Monday, August 14
(There Are No Exhibits Today)
10:30-11:00, Room 304
Intro, Kick-Off & Networking Session
Connect with your fellow Expo attendees in this up-close meet-and-greet session, and plan out the week so that you make the most of DJ Expo’s opportunities. Get ready to listen and share – and become inspired to be your best.
11:00-12:30, Room 304
Signature MCs: Expand Your MC Skills, Increase Your Income—Hosted by Mark M. Brenneisen
Total Entertainment’s Mark M. Brenneisen headlines a panel of successful entertainers who will share their secrets, change the way you think about what it means to be an MC — from sales meeting to performance — and help you improve your bottom line!
12:30 – 2:00, Room 322
DJ Marketing: The Digital Sales Funnel—Hosted by Jordan St. Jacques
Looking to book more business via digital outreach? Your clients have all gone digital – have you? In this advanced digital-marketing session, Jordan St. Jacques of Canada’s Digitera Interactive will teach you how to bring more traffic to your online platforms. Begin to use advanced tools in your digital campaigns to generate leads, and close more clients.
1:00 – 2:30, Room 304
Music History for the Mobile DJ—Hosted by Mike Walter
One of the greatest ways to prove your experience and capabilities to a prospective client is to be well-steeped in popular music history of the past 60 years. Also, one of the essential elements in training a new DJ and MC is to fill in their gaps of knowledge in this category. Join New Jersey mobile Mike Walter as he shows you the way in this very entertaining session.
2:00 – 3:30, Room 301
DJ Wellness: Posture & Prevention—Hosted by Claudia Godi
In this unique hands-on session, NYC-based exercise physiologist Claudia Godi will demonstrate prevention techniques for DJ-related health issues and explain the best ways for DJs to achieve maximum wellness. For DJs lifting and carrying heavy gear, for jocks experiencing that all-too-familiar shoulder-and-neck pain or for any pro DJ looking to minimize pain and maximize longevity, this session is for you. Bring your mats, be prepared to spread out on the floor and participate!
2:30 – 3:30, Room 322
Gear Galore: The Latest Tech for DJs—Hosted by Jim Tremayne
Join DJ Times Editor Jim Tremayne, plus DJ Times tech writer Wesley Bryant-King, as they’re joined by a select group of retailers to discuss the latest and the greatest from the DJ-tech world. It’s half-presentation, half-Q&A, so be sure to bring your gear-related questions.
3:00 – 4:30, Room 304
Do Like Disney: Next-Level Customer Service—Hosted by Brian Buonassissi
You used to just wow people with great gear, great music or a great show. But that’s not enough in today’s world – you have to deliver an experience that’s second to none. Nationwide mobile Brian Buonassissi will teach lessons from the best and the worst providers out there that will help you stay on top for years to come.
4:30 – 5:30, Room 301
Keynote Q&A: Laidback Luke—Hosted by Jim Tremayne
The Dutch artist/Denon DJ brand ambassador will discuss his notable career, which includes international hits (“Leave the World Behind”), remixes for stars like Madonna, mainstage spots at the biggest festivals, plus three artist albums. Additionally, the superstar DJ/producer will discuss his approach to music, DJing, talent-scouting and life – including his devotion to the martial arts. Bring your questions and prepare to be inspired.
5:00 – 6:00, Room 304
Mining Midweek Gold—Hosted by Terry Moran
Crown Entertainment, Terry Moran’s New England-based company, did more than 700 midweek gigs this year — and you can, too. Join Moran and his panel of midweek marketing gurus for lessons on how you can identify and market to new sources of income.
5:30 – 6:30, Room 322
Pioneer DJ Presents: Harness the Power of the Pioneer DJ Ecosystem—Hosted by DJ Jay
Pioneer DJ presents the 3 parts necessary to have a great event: Software/Hardware/Sound. Pioneer DJ will demonstrate the totality of what every DJ needs for their events by delving into rekordbox software, Pioneer DJ hardware, and the XPRS powered speaker system. Pioneer DJ will show you how these 3 components work together to give you the best sound and visual performance possible. Prize Alert: A pair of XPRS12 speakers, a DDJ-RX controller, and 12 rekordbox DJ licenses will be raffled. Must be present to win.
Tuesday, August 15
(Exhibits run from Noon to 6 pm)
10:00 – 11:45, Room 303
Chauvet DJ Presents: Lighting to Energize Events and Profits—Hosted by Jeremy Brech
Learn powerful lighting techniques and tools, including a SoundSwitch demo, to add new dimensions of ambience, excitement and design energy to your gigs that can increase profits and get you booked over and over.
