Special Events Featured at InfoComm 07

Forums, contests and awards all contribute to the buzz

FAIRFAX, Va. -- InfoComm 07, the largest tradeshow serving the professional audiovisual industry, is featuring a wide array of special events June 15-21, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. 

“InfoComm 07 is expected to be the biggest show ever, with more than 28,000 attendees, The events are designed to facilitate networking, information exchange, and even some friendly competition,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., Executive Director, InfoComm International.

Always engaging and thought-provoking, the fourth annual Manufacturers Forum, scheduled from 4-5:30 pm on June 18th, offers a glimpse into AV industry trends and predictions from some of the biggest names in the business. This free event is moderated by Gary Kayye. CTS, of Kayye Consulting, and will feature thoughts from panelists Gerry Remers, President and COO, Christie Digital Systems; George Feldstein, President, Crestron Electronics, Inc.; Andrew Edwards, President and CEO, Extron Electronics; Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President of Harman Pro Group; and Rick Snyder, President, Americas, Tandberg.

Immediately following the Manufacturers Forum is InfoComm’s Big Night, a free special event taking place in three stages, sponsored by Barco and Bosch Communications Systems. It begins as a networking event with opportunity for attendees to grow their list of contacts, connect with friends, and discuss industry issues over drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Afterwards, the best in the professional AV industry will be recognized during a free, fast-paced awards ceremony. Award winners will be announced while images of their achievements are displayed. InfoComm International will present the Harald Thiel Volunteer of the Year, Distinguished Achievement and Educator of the Year awards. NewBay Media’s SCN (Systems Contractor News) recognizes the best installation products while its Rental & Staging Systems issues its staged events product awards. ARCHI-TECH pays tribute to the best fixed installations. PLASA’s Lighting&Sound America acknowledges the best staged events of the year.

The awards ceremony is immediately followed by drinks, dancing and the AV Industry Battle of the Bands, where three industry bands will compete on a state-of-the-art stage for the crowd’s affection and prizes. Bands interested in entering the contest can visit www.infocommshow.org for a complete list of rules.

When the Show opens the special events continue. For the first time, InfoComm will offer a Rack Building Contest, sponsored by Middle Atlantic Products, Inc., AMX and Extron. Systems integrator teams will compete in a 24-hour contest to design and build a fully operational AV system. Attendees should stop by the contest area in Hall E throughout the Show to watch the build process, learn best practices for installation and rack building essentials from the pros in InfoComm’s new hands-on lab, and see who wins. Visit sponsors’ booths to enter to win the contest’s winning rack system valued at $25,000.

On Tuesday, June 19th, international attendees and exhibitors are invited to mix at InfoComm’s popular International Reception from 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.  Sponsored by SoundTube Entertainment, the event allows several hundred industry professionals to network, catch up with friends and partake of drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the end of InfoComm’s opening day.

InfoComm 07 show sponsors include Barco, Bosch Communications Systems, Crestron, Extron, Sony, Christie and Tandberg. For more news on InfoComm 07 before, during and after the show, visit www.infocommshow.org.

About InfoComm International

InfoComm International is the trade association of the professional audiovisual and information communications industries. Established in 1939, the association’s 4,200 members include manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, independent consultants, programmers, rental and staging companies, end-users and multimedia professionals from more than 70 countries. InfoComm International is the leading resource for AV market intelligence and news. Its training and education programs, along with its Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) and Certified Audiovisual Solutions Provider (CAVSP) credentials, set a standard of excellence for AV professionals. InfoComm International is the founder of InfoComm, the largest annual conference and exhibition for AV buyers and sellers worldwide, and also co-sponsors the Integrated Systems events in Europe, Russia, China and Asia.  Additional information is available at www.infocomm.org.