Just added to the MBLV09 Mix: Video Dance Party featuring Vanilla Ice

The Opening Night Party of the 2009 Mobile Beat Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel just got better! Following the appearance of Otis Day of Animal House fame, VJs from around the US will keep the party going, ushering in a late night appearance by Rob Van Winkle, better known as Vanilla Ice!

Vanilla Ice exploded on the pop music scene in 1990 with his CD “To The Extreme” selling over 17 million copies. His single “Ice Ice Baby” has weathered well over the last 15 years and is a pop classic still in great demand today and played by Mobile DJs thousands of times every weekend.

Rob has recently been seen by TV audiences in VH1’s “Behind the Music”, Fox “Celebrity Boxing”, “Hollywood Squares”, WB Reality TV Show “Surreal Life”, VH1 program “Remaking of Vanilla Ice”, Reality Show “The Farm” (TV show in Europe), and NBC ” Hit Me Baby One More Time” and just finished “Surreal Life Fame Games” for VH1 in March in Las Vegas.

And now he returns to Las Vegas as part of the Mobile Beat DJ Show and Conference as part of an action packed Tuesday night, February 17, 2009.  Check out http://www.mobilebeat.com and be looking for a full interview and more details in the November issue of Mobile Beat Magazine.

 

Will You Obey - Obey Lighting Controllers!

The newly launched Obey™ Series of Controllers by CHAUVET ® seeks to simplify programming of your DMX fixtures. Designed with the mobile DJ and small to mid-size club in mind, the first two offerings in the series, the Obey™ 10  and the Obey™ 40,  build off the success of previous rack mountable controllers.

 

Obey™ 10 is a compact unit ready to handle all the complexities of today’s lighting fixtures. Capable of controlling up to 8, 16-channel fixtures, the Obey™ 10 can store 6 sets of chases containing up to 999 scenes each. Flexibility was key in the design of the unit so CHAUVET® included the ability to reverse sliders and re-assign channels as needed. Also offered is the ability to grab any fixture on the fly, and set up your fixtures’ movements to be beat activated or run automatically without input from the operator. Speed and fade times can also be programmed into each step.

The Obey™ 40 is the next step up from the Obey™ 10, allowing for control of up to 12 fixtures at 16 channels each. With a slightly larger size comes a larger capacity: the Obey™ 40 has 30 banks on 8 scenes, or up to 240 scenes. The Obey™ 40 offers the flexibility of its little brother but also adds fog and strobe control and MIDI compatibility.

The Obey™ Series looks to be CHAUVET’s flagship rack-mount controller series and will be growing in size and features in the near future. It’s not enough for you lights to listen to your commands; you want them to Obey™!

www.chauvetlighting.com

Major Sponsors Pump Up Presence at MBLV09

Two signature sponsors, NLFXPro (formerly NorthernLightFX) and the American Disc Jockey Association, have recently increased their planned presence at the Mobile Beat Las Vegas 2009 DJ Show and Conference. Along with the other signature sponsors, American DJ and Pioneer, attendees will find all of these companies supporting key events and seminars throughout the three dynamic days of MBLV09, February 17-19, 2009, at the Riviera Hotel and Casino.

The American Disc Jockey Association has been involved heavily in every Mobile Beat DJ Show and Conference since its inception, and its leadership feels strongly that this is the show for them. DJ Dr. Drax, Executive Director and President says, “The Mobile Beat show represents the ultimate “hat trick” for the ADJA: Branding, Content and Quality Mobile DJs looking for our level of services.  ADJA has had a long-standing partnership with Mobile Beat because of our shared vision for growth in the industry.”

Ben Stowe of NLFXPro adds  “I think every DJ should attend Mobile Beat. There is a large cross-section of educational content to serve nearly every aspect of a DJ’s operation. The seminars are presented by top-notch presenters who are dedicated to their message and their mission. The exhibit floor is the largest I can recall seeing at any of the DJ shows we have exhibited at. We alone cover over 2,000 square feet of exhibit space with hundreds of products on display, and there are many other great exhibitors in attendance as well. Perhaps the best thing, above all this though, is the networking opportunity. It’s great to see thousands of DJs bonding and sharing experiences nearly 24 hours a day!”

“We are thrilled to have such great industry members step up their involvement in this conference and thrilled to have Dr. Drax and Ben Stowe’s personal endorsements of our event,” says Ryan Burger, President of ProDJ Publishing and Publisher of Mobile Beat. “It’s people like these two that are helping to lead our industry in the right direction!”

Find out more about attending or exhibiting at MBLV09 at www.mobilebeat.com or by calling 800-257-7635.

