This year, the Audio Engineer Society convention returns once again to New York; taking place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center October 7-10, the show will arrive with the theme Where Audio Comes Alive. Supporting that statement, AES placing a renewed emphasis on live sound.
Much of that focus will be the result of hard work by Sound Events Co-Chairs John Kilgore and Mary Falardeau, who are reportedly developing the most comprehensive series of sound reinforcement workshops and training events in AES Convention history. While many of the seminars and workshops are still being finalized, Kilgore was effusive about the progress being made: We hope to do around 10 different seminars that will track through the entire show. That way, if someone wants to follow that track, they can go morning and afternoon each day of the show and see presentations that cover a fair spectrum of events and subjects about live sound.
The format will probably be panel discussion for most of the workshops, he added. with the various panelists weighing in to make presentations as well. There will definitely be significant portions devoted to question and answer, trying to disseminate knowledge and get questions answered for the audience, because it will an opportunity to learn from the top people in the business.
While Kilgore declined to name specific workshops until they are finalized, a number of intriguing programs are currently being pursued. Among them are a pair of symposiums with top Broadway sound designers, focusing on musicals and dramas; a number of wireless workshops dealing with microphones, system management, intercoms and more; events concerning audio for corporate theater and industrials, and more. As might be expected, touring audio, live sound for TV, and other high profile uses are also expected to be covered. A significant amount of exhibit space will be devoted to live sound demonstrations, with various manufacturers teaming up for combined presentations.
Anticipation of the SR oriented program and the larger participation of live sound exhibitors is running high within the ranks of the AES itself. "Following the success of our expanded Sound Reinforcement program in Barcelona this May, our NYC show will take an unprecedented look at the science, art and technology that are driving live sound for performance and installation, said AES Executive Director Roger Furness.
