Networking & DJ Meetings

Attending a DJ Show, meet-up or convention is an ideal way to keep abreast of the latest developments in our industry and pick up new ideas to continually improve your DJ business. From the latest equipment to chatting with like minded folk, there's a wealth of ideas waiting for you.

In this issue we will take a look at the main shows and meet-ups happening around the country over the next few weeks (in date order).

SEDA Shownight - Maidstone - 19th September

Occurring bi-monthly at The Village Hotel in Maidstone, the SEDA Shownights are a real must for any DJs living within reach of the South East of England.

Conducted with an informal flavour, their aim is to educate, but also create opportunities to network, learn from others and generally make some really good contacts and friends. The evening combines opportunities for chat, listening to guest speakers and members sharing ideas plus demonstrations of the latest equipment from suppliers and manufacturers.

Paul Forsyth, chairman of SEDA, said "Come and see what all the fuss is about at my personal invitation".

The next SEDA Shownight is on the 19th September. It promises to be a lively and interesting show with an essence of fun as it falls on 'talk like a pirate day'. The line up includes Denon, Mastermix, Kent PAT testing and Peach Entertainments, not forgetting the regular exhibits of the second hand table, member's show, SEDA shop and the infamous SEDA raffle. There will also be a short seminar, 'Noise at Work', presented by Nick Main from Canterbury City Council and what promises to be a lively debate about PLI.

For more information on this and future Shownights, visit the SEDA website at www.seda.org.uk.

AMPdj Meet up - Bournemouth - 28th September

At the request of members, this year saw the launch of AMPdj local meet-ups. The first four, in Peterborough, Barnsley, Greater Manchester and Glasgow were well received with local DJs being treated to demonstrations of the new RGB LED ShowVision Curtain, opportunities to network with colleagues, view a member's show and set-up, enjoy presentations from various suppliers and even take a bite to eat from the buffet (a rare opportunity to be first).

The meet-ups are going to be a regular occurrence, every two or three months, primarily run and organised by local DJs with the support of AMPdj. Everyone is welcome with no obligation to join and all are assured a warm welcome.

The second meet-up has already taken place in Greater Manchester with a third being planned. The second meet-up in Glasgow will take place on 26th October at the Tavern Bar, Paisley.

Paul Smith from AMPdj said, "We have been overwhelmed by support for these meet-ups from local DJs, manufacturers and suppliers in our industry. The main essence of the meet-ups is that they are both informal and informative, but also fun."

The next event, The Bournemouth DJ Convention, is taking place at The Winchester, Bournemouth on the 28th September. The line up is exciting with exhibits from Prolight Concepts, Void Acoustics, Absolute Music Solutions, Mailboxes (Printers), MixMash and Doughty Engineering. The evening is supported by DJ Radio and there will also be opportunity to take part in a skills workshop. This is certainly an event not to be missed.

BPM - NEC, Birmingham - 2nd - 4th October 2010

BPM is Europe’s biggest event dedicated to DJing, electronic music production and club culture. It is attended by DJs, producers, performers, promoters, venue owners/managers, equipment retailers/installers, record label representatives, students and many others who simply have an interest in DJing or dance music.

Exhibitors include manufacturers and suppliers of the leading brands in DJ, sound and lighting equipment plus information and service providers. Demonstrations of latest developments in our industry will be available to view and experience.

The arena area will play host to a variety of activities including DJ sets and performances, competitions and both educational and inspirational seminars.

BPM is the ideal place to meet and network with industry professionals and fellow DJs from all parts of the country. With a variety of performances & seminars occurring on each of the three days, it really is the event of the year for anyone with an interest in DJing.

For more information, visit the BPM website at www.visitbpm.co.uk .

NADJ Branch Meetings

Each formal branch is run by local members and there is a properly formed committee consisting of a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The format of each meeting differs slightly because the individual committees work towards providing what attendees want in their area. Generally, they all provide excellent networking opportunities with demonstrations from manufacturers/retailers, short educational seminars, raffles and some meetings include a quiz or other challenge.

Currently, there are two established branches; one in the North West (Chester) and the other in Wales (Newport). There is also an 'in formation' branch in Leeds (Yorkshire) and four informal gatherings in Teddingworth (Leicestershire), Newbury (Berkshire), the Cotswolds and the North East of England.

Each meeting takes place in a relaxed atmosphere with no pressure on DJs to join the Association, but the hope is that people will see the benefits and make up their own mind. Each event is free to attend and there may be fundraising activities for the local branch to provide light refreshments or other facilities to enhance the meetings.

The NADJ meetings are a great way to learn new skills or techniques to improve their business, as Branch Development Officer, Paul Arnett explains: "If you leave a branch meeting with one idea, that’s one idea you didn't have when you arrived."

To find out more about an upcoming meeting in your area, visit the NADJ website at www.nadj.org.uk or call Paul after 6pm on 01274 792792.

All four of the featured show/meetings are open to everyone. If there isn't a DJ show or meet-up in your backyard, contact AMPdj or NADJ to find out how you can help get one started.