http://www.gentingarena.co.uk/whats-on/gig
Absolutely gutted. I was looking forward to this.
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http://www.gentingarena.co.uk/whats-on/gig
Absolutely gutted. I was looking forward to this.
Whaaaa!!!!!?????!!?!?!?!!?!??Quote:
Originally Posted by Nakatomi
A Yorkshireman owes me a whole keg of bloody ale and a 4am finish!
Apparently Mr FBT got the official letter about it yesterday.....this is sad news :(
Sadder still is the news that Marked Events has had to go into liquidation :(
People who've worked tirelessly (not to mention almost thanklessly) to improve our industry are out of jobs.
That's very sad news, on many levels. :(
Maybe it just got too big for its own good.
Smaller, focused event perhaps, a la Doncaster Racecourse a couple of years ago, or Elesecar some years ago?
Maybe. Maybe.Quote:
Originally Posted by mattydj50
But have you ever tried to organise a thing & get DJs to come along? Oh man. Even with the lure of giving them knowhow for free & special offers it feels like an exercise in futility. Aka must be what herding cats feels like.
But isn't this what was once BPM? Then, surely, they would have had a ready-made audience because BPM was always popular.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nakatomi
If parts of it are actually profitable the receiver/administrators will likely sell them off as a going concerns to interested parties, but unfortunately being popular doesn't automatically make it profitable.Quote:
Originally Posted by DazzyD
Yes and its impossible. I gave up organising workshops a long time ago. The Promobile Conference should have been a sell out every year (same company) but The DJ market is so hard to get people to attend, even as you say when its almost free (BPM). Lets hope something gets sorted out and it carries on, for the sake of the Promobile Mag, BPM, Promobile Conference, Marks excellent workshops and what it gives to this industry. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Nakatomi
The big problem with ProMobile conference is that a LOT of people in this industry (around 99%) think they know everything and refuse to listen to others, let alone actually pay for the advice (heaven forfend!). If only they'd realise that this sort of thing can and DOES change how you think about things....the DJ world would have a hell of a lot less bitterness and willy waving and a lot more people actually earning a decent living from what they do....and doing it PROFESSIONALLYQuote:
Originally Posted by yourdj
BPM was pretty much free to everyone (so long as you were a member of associations like SEDA/NADJ etc.), if not, the cost was minimal. I would imagine most of the costs of putting that one on were covered by the exhibitors. The HUGE mistake last year (at least in my mind) was having DJKit as the exclusive retailer. I was looking to buy a couple of things from specific suppliers that were normally there, and couldn't do it on-site last year.
Whether any of the business is recoverable....who knows. Having seen the last P&L sheet filed at companies house....I'd say probably no.
As much good as Mark did for this game....my feelings at the moment are rapidly turning from sympathy to anger. The fact he took loads of deposits for next year's ProMobile KNOWING the company was in trouble is really eating at me at the moment (because that's £100 I'm never going to see again). Their bank actually filed a charge against them last December so it wasn't unexpected to have the rug pulled eventually.
That's very interesting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
Whilst I did a few article for Eddie over the past year or so for ProMobile, I don't know Mark at all and to be honest, he pretty much brushed me off when I introduced myself at the Scottish DJ Show so I wasn't overly enamoured and he was there touting big time for people to sign up for the conferences which was late January...
In the grand scheme of things, £100 isn't a huge deal but it's money you've worked for and earned and I have friends who are out a lot more than that at present.
It's not the amount Jim...it's the principle. £100 in the grand scheme of things is easily written off and not missed (although I know people to whom that's an all day wedding in these parts!)Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim - Scotland's Party DJ
I've always been very honest with customers , and if I were in that position wouldn't DREAM of taking money from them if I had any inkling that I wouldn't be able to deliver what I'd promised. My balls just aren't that big.
What's even more galling is that ALL of the websites (ProMobile magazine, ProMobile Conference, Gig and all of the other trade shows) are still very much open and accepting payments for events which at the moment....aren't going to be happening.
