Betsy Fischer, Laura Gibbons, Steve Moody, Sid Vanderpool, and others!
The evening of Day Three featured Mike Walter’s DJ Times DJ Entertainer of The Year Competition at The Casbah. With ten high quality finalist, the panel of judges were hard-pressed to declare the winners. New Jersey Disc Jockey Network members Betsy Fischer and George Kramedas took home titles! Betsy Fischer, for Best Dance and Runner up DJ of The Year, while George Kramedas won for Best Choreography. Philadelphia based Adam Weitz won DJ Entertainer of The Year with an enticing act that captivated the audience, and, apparently the judges!
Day Four essentially was the Exhibit Showroom and finally the Big Give-Away of DJ Gear around 2 PM
All in all, DJ Times XX was one of the finest expos in its history, and one of the most attended as well.
