Sound and Communications - July 2008 Issue

Standing in front of an exhibit, staringat the booth display, the systemsintegrator had a quizzical look on hisface. When asked why, he said, “I’mjust trying to figure out what theydo.” With a reported 34,600 attendeesfrom 93 countries trying to find whatproducts and services they need fromamong 988 exhibitors covering morethan 500,000 net square feet of exhibitspace, this is the challenge at a showlike the InfoComm Expo that justpassed. How do you, as an exhibitor,differentiate yourself from everyoneelse—and how do you, as an attendee,find everything you need within thethree-day time period?We have no answers here, otherthan to challenge InfoComm International:You have created the largestand most successful event in ourindustry’s history, for which you deservea lot of credit. Now, you have tohelp people on both sides figure outtheir part. No, you’re not expectedto do companies’ marketing or boothdesigns, nor can you teach attendeeshow to maximize their time. But, youdon’t want anyone intimidated by thesheer volume of information offered.Interestingly, our CommercialSystems Integration Survey (currentone included with this issue)asks people what the industry associationscould do to help them.Invariably, past comments included,“InfoComm/NSCA: Combine yourshows!” This year, even before thefirst combined show (the questionnairewent out in late April!), onecomment was, “InfoComm/NSCA:Better layout of categories of industryproduct. Joining together hasmade this too big to get through inthe days it is held.”Word to the wise for next year:Exhibitors should be sure to designtheir booths/displays so viewersunderstand whatis being offered.Attendeesmust reallocateresources andchange the waythey attend thisshow. And, ofcourse, Info-Comm and NSCA should continueto create new pavilions and otherspecialty areas to make it easier tofind specific offerings.Nonetheless, we have to say, Greatjob, InfoComm! (Our detailed showcoverage, including New ProductWrap Up, begins next month.)While we’re recognizing industrymembers, we must also mentionNSCA and its staff. They did a greatjob working with InfoComm andaccommodating their members atthis show. This is especially tellingbecause of the situation: Right beforeInfoComm began, NSCA’s CedarRapids IA headquarters building andthe Mississippi Valley were inundatedby severe floods. Our best wishes goout to Chuck Wilson, the NSCA staff,their families, and those integratorsand manufacturers who may havebeen affected. I’m sure the industrywill reach out in any way possible tohelp you in these trying times.A quick note: Our industry continuesto mature, losing some of the“mom and pop” feeling. We saw thecombined AVI-SPL for the first time atInfoComm, and The Whitlock Groupin the US, and Impact, Europe’s largestintegrator, announced the industry’sfirst global alliance for the AVmarket (see NEWSLETTER, page 9).I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot moreabout this in months to come. nEditorDavid A. Silvermandsilverman@testa.comAssociate EditorDan Ferrisidferrisi@testa.comAssistant EditorMichelle Loebmloeb@testa.comContributing EditorsR. David ReadJim StokesContributorsDawn Allcot; Sanjay Castelino;Gary Kayye, CTS; David Lee Jr., PhD;Peter Mapp, FAES, FASA; David McNutt;Robin Parker; R. David Read;Jim Stokes; Chuck WilsonTechnical CouncilGary Kayye, CTS, Kayye Consulting, Inc.David Lee Jr., PhD, Lee Communication Inc.Joel Lewitz, PE, Lewitz and Associates, Inc.David E. Marsh, FASA,Pelton Marsh Kinsella, LLCDavid McNutt, ConsultantThomas C. Rauscher, Archi-TechnologyTony Warner, CTS-D, CSI CDT, RTKLGraphic Designer/ArtistJanice PupelisWeb DesignerPhillip TaylorProduction ManagerSteve ThorakosSales Assistant/Ad TrafficSam Mitranismitrani@testa.comAdvertising ManagerBob Beuclerbbeucler@testa.comClassified SalesLinda Inglimalinglima@testa.comCirculationLinda Emanuelecirculation@testa.comOperations ManagerRobin Hazanrhazan@testa.comAssociate PublisherJohn Carrjcarr@testa.comPresident/PublisherVincent P. TestaEditorial and Sales OfficeSound & Communications25 Willowdale AvenuePort Washington, New York 11050-3779(516) 767-2500FAX: (516) 767-9335soundcom@testa.comSound & Communications (ISSN 0038-1845) (USPS 943-140) is published monthly plus a special thirteenth issue(Blue Book), for $25 (US), $35 (Canada & Mexico), and $65 (all other countries), by Sound & Communications Publications,Inc., 25 Willowdale Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050-3779. Periodicals postage paid at Port Washington, NY, andadditional mailing offices.Copyright © 2008 SOUND & COMMUNICATIONS PUBLISHING, INC. Reprint of any part of contents without permissionforbidden. Titles Registered in the U.S. Patent Office.POSTMASTER: Send U.S. address changes to Sound & Communications, PO Box 1767, Lowell, MA 01853-1767.Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Canada Returns to be sent to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box25542, London, ON N6C 6B2.Sound & Communications • DJ TimesSound & Communications Blue BookThe Music & Sound Retailer • International DJ ExpoClubWorld • IT/AV ReportSound & Communications’ VIEWpointThe Retailer’s VnewsletterConvention TV @ NAMM • InfoCommTV News • VTTV StudiosSound & Communicationswww.soundandcommunications.com