The NAMM Show
for Audio Pros
INPUT
Q&A with Jay Perry of Points East Audio Visual
JAY PERRY
is the principal
of Points East Audio Visual, a PEI-based
design, sales, integration, and consultation
company with over 20 years of experience
in pro audio, video, and lighting. Perry has
been attending The NAMM Show relatively
consistently over the past several years,
including the past two editions, which fea-
tured a substantial increase in the number
of products and initiatives dedicated to
production technologies.
Perry tells Professional Sound how the
2018 and 2019 shows compared to previ-
ous editions in his experience, and some
of the new features that appeal to him and
his business.
PS: You’ve been attending The NAMM
Show for a number of years – well be-
fore last year’s expanded focus on pro
audio and production technologies. As
an integrator and live sound engineer,
what was the value for you in attending
the show prior to the 2018 edition?
JP: The NAMM Show offers a chance to see
some of the latest products all under one roof.
It’s always been hard for us to attend other
shows like InfoComm and LDI because those
shows land during our busiest times. While
NAMM doesn’t showcase every product we
use – there is still a lack of video and lighting
offerings – it covers most product categories
very well. California in the middle of a January
East Coast winter doesn’t hurt, either…
PS: How did you find last year’s show,
with the significant increase in exhibi-
tors and programming for the pro audio
and production technologies markets?
What did you notice as the biggest dif-
ferences between last year and previous
editions of the show?
JP: The size of the show has grown so much
so that it’s a challenge to see everything,
though the biggest change I have noticed
is the number of attendees. NAMM has made
great efforts to put similar manufacturers
together in the exhibit halls, which helps.
There is a lot less walking back-and-forth.
PS: Did you take advantage of any of
the education sessions or other show
features beyond the exhibit floor in the
last two years? If so, how did you find
those experiences?
JP: I try to take in at least one or two edu-
cational sessions at The NAMM Show each
year. With so many manufacturers under one
roof, it’s easy to find something of interest,
and now with organizations like the AES and
ESTA taking part in the show programming,
it’s even more attractive.
PS: What about the networking oppor-
tunities? What does The NAMM Show
have in common or in contrast with
other trade events that make for good
networking opportunities with exhibi-
tors and other attendees?
JP: The NAMM Show has always been a place
to connect with old friends and colleagues for
me. It’s also a great place to give one-on-one
feedback to the manufacturers we deal with.
PS: Generally speaking, does the ex-
pansion of pro audio and production
technologies content at the show make
it significantly more attractive for you?
How does the show’s new format ben-
efit you and your business in terms of
a return on your investment to attend?
JP: I think it’s great that NAMM has increased
its scope with the expansion of pro audio
and production technologies. There is still
something to be said for putting your hands
on a piece of equipment as opposed to
looking at it on a website.
PS: Can you share a few of your NAMM
Show highlights from over the years,
whether they’re business-related or
perhaps just have to do with the unique
atmosphere and opportunities at the
show?
JP: I’ll never forget the first NAMM Show I
attended and being overwhelmed at the
sheer size of the event. I have taken new
people to the show with me several times
since then and the initial response is always
a “wow.”
PROFESSIONAL SOUND 9