 

About the ADJA:

The ADJA is one of the nation’s premiere associations for professional mobile entertainers. The mission of the American Disc Jockey Association is to encourage success for its members through continuous education, camaraderie, and networking. A core belief of the ADJA is that through involvement in this professional organization, DJ’s can achieve more as a group than they can individually.

About NLFXPro:

Originally started in 1994 as a small sound and lighting store in Northern Minnesota, the NorthernLightFX name debuted with the launch of a major online store in 2000. Wide product selection, aggressive pricing, and top-notch customer service have helped the business grow into a national provider of over 70 audio/visual product lines to both the retail and wholesale markets, including many of the nation’s top DJs, clubs, bands, bowling centers, skating rinks, fitness centers, churches, schools, universities, military bases, photographers, and more.

 

Start.ProDJ.Com Remodeled - MobileBeat.Com Expands Features!

The industry-leading DJ web portal, Start.ProDJ.Com, has received the third major remodeling in its long history. Underneath its slick new look, a conversion to an entirely new platform for the site means tons of additional customizability and expanded tie-ins with other portions of the ProDJ.Com network. A new live chat system has been integrated into the site, making the heart of the ProDJ community beat even more efficiently.

The look is a variation on the makeover that MobileBeat.Com received earlier in the summer, designed to pull the feel of the sites closer together.

“Ever since the purchase of Mobile Beat by ProDJ Publishing, we have wanted to tie the two sites more closely together, and this is what it finally needed,” explains Ryan Burger, owner/publisher of the ProDJ Publishing network. “The vibe from the ProDJ community is 99% positive. if not 100%. And the community is what drives this site!”

MobileBeat.com has received several new features, including Share This links that allow you to tie what you see at MobileBeat.Com to sites such as FaceBook, MySpace, Digg, and a variety of other bookmark and social networking services. An exciting extension of the newsfeed idea is now available for busy DJs. All articles on MobileBeat.com can now be downloaded and read to you. Perfect for listening when doing other things, driving to gigs or just casually web surfing.

Check out these sites at http://start.prodj.com and http://www.mobilebeat.com

Learn, Network, Shop, Party: Stay Right Where It’s All Happening—at the Riviera

“Right here, right now…there is no other place I want to be.” Once you’ve stayed at the host hotel for any trade show, that’s the line that will be stuck on repeat in your mind. By far the best way to experience an industry conference is to stay right in the middle of the action.

With the Riviera’s special $119 hotel room rate, and a newly remodeled tower where all Mobile Beat attendees will stay (except for smokers and special circumstances), this is the right way to experience the Mobile Beat DJ Show and Conference in Las Vegas. The sparklingly redone Monaco Tower is home of the nighttime parties and is the closest tower to the convention center. Minimal expense and minimal travel time to the exhibit showroom and seminars—you can’t beat that deal!

If you register by the $179 deadline on November 3rd (only $149 until 9/15) you will be eligible for a drawing to have your rooms comped and upgraded (maximum 5 nights based on your reservation), your conference pass refunded (or receive an additional complimentary pass), Ice Show tickets, and a dinner for 2 at Ristorante Italiano! This is value of more than $1,000 to the winner…all for just doing the show right!

You can register for your passes any time at www.mobilebeat.com and reserve your hotel room by going to www.mobilebeat.com/las-vegas-dj-show/las-vegas-hotel-and-casino/ and clicking on the hotlink from there.

When you register with the Mobile Beat block you are booked into the Riviera’s newest accomodations. Prices through other avenues may vary; but you will not be able to get into these freshly remodeled rooms.

This promotion is good for one person per hotel room. You MUST be a registered guest at the hotel through the Mobile Beat group code, and purchase your conference pass by November 3rd, 2008. The winner will be drawn on November 10th and announced shortly thereafter. Prizes are non-transferrable and not redeemable for any other goods or services.

DJ Intelligence announces the launch of a new webinar series

DJ Intelligence is pleased to announce it is launching a new webinar series beginning September 2nd in an effort to further guide current users of DJ Intelligence, as well as educate potential users of the software. Webinars include screen sharing and audio conferencing by telephone. Webinars are free to all who wish to attend and sign up is quick & easy. The followingwebinars are scheduled over the course of the next two months:

1. Introduction to the Tools
2. Why do business with DJ Intelligence
3. Integrating the Tools into your website
4. Integrating DJ Intelligence with DJ Webmin
5. Accessing your client correspondences
6. Your Master & Advanced Settings screens
7. Tools Configuration settings in detail
8. Private Label - what is it? why use it?

The Audio Genie Pro From American Audio Works Magic Converting Analog To Digital Files

LOS ANGELES — Turning analog signals into digital files that can be edited, mixed and stored has never been easier or more affordable, thanks to the new Audio Genie Pro from American Audio. Working with a variety of software programs, this nifty little product (it weighs a mere half pound) connects directly to a PC’s USB connection to turn analog signals into digital files without using a sound card or driver.