Surely - that's got to be fraud hasn't it?
Those of us who have booked and paid deposits still haven't had any official word as to who the administrator is (or indeed, that it's all gone belly up!). The only announcement we've seen is the one posted on Facebook (and not everybody is on there). However, the likes of FBT have had official letters of administration.
* Does this mean the record keeping was less than legit and they have no way to contact us?
* Does this mean that there's actually no official record of money changing hands? (I certainly haven't had an invoice...I've just shown the transaction going through my business account for accounting purposes)
There's a lot of questions which need to be answered on this topic (sorry....I'm still very angry at the moment as I feel I've been conned). Whether or not we get those answers remains to be seen.
Don't get me wrong - I like Mark and everything he's tried to achieve. However, I'm fast changing my opinion based on recent events.
OK chaps (and chapess....I never forget the lovely Angela :) )
The details of the liquidation and the insolvency practitioner are here
I must admit - even the administrators seem a little dodgy at those prices to "attend" a virtual meeting of creditors, but hell....he's liable as the director of a Limited company for 50k so I'm "attending" to see what I can get back ;)
No I totally agree with you - I've chased a guy from my local up for a score I loaned for nearly a year because of the principal of it. We all work hard for our money and are entitled to not have it shafted from us regardless of how big or small the amount.Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
My thought exactly, I just did not want to say that for fear of getting back on the Toby Bashing. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
Some of the DJ's I met, or saw at BPM actually questioned the credibility of my profession, especially the two welsh guys at the after party who called me an 'NADJ wxxker' as I was wearing an NADJ jacket (not been to a meeting in years, but obviously I am friends with a lot of the branch managers). I am pretty thick skinned now, but I guess it was the way they were stood looking at me, I can see how the Nazi's came to power! Modern culture toys to paint a nice picture, but there will always be the anti esoteric undertones in all societies.
I know I was not brought up in the gutter, but manners are manners and a lot of (even full time) UK mobile DJ's are just such complete cretins. I suppose it makes nice, decent mannered & conscientious DJ's stand out so its not all bad? :)
As per Mark, thats your business and not for my speculation. I think he will do the best he can given the funds available, he is a good bloke, so hopefully you will get your £100 back. Thanks your lucky stars it was not the rip off £1,200 Marbecca.
Yes I said it (been quiet for many years), least this Mark has paid his tax bill and does not claim 'he makes no profit from it'. I did the maths right in front of him when he said that and then and worked with his delegate numbers he was making a minimum of £19,200 in the two weeks he was over here (tax free) (2 group of 9 delegates - probably more).
I learnt more from Mark Walshes workshop, which was 3 years after (I had done a lot of all day weddings after that). :)
I have not trusted one American since.
Looks like the biggest mistake was running all of these events under one Limited Company.Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
Some of the events, particularly the likes of BPM are quite high risk. Whereas I'm sure other aspects were profitable, just not in a lucrative sense.
Had they been separated out, the one 'problem' wouldn't have brought everything else down.
Long term, a large number of DJs losing £100 will further put people off investing in training.
I did think it was odd at the time that there was such a quick request for a deposit for next year's event.
***** UPDATE ******
Just noticed on the Marked Events website:
"Pro Mobile & Pro Mobile Conference
This brand is currently being acquired with no loss to service or product. Everything is set to run as per contracts in place.
Details of the new owner will be announced shortly."
So your £100 may come good after all :)
I wouldn't be surprised if this is the aspect Mark does a phoenix on, and just runs this aspect.
Me neither.Quote:
Originally Posted by rth_discos
Actually - I'm glad to see something official has now appeared on their website rather than just a Facebook message on a group a lot of DJs actively avoid. It's something I questioned the liquidator about a couple of days ago because all of their websites were still open and taking money without any hint of a problem.
Aaaaaaand breathe.....ProMobile 2019 IS going ahead.
Seems my predictions (those of you who have been talking on FB/phone etc. will know what they were) were right.