12:30 – 2:00, Room 301
Country Music & Dance Seminar—Hosted by Alan Kohn
Along with a panel of experts, Connecticut DJ Alan Kohn will explain how the country-music market can be a unique profit center for DJs. Kohn and crew will deliver crucial information on the genre and a market that stays strong, no matter the musical trends of the day. Attendees will also be treated to an energetic dance lesson.
1:00 – 2:00, Room 322
Mashups: Playing & Producing—Hosted by Adam Dutch
For DJs tired of playing the same Top-40 and classic tracks found on radio, this session will demonstrate how mashup live performance and production can provide multiple benefits for DJs and producers. Helmed by mashup artist/DJ Adam Dutch, this session will discuss how to utilize pre-existing mashups into sets, as well as live mashups using different material. Discussion will include production techniques, where to find source material, music theory and song-construction concepts.
1:00 – 2:30, Room 304
Mitzvah Mania with Big Daddy—Hosted by Sean McKee
Sean “Big Daddy” McKee has been instilling his unique energy to Mitzvahs for many years, and attendees can expect to gain the benefit of his experience and wisdom at this always-popular interactive seminar. Come here to see the latest developments in all things Mitzvah.
2:30 – 3:30, Room 301
Keynote Q&A: Biz Markie—Hosted by Jim Tremayne
Since the early days of hip-hop, Biz Markie has always been there – as an MC, recording artist and DJ. Often called “The Clown Prince of Hip-Hop,” Biz has enjoyed memorable moments on MTV, on the biggest stages like Madison Square Garden, and on the DJ decks at the hottest parties. Presented by Roland, Biz will discuss his colorful career, including the story behind his evergreen hit “Just a Friend,” plus the new DJ technologies that excite him. Nobody beats the Biz!
3:00 – 4:30, Room 304
Let the Games Begin—Hosted by Jake Jacobsen
For weddings and all types of events, a new and exciting game can be a difference-maker. Jersey mobile Jake Jacobsen lives and breathes games, and you’ll be glad he does because you’re sure to take home something unique in your market.
3:30 – 4:30, Room 322
AmpTrack Technologies Presents: Making Music on the Cloud—Hosted by Bil Bryant
Bil Bryant is one of the early pioneers of the commercial sampling industry – producing, recording and licensing sounds and samples to Sonic Foundry/Sony Media software, Apple (Garageband/Logic/Jampacks), Ableton, Reason, Steinberg, Cakewalk, Akai, Creative Labs, MOTU, Denon, Yamaha (Vocaloids), Sound Ideas and Microsoft. His company PowerFX developed the first internet-connected VST, “Sound Shuttle,” and the most popular internet sequencer, Soundation. Now he is leading a new company called Amptrack Technologies that are developing unique web-based music creation tools, including Amped Studio. The first hybrid DAW, it’s a cloud-based music creation platform that also works offline. All your musical projects, instruments and effects are readily available to use anytime, anyplace.
4:00 – 5:15, Room 301
Audio 101 for DJs: Sound-Reinforcement Fundamentals—Hosted by Tony Fernandez
Virginia-based DJ vet Tony Fernandez will deliver the basics and more for DJs looking to perfect their approach to sound reinforcement. Topics include: Things to look for when buying speakers; Loudspeaker placement; Gain structure; Proper soundcheck; Compressor, EQ, DSP, etc.; and Tips/Tricks that’ll get you the best sound.
5:00 – 6:30, Room 304
Lessons from the Brandmakers: Branding You & Your DJ Business—Hosted by Artem Lomaz
Artem Lomaz of New Jersey’s Ninety Three Entertainment combines a gaggle of outside-the-industry experts that will help DJs better relate to potential clients, as well as develop an introspective review process. This panel will offer insights into business and performance-enhancement opportunities for all attendees.
5:30 – 6:30, Room 301
Video DJ Content Masterclass—Hosted by Joshua Carl
This panel, which includes the top-dog Video DJs, will get you started on how to create your own original content for your video shows – video remixes and editing basics, sample player files, text graphics, overlays and much more. Lots of info will be given, so be sure to bring your notepad or even your editing PC.
5:30 – 6:30, Room 322
ADJ Presents: LD on a Budget
Presented by ADJ, this session from the longtime lighting manufacturer will show DJs how to create beautiful lighting designs without breaking the bank. Make memorable and artistic presentations, while your company increases its profits!
Wednesday, August 16
(Exhibits run from Noon to 6 pm)
10:00 – 11:30, Room 304
New Jersey Disc Jockey Network presents Donnie Lewis
Have you tried animated monograms and cake mapping? This year the New Jersey Disc Jockey Network presents Donnie Lewis, who’ll describe how it’s done and how to charge for it.