Great for home and portable recording studios, the Audio Genie Pro allows mobile entertainers to record music with their computer’s built-in audio recorder or favorite production software, including Windows MME, Audition, MacIntosh Garage Band, IMovie, Audio Hijack Pro, Sound Studio and Sound Manager. The Genie Pro supports a 48/44.1 khz sampling rate for both playback and record.

“The Audio Genie provides DJs and other mobile entertainers with a user-friendly cost effective way to take their analog music and convert it into digital files that can be used in their productions,” said Tom Freret, national sales manager of American Audio. “The Genie Pro has built-in features, such as a low noise phono preamp circuit and signal/peak LED indicators, that help ensure the sound quality of the digital files that are converted from audio.”

Other performance features of the Genie Pro include a frequency response ranging from 10Hz-20Khz, +/- .5 dB, as well as:
· THD - 0.01% typical a 1 khz
· Hum and Noise less than 89dB below clipping
· Maximum Input Level - 40m Vrms at 1 Khz (phono) plus 19dBu line

Microsoft Vista Premium compliant, the Audio Genie Pro works with a RCA preamp line output connection and a 1/8 inch mini-jack USB monitor/headphone output to receive analog input. The unit has a 9 volt AC/DC at 150 mA power requirement, or it can be USB bus powered.

The Audio Genie Pro has suggested retail price of $99.95 (the unit does not include RCA cables), so it’s priced to fit any budget. For more information, contact American Audio at 800-322-6337 or visit www.americanaudio.us

Top Wedding Marketers seek and give Qualified Leads

Let’s start with a fact: Not all leads are created equal!

Too many business owners take an approach that suggests reaching the most prospects (usually through email or telemarketing) will bring in the most sales. Somehow, that strategy doesn’t seem like it will be either effective or efficient, in most cases.

In early 1989, I joined the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, during my days operating Designer Music. My major involvement, over several years, was participating in lead exchange groups (Business Alliance), run by the highly creative and very competent team of Irv Spivak. Irv, and his co-chair, Suzanne Tucker. The group met twice monthly, at the ghastly early hour of 7:30am.

The networking skills I learned during several years in Business Alliance were critical to the success of my business. One major point that Irv hammered home, was the definition of a qualified lead. He explained that giving another person a name and a number is NOT a sizzling hot lead.

He made it clear to the thirty of us, in the room, that the goal was to learn enough about the businesses in our group that we were an extended sales force for each other member. We should be able to ask enough questions of one of our contacts to connect them, clearly, with one of our fellow Business Alliance members.

The converse is even more important. In order to receive sizzling hot, qualified leads, it’s important to give them. It is your currency for reciprocation. When people see you are serious about improving their sales, there is a natural tendency to respond, in kind.

I would suggest that in lean times, one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal is focused networking, giving qualified leads to wedding industry businesses. There is no sale that closes more easily, and is less price sensitive, than a qualified referral.

Ask yourself this: What people/businesses do you have relationships with, that you should be connecting with on a much more frequent basis?

Come up with a half-dozen answers to the question, and go get reacquainted. Make sure you listen, and find out how you can be a stronger ‘referrer of business.’

Be in touch. Stay in touch. Make qualified referrals. Get qualified referrals.

How tough is that? Irv & Suzanne would be pleased.

Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority
Wedding Marketing Blog

Jake Records Joins IRIS Distribution’s Elite Roster of Top Independent Labels

Jake Records Joins IRIS Distribution’s Elite Roster of Top Independent Labels
The Independent Record Label Will Gain Distribution In Hundreds Of New Stores And All Major Cell Carriers Worldwide

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) August 21, 2008 — Jake Records, a Seattle-based Independent Record label, today announced the signing of a long-term digital distribution agreement with IRIS Distribution. The deal increases both the visibility and global distribution of releases from the label and partners Jake Records with all of the leading cell phone and digital music stores in the world. Jake Records music will begin appearing in new online stores over the next few weeks. The label expects a significant boost in revenues and overall business as a result of the broad improvements in artist and project visibility.
Jake Records VP Dan Diaz (middle) with multi-platinum artists Montell Jordan (left) and Shock G (right) Photo by: 209clubshots.com

This partnership with IRIS goes a long way to prove that our mission is not only the right one, but one that others can respect and get behind. Jake Records is clearly all about great music and great marketing
“We’re both honored and excited to be partnered with the best in digital distribution. IRIS and Jake Records will make an awesome team,” said Jake Records Founder and CEO Scott Thomas. “Their team has indicated a steadfast belief in what we’re trying to do here, and together I can only tell the world to expect great things,” Thomas added.