Wasn't expecting NADJ to get involved though! That can only be a good thing
Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
Wow! NADJ would be the logical choice to take it on. Not who I'd have expected to do it though!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nakatomi
The official announcement says
Quote:
Following the sad news that Marked Events Ltd – the company that has published Pro Mobile for the past four years – has been placed into liquidation, we are pleased to announce that Pro Mobile has been acquired by a newly-established trading arm of the National Association of DJs (NADJ). This will ensure the future of both the magazine and the Pro Mobile Conference.
Existing subscriptions, Conference bookings and advertising agreements will continue to be honoured and the content of both the magazine and Conference will be unaffected by this change in ownership. Pro Mobile’s founder and long-time Editor, Eddie Short, will continue in his role moving forward and the magazine will retain its impartiality. The only significant difference that will result from this change of ownership is that any profit from the business will be channelled directly back to the NADJ to be spent on furthering the association’s goal of ‘supporting DJs with no limits’.
You can read more about the acquisition here:
http://promobile.org.uk/…/…/Pro-Mobi...d-By-New-Owner
I read that, and I don't see GIG mentioned there. Just the mag and the conference (which I thought was different to GIG?)Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
Julian
It's all under the same company umbrella.Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ Jules
The administrator is splitting things up.
BPM/Gig, ProMobile Mag and ProMobile Conference were all run by Marked Events (as well as several other things like the craft drinks festival)
ProMobile and the conference have been taken over by NADJ (which seems like a sensible move)
According to the Marked Events website, they're still looking for someone to take over Gig (they're already talking to someone about Worship). Whether it happens or not.....who knows? With a showcase like Gig, I'm surprised the manufacturers aren't falling over themselves to club together and put it on.
Looking back at the threads about BPM where the majority of us have pretty much slated the show over the last few years, along with remembering that most of the people who went were all miserable looking gits, I'm surprised that manufacturers bothered in the first place, if I'm honest.Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
Not saying that us slating is a 100% accurate representation of all DJs views, but I can't see it being too far off.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ Jules
Yes and no, Eddie short largely runs the Conference and the magazine, so it looks like he has decided to continue with that. BPM is largely Marks domain, but lets face it that is the big liability, especially when you start reserving the space for the NEC and signing contracts etc. Its a shame as I thought splitting it all up was a great idea, especially the worship one for churches and halls etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by DJWilson
I am glad the mag and the conference is still going as that would be a real shame otherwise. :)
I hopefully still have a job too as I am the photographer. :)
Attachment 18616
And have generally said that the gripe we have is its relevance to Mobile DJs. Like Topsy, " it just growed ", and seemed more aimed at installs than Mobiles.Quote:
Originally Posted by Benny Smyth
Speaking purely for myself, people were trying to part me from my hard earned, which never inculcates an air of unrestrained glee on my visage. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Benny Smyth
Constructive criticism, Benny, constructive criticism. The sort we give you when you wish to do something inadvisable and silly. :p:p:D:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Benny Smyth
Agreed. That and the fact that there was only one retailer last year - no chance to pick up any show-bargains at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Excalibur
Oh yusss....I can still hear the cry of "Ow Much" above the more than ample PA system in Reflex when they charged you a tenner for two little bottles of beer :whistle:Quote:
Originally Posted by Excalibur
Meanwhile in other news relating to Gig....
Attachment 18626
It is (or was) what you put into it. Me, I went for the banter, the seminars & looking at some tech. I didn't expect to bag a clutch of Robe Pointes for £19.99 so I was never disappointed on that front. As for the expense - genuine business expense - and the distance? Get some mates to come & turn it into a road trip. That's what one merry clan I was part of did & it was brilliant. The travel is a legit business expense too of course. After hours drinkies, not so much ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Benny Smyth
The mobile DJs default position - generally - is one of moaning about everything. I'm not sure why because there's a lot to like about being paid to have fun (yeah it's hard work still nobody's denying that!).