12:30 – 1:30, Room 304
Successful Small-Business Owners Do These 5 Things—Hosted by Jerry Bazata
Are you a part-time jock looking for more? Do you want to go full-time as a mobile entertainer? Join Jerry Bazata, as the Maine-based banker/mobile DJ walks you through the proven steps every successful business owner should take to secure a bright future.
1:00 – 2:00, Room 301
Mackie Presents: Perfecting Your Performance – Loudspeaker Selection & Technology—With Guests Talib Kweli & DJ Irie
You spend time honing your craft and practicing to perfection so each performance is better than the last. But if you don’t own the right loudspeakers, your perfect performance can’t be appreciated. Join Mackie reps as they explain the process of selecting the right loudspeakers for your needs, explain why selecting the right speakers is important and help make sense of new loudspeaker technology. Guest speakers Talib Kweli and DJ Irie will also share their experience to help you perfect your skills.
2:00 – 3:00, Room 322
Keynote Q&A: DJ Enferno—Hosted by Jim Tremayne
From spinning in his bedroom to battling the world’s greatest jocks and eventually playing stadiums with the world’s biggest pop star, Enferno’s done it all. As America’s DMC champion competing with the world’s best and Madonna’s tour DJ (Sticky & Sweet Tour) entertaining the global multitudes, Enferno’s journey is unlike any other DJ’s. Hear his inspirational story, unique anecdotes and well-considered advice in this intimate DJ Expo session.
2:00 – 3:00, Room 304
Making the Sale: Lessons from the Cruise Ship Industry—Hosted by Adam Weitz
The cruise line industry and the DJ business are cousins — if not siblings. Both have two key components: selling and entertaining. Therefore, they’re both in business to sell entertainment. Adam Weitz will take this idea and expand on it. “This seminar is really all about sales,” says Weitz. “What is your bottom line? And what can you do to increase that bottom line by what you offer and when you offer it?”
3:00 – 4:00, Room 301
Next Phase: Advanced Mixing Seminar—Hosted by Tony Fernandez
Longtime professional DJ Tony Fernandez will reprise and expand upon last year’s info-filled mixing session, as he reveals the most modern techniques of set-building and mixing for DJs of all stripes.
3:30 – 4:30, Room 304
Get ’Em to the Dancefloor!—Hosted by Fox Feltman
One of the most-pressing questions that upstart mobile DJs ask is: “How do I get people to dance?” In this tutorial, North Carolina mobile Fox Feltman will show you how to get guests to interact and play. Fox promises that, with his unique tactics, 99-percent of your guests will hit the floor during that first dance set.
4:00 – 5:00, Room 322
Lawyer Up: Best Business Practices for DJs from a Legal Perspective—Hosted by Marcelle J. Henry, Esq.
As a DJ, have you minded your legal P’s & Q’s? As a mobile-business operator, are there areas where you’re legally vulnerable? In this unique session, attorney Marcelle Henry of the NYC-based firm of Cohen, Weiss & Simon will help DJs looking to protect themselves by offering a variety of best-business practices. The session will include: How to establish a business entity; Trademarks; Insurance; Packaging & pricing; Contracts; Social Media; Website Creation; Advertising; and much more.
5:00 – 6:00, Room 301
Video DJ 2017 Symposium—Hosted by Joshua Carl
Once again, a DJ Expo panel of veteran Video DJs tackle all related topics. What’s new in the world of video? What’s coming soon? All the newest tech, all the freshest rants—nothing is out of bounds, so bring your questions for the pros.
5:30 – 6:30, Room 304
Increase Your Current Rates & Get Paid More for Your Services—Hosted by Mick Uranko
Want to stand out in your DJ market? Looking to improve your client relationships? Want to boost your bottom line? For DJs looking to maximize the value of their services, Pennsylvania DJ Mick Uranko will walk Expo attendees through a process that will generate new inquiries and new business.
5:30 – 6:30, Room 322
QSC Audio Presents: Multi-Op Mobile Confab
A deeply experienced panel of professionals will offer an hour of inspiration, as leading multi-op DJ-company owners discuss a variety of ways to grow your business. Participants include Jeffery Craig (Total Entertainment, N.J.), Joe Bunn (Joe Bunn DJ Company, N.C.), Jason Klock (Klock Entertainment, Pa.) and Mike Walter (Elite Entertainment, N.J.).
Thursday, August 17
(Exhibits run 11 am to 3 pm)
2:45 pm EXHIBIT HALL
Ultimate DJ System Giveaway
You must be present at the time of the drawing to win.
Win Gear from:
ADJ
Global Truss America
Mackie
Pioneer DJ