IRIS Distribution is also very excited about the relationship. “A fast growing label like Jake Records is the perfect fit for us,” said IRIS Distribution Chief Marketing Officer, Bryn Boughton. “They support both ground-breaking, established artists like Digital Underground as well as emerging acts like Jiggy and The EXBox Boys which enables us to really get creative with our marketing efforts. We’re very excited to welcome Jake to the IRIS family.”

Jake Records plans to utilize the new relationship to continue building and growing the company. “This partnership with IRIS goes a long way to prove that our mission is not only the right one, but one that others can respect and get behind. Jake Records is clearly all about great music and great marketing,” said the label’s VP/Artist Relations, Dan Diaz. “We do things differently than major labels, and most independents for that matter. We take bigger chances, and we’re finding and attracting better talent as a result. IRIS will step up our game a few more notches and make all of this that much bigger, better and brighter,” he added.

About Jake Records: Jake Records is an independent record label, founded in 2008 to bring great music to the world. Headquartered in Seattle, WA and founded by new media and marketing innovator Scott Thomas, the label boasts an already impressive catalog of artists including multi-platinum selling Hip Hop legends Digital Underground, Chicago-based Draztic, and Jiggy.

The company’s web site is www.jakerecords.com

About IRIS Distribution: Founded in 2003, IRIS has emerged as a leader in the digital distribution and marketing of prominent independent music catalogs. IRIS provides a comprehensive suite of technical, marketing, and legal services, helping clients navigate the ever-changing digital marketplace.

IRIS expanded their services in 2007 with the launch of dedicated marketing arm, BlinkerActive. Specializing in brand building, BlinkerActive’s expert team of marketing advocates employ the latest viral marketing and innovative PR tactics using comprehensive, custom-designed campaigns. With a unique, active marketing approach and an unparalleled dedication to customer service, IRIS and BlinkerActive continue to support an impressive lineup of record labels, established artists, and forward-thinking brands.

IRIS currently represents a select list of prominent labels and artists including Big Dada, Burning Spear, Chemikal Underground, Duck Down Records, Gemini Sun, Jake Records, K Records, Kranky, Le Tigre, Lou Reed, Megaforce, NinjaTune, Palmetto Records, Projekt, SCION/Toyota, and She Wants Revenge.

IRIS delivers content to over 450 digital outlets including Amazon MP3, Apple’s iTunes Store, Beatport, eMusic, Kompakt MP3, Last.FM, Napster 2.0, Real/ Rhapsody and We7; mobile channels such as AT&T, Boost, Cingular, GroupieTunes, Jamster, mSpot, MobileStreams, Sprint, Telus and T-Mobile; as well as video outlets including Apple’s iTunes Store, Gotuit Media, and Ruckus Networks.

BlinkerActive boasts a diverse client list including Scion/Toyota (Ghostface Killah, 45 King), Megaforce (Bad Brains, Dressy Bessy), Ninja Tune (Ghislain Portier), Chandon, Surfdog Records (Dave Stewart), Lawson Rollins, FiveOne Records, Chemikal Underground (Mogwai) and Electrolux.

IRIS is based in San Francisco and New York City.

www.irisdistribution.com www.blinkeractive.com

Telephone first impressions may be the last impression

Reaching someone directly by telephone remains one of the most important and effective methods of communication in wedding marketing, or any marketing for that matter.

There are a myriad of phone system, voice mail, forwarding, and answering machine choices to make it easy for your customer, prospect or contact to be in touch with you.

My phone call, today, to a business contact went like this:

Voice on the phone: XYZ Bridal Magazine, may I help you?

Me: This is Andy Ebon, is Susie (name changed) available?

VOTP: Just a minute, may I put you on hold?

Me: Sure (What are my choices, I thought)

VOTP: Who were you looking for, again?

Me: Susie

VOTP: Let me put you through.

Me: Thanks

Ring, Ring, Ring…. “Hi, this is Susie, I’m not here to take your call…. etc.,”

Here’s my beef. I’m sure this was a live answering service, masquerading as a receptionist. When she put me on hold, it was to take another inbound call, probably for a different business.

All that is OK. I get it. What bothers me is that I was given the illusion that when she ‘put me through,’ I would reach Susie, not her voice mail.

This is a very annoying practice. If the system does not indicate to the answering service that the intended phone contact is either in or out, then they should say, “Let me put you through to her extension. If she has stepped away from her desk, you’ll be connected to her voice mail.”

Not perfect, but far less irritating.

Maybe you should have a few people shop your company’s answering techniques and services, voice mail, etc.,.

When people get annoyed at the degree of difficulty or the manner of contact, you may have missed their only call.

Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority
The Wedding Marketing Blog

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