Questions about The DJ Expo

[DJ Mikey Disco]

Got the free expo pass and wondering if the VIP pass is worth it. In the past, have you learned much at the workshops, keynote Q&As, and parties or do you think I could get just as much or more out of just the expo?

Regarding parties, is the big one on Monday or are the others just as good?

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[steve149]

I have no desire for the parties, since the audience is like 95% male.

As for the Full Pass, there are certainly some sessions you can get some decent info from. The VIP pass only gets you into a couple keynotes and some factory sponsored sessions (plus the parties) .. until they post which factory sponsored sessions they will be, tough to know if it's worth it.

I'm planning on just the expo .. and maybe some drinking and chowing with some ODJT folks.

 

[djtaso]

I think to better answer some general info about you might help. Do you do this full time or part time... what are your goals within the next 3-5 yrs... what kind of events do you currently do and aspire to primarily do... where are you from... and what kind of partying atmosphere are u looking for (socializing for the expo or full on night club experience, with heavy drinking and females everywhere).

 

[steve149]

with heavy drinking and females everywhere).

You probably did half of their Sweet 16s ...

 

[djtaso]

You probably did half of their Sweet 16s ...

true story... i have seen a few past clients while there lol. But thats exactly why i am asking what he's looking for. I don't go to the expo parties really. There are lots of other parties going on by the casinos themselves... of which many dj's do go... but so does the general public.

 

[adj2ent]

Seems like they're making some changes to the DJ Expo along with changing the venue. I've been to each DJ expo since the first one they had. Now I just go to exhibits and network for a day or two. But I have to say when first started attending I got the full conference passes I did get plenty value out of it. Between the seminars, workshops, parties & networking I was very busy. I am not sure who they have performing at the parties now but when I did go I did see some artists I ended up playing in heavy rotation. Unfortunately, they cut out a lot of the events like the Big Promo Only Parties, Pizza party and some smaller networking/workshops they used to have in the suites. If my son was a little older and the expo wasn't during one of my busy weeks I'd likely go with the full pass as they usually have discounts on it.

now

 

[DJ Ricky B]

The topics they have posted some seminars for at this upcoming DJ Expo certainly look promising! in Previous years, the seminars were almost all DJ 101 type stuff. Great for New DJs, or DJs that have only been in the business for less than 3 years. Outside of that, the previous seminars were not worth it to DJs who have been in the industry quite a while.

This upcoming DJ expo it appears they are trying to up their game with the seminars, and talk about topics that are more in depth than 101 DJ stuff, so depending on what you are looking for, the seminars MIGHT be worth checking out this year. ...I see one topic is about "TAXES" ...That has not been discussed at the expo before to my knowledge.

I have just a free expo pass, BUT I might check out the seminars if I see more topics that I have a valid interest in potentially learning more about. ....If you can find other DJs to chat and hang out with, that is the BIG part of being at the expo.

I did not go last year, but the year before in 2016, I was pretty disappointed with the Expo itself because the products were essentially the same as in 2015, and prices were not any better than what could be found on Ebay for those products. I hope there are some promising new gear with better more worth while prices this year compared to 2016.

 

[Cap Capello]

DJ Expo Tips & Tricks:

1) When checking out the list of seminars and topics, see who is presenting. If there are several names (more than two), it will generally be disorganized, unplanned, loaded with tons of "me's" and "I's", and unbearable volumes of presenter sea stories. If there is only one or two presenters, chances are it will be planned but with disorganized interruptions, may turn into a Clint Eastwood CF.

2) The parties and presentation nights have perhaps the worst emcees in the business. Yelling in the mic; screaming to "Put your hands together" "Let's give it up for". My God, it is the most unnerving, irritating, classless, form of master of ceremonial technique in the world. Yo, dude on the stage. Say something intelligent and motivational on the microphone so that my hands come together naturally. I've walked out of 90% of these things because the MC was far from smooth, knew no creative (or even normal) mic techniques, the music was excruciatingly loud, and everyone on stage was showing off, not performing.

3) If you want an education, do some pre-show research of people yopu've seen who has reached levels where you want to be. Seek them out. Buy them lunch or an adult beverage and drain their brains. The best way is to hang out at the registration table as early as possible on the opening day or two. After that, roam the Expo, roam the hallways, public areas in the gaming areas (especially evenings), look for some group conversations and weasle in, listening intently.

4) Many seminars are actually infomercial teasers. Just be aware of potential phishing.

5) Do you best to hook up at some point in time with fellow facebook and forum members. Last year's dinner with many folks here was special. It's probably the number one reason why I'm going back again for the 24th time (I've missed two.)

6) Do not expect any great deals on the showroom floor. There are some but do your homework. Sometimes the prices are the same as they are on line, but with no tax and free shipping, that may be the dollar swing to make it appealing.

If you're going, please follow up this post when you get back, with a report just to see if it's acurate or my dementia onset is earlier than expected.