According to the AES, the recently completed 123rd AES Convention in New York City’s Javits Center was the largest show in more than 10 years. Attendees numbering 20,674 visited more than 445 exhibits and attended more than 150 conference events. Tomorrow, Mix will post a full wrap-up of the show.
“This show’s attendance demonstrated the diversity of the audio industry,” says AES executive director Roger Furness. “Engineers and producers walked the aisles alongside acclaimed design consultants, live sound engineers and broadcasters, students and musicians. AES is where advocates for improved audio meet, regardless of their area of specialty and professional status. This is exactly the unique, influential and powerful constituency that the AES is proud to represent.”
Attendance was further bolstered by expanded Broadcast, Historical, Platinum and Student events. Spirits were high and networking opportunities flourished. 123rd Convention Committee Chairman and AES president-elect Jim Anderson reports that there were standing-room-only crowds at many of the special events.
“The presentation by Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick commemorating the 40th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was a particular highlight,” Anderson says. “With every seat filled and not a spare inch of leaning space, Emerick’s blend of technical insights and personal observances of the Fab Four constructing their masterwork were unforgettable.”
Broadcast Chair David Bialik considers the 123rd convention “a total success, and the only audio conference to cover all the bases, from ‘Considerations for Facility Design’ through the broadcast chain and to the receiver. Many of our events were standing room only; even our last session on Monday afternoon drew a good crowd.”
“AES was a convenient way for me to focus exclusively on my broadcast audio interests,” says CBS Sports director of engineering Bruce Goldfeder. “Without the distraction of video, I could get all my questions answered, meet my colleagues from the other networks, and evaluate the various broadcast audio solutions all in one place.”
“The 123rd AES show exceeded our expectations in both attendance and the quality and quantity of new products that used the show as a launch platform,” adds Bryan Bradley, director, Pro Audio/Recording Merchandise, Guitar Center. “We are looking forward to continuing our association with the show and supporting its future growth.”
Dave Shadoan of Sound Image remarked: “I enjoyed the show enormously. It was clearly well attended. It’s always good to see a number of old friends and to discover interesting new products.”
“From the moment the show opened to the time they rolled up the carpet, our traffic was overwhelmingly positive,” says Gina Fant-Saez, CEO/co-founder of eSession. “Our user-base grew by 33 percent and the show provided an invaluable opportunity to meet face-to-face with our customers, talent, studios, producers and members of the press.”
Platinum producer Phil Ramone summed up the event by stating, “This year’s AES in New York was better than ever. It’s always exciting to see the increased dedication to improving sound quality and advancing recording technology. AES just keeps growing and I’m glad to be a part of it!”
“Clearly,” Furness concludes, “many of those in New York shared Phil’s enthusiasm and are looking forward to next year’s show in San Francisco, October 2-5, 2008.”
For more information, visit www.aes.org.
