The 2009 DJ Times Int’l DJ Expo in Atlantic City NJ was a resounding success!
Attendance was up, there was more talent for the entertainment events, and the quality and scope of the seminars was incredible! Once again, members of the fledgling New Jersey Disc Jockey Network attended the Expo in force, delivering 9 well-attended, well delivered, seminars during the 4 day annual event held at The Trump Taj Mahal Hotel & Casino.
Trump Taj Mahal
2007 DJ of the Year, Sean “Big Daddy” McKee teamed up with DJ Gerry Siracusa to deliver an inspiring seminar entitles The ABC’s of Passion. John Hadad of City Sounds Entertainment presented his “Bar Mitzvah Challenge” seminar, while Party On DJs John Heluk demonstrated the effectiveness and profitability of producing Memories with Montages. Ultimate Sounds DJs Mike Wieder followed up on his 2008 Weddings seminar, with his second edition, entitled, Weddings Be P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D. to a standing room only crowd in the large ballroom. Jason Jani of Sound Connection DJ Entertainment presented a great seminar on Booking High End Weddings, while Affair 2 Remember DJs Darryl “Jake” Jacobsen once again presented his Dances & Games DJs Play seminar to a packed audience.
The Annual NJDJN Meet Up offered three mini seminars. The American Disc Jockey Association President DJ Dr. Drax opened with his Recession Proof Your Business seminar, giving valuable tips on surviving today’s challenging economy. New Jersey Disc Jockey Network founding member, Randi Rae (Major Productions) with a tip filled seminar on finding weekday work, followed him up. National Association of Mobile Entertainers Board member Ray Martinez (Ray Mar Productions) closed the meeting with an impassioned seminar on three things you can do to be a better DJ, and person.
Three time DJ of The Year winner Marcello Pedalino of MMP Entertainment & Event Production, was on hand at every seminar, acting as Emcee, Usher, Production Assistant—wherever he could help!
At the conclusion of The NJDJN Meet Up, Marcello presented Award Plaques to President Darryl ‘ Jake” Jacobsen, and former President Randi Rae for their outstanding contribution and achievement with The New Jersey Disc Jockey Network.
NJDJN Achievement Award
Attendees were once again treated to extraordinary entertainment each night with top recording stars and prominent DJ personalities taking center stage at DJ only events at The Casbah and The neighboring House of Blues. Names like Q Bert, DJ Kris P, DJ Skribble, DJ Theo, Pitbull, Deborah Cox, The Paradiso Girls, Kristinia DeBarge, Freedom Williams, Lisette Melendez, and Kim Sozzi, wooed the DJs with their chart busting hits.
Pit Bull
The Expo wrapped up with the Mike Walter (Elite Entertainment) Produced DJ of The Year Competition.
Maryland DJ Steve Moody took top honors, while New Jersey Disc Jockey Network President Darryl “Jake” Jacobsen (Affair2RememberDJs) garnered the trophy for Runner Up DJ of The Year as well as Top Honors for Best Dance of 2009.
New Jersey Disc Jockey Network members DJ George G and DJ Tony Loco rounded out the competition.
The Int’l DJ Expo had been dying a slow death for several years. But by moving it “Back To The Boardwalk” last year, and The New Jersey Disc Jockey Network members taking on a major role in seminar production, The DJ Times Int’l DJ Expo is alive and well and scheduled again for 2010.
