Despite being a relatively new face in the fiercely competitive pro audio market, West Midlands-based Core Pro Audio has made a stellar impact during its two years of trading, entering sales partnerships with big brands in the live events sector. Having previously worked with a number of industry leading companies before forming Core Pro Audio, Directors Joe Jackson, Tim Bamber and Kevin Mobberley were keen to celebrate the gear up to a full-strength sector by hosting a ‘refresh’ event on 6 and 7 July, supported by the #WeMakeEvents Campaign.
Over 150 industry folk gathered for free-of-charge training and networking opportunities with the likes of L-Acoustics, DiGiCo, Shure, Yamaha, DPA Microphones, Allen & Heath, XTA Electronics, among others in attendance.
The idea behind this ‘refresh’ event, Jackson said, was simple. “We wanted to make an event which is pro audio focused and deliver training on new technologies released since the pandemic began. People forget that many engineers haven’t touched equipment at all during this time and we could be less than a month away from being back to having live events,” he began. “There aren’t many places you can go and get hands on with this kit, let alone talk to manufacturers on a one-to-one basis.”
The event was paced to accommodate networking opportunities. “We were conscious that we were likely to be obligated to follow guidelines despite having the date set post the original 19 June easing,” Jackson said. “Despite the delay, I’m satisfied that we delivered a fully COVID-19 mitigated event with the help of ESS, which provided hand sanitisation stations, air purifiers and UVC disinfection devices.”
Jackson recalled Core Pro Audio’s relationship with its sales partners. “We are suppliers for some outstanding brands, and we were grateful for their support. There was a mutual consensus that this is the start of the return now and although some have had success with streaming events, we are all hankering for real live shows.”
Core Pro Audio enlisted the support of #WeMakeEvents Campaign Political Team Leader, Duncan Bell to provide a brief update at the event. “While his sentiments were wholly positive, we were realistic about the continued fight for sector-specific support going forward,” Jackson pointed out.
The event began with an introduction from Core Pro Audio, followed by a few words from Bell, with L-Acoustics, DiGiCo, Shure, Yamaha, DPA Microphones, Allen & Heath 45-minute breakout sessions. “Another highlight of the day was when the Mexican street food came out and we gathered in front of two hangs of L-Acoustics PA,” Jackson said, recalling the K3 system, which had never been on show in the UK before. “We were also provided free of charge JH Audio in-ear impressions to promote our partnership, as well as a host of free swag for attendees.”
A DiGiCo Quantum 225, Klang IEM systems, Allen & Heath CTI 1500 and Yamaha Rivage PM3 and PM5, Shure Axient Digital, XTA Electronics MX36 console switching system and a host of DPA Microphones also adorned the Core Pro Audio HQ.
Summarising his experience, Jackson concluded: “I think there’s a place for these sorts of events as well as trade shows. There are some great product launches and creative trade show stands that are so impressive at the larger events. However, boutique events like ours can be extremely useful to all involved because we are working with the same people and equipment directly.”
This article originally appeared in issue #264 of TPi, which you can read here.
Photos: Core Pro Audio