:agree::agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by Nakatomi
And there we have it. In a nutshell. It was usually the only chance to see people from outside your own little world, chat about kit, have a small libation and just possibly buy kit. ( Although I usually bought more in hotel car parks than the NEC ) !! :D
As well as I know Mark I am starting to wonder whether he is using this adverse situation (and legal obligations) & turning this into a publicity stunt and will bounce back as an executive partner with whoever takes it over. After all It might be a very wise move for someone like ADJ or DJ kit to buy the rights and continue with what is an established and ready made trade show. He has done the hard bit, everyone knows about BPM! ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Benny Smyth
There' s one HUGE downside to this new version though....
It's a Saturday and Sunday!
WHY???????????????
That's mean's I'm oot. I'm not travelling up just for the one day (like a lot of people who are commenting elsewhere.....I'm working). A big part of BPM was the social side on the Sunday night.
You what? :confused: I beg your pardon? Surely not? :daft:Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
Oh come on, that's just plain silly. :mad:
I concur!Quote:
Originally Posted by Excalibur
However, the mighty Pete Williams (this new version appears to be a combination of MDJN, NADJ and possibly SEDA working together), says
"Problem is that the amount of DJs available to attend on a Monday is minimal and not worth the venue hire and exhibitors investment.
I understand how frustrating it is to be on a weekend, but with so many DJs having day jobs as well as DJing, weekends still remain the best option for the majority"
Erm....it's never been a problem for me or a lot of other part timers I know to take a day's annual leave if they're that concerned about attending.
The cynic in me says it's to attract the maximum number of teenage bedroom DJs as well to make all sorts of noise with the controllers....but it's half term week so shouldn't make too much difference.
There is apparently the possibility of shifting it to earlier in the year (i.e. Jan/Feb/March) from what I'm reading....which would make more sense.
Oh well....just have to wait and see what happens next year. I'm not going to make it this year due to having a well paying wedding on the Saturday night. I suppose the alternative could be to go for the Sunday, stay overnight and travel home on the Monday as usual.....will have to think about that one...
Keep thinking, son. Let me know when you come up with something that makes sense. :daft:Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
I'm thinking my idea might possibly make perfect sense to be honest. Sunday day time looking at shiny toys I have no need for, Sunday night cruising the bars and kebab houses of Broad Street and Monday drive home after brekky in Weatherspoons....what's not to like? ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Excalibur
You young 'uns may cope with the rapid pace of modern life, but I want to peruse the show in a leisurely manner on Monday, in preparation for the cut and thrust of the journey home. Last year took about four hours longer than planned, and I got to see parts of the country I'd never seen before, due to road closures and jams.Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
Dash down Sunday morning for doors opening, gallop round Sunday, and drive home with a thick head Monday? Think I'll pass.
But what about the bedroom djs who wanna pretend they're (insert name of latest overpaid premixed set player/mime act here), ragging the poor Pioneer controller knobs off?? Saturday is better for them :rofl:
Nevermind us WORKING DJs eh.
Oh no. I just moaned like all the other DJs.
Absolutely. I have taken the Monday as annual leave from work since whenever and, with the benefit of free rail travel thanks to the day job, I can get there and back no problem. One Monday it was held on my birthday and to cap it all off, I found out that day that I had won the Pro Mobile monthly prize.Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
The Saturday is obviously out as I and I expect many others are already booked up, and the Sunday, with the combination of a late arrival home on the Sunday morning coupled with rail replacement bus services or circumnavigatory engineering works diversions, make the probability of me going on the Sunday smaller than a very small thing indeed.
We are of course all assuming that it is going to be held in the Genting Arena again. Has that been confirmed, as the dates were announced as the Sunday and Monday with presumably the Saturday booked in for set up etc.
Not the Genting Arena - but somewhere in Brum is all they'll say at the moment. It's a completely different event which just happens to be being held at approximately the same timeQuote:
Originally Posted by mattydj50
I'd bet my house on it NOT being at the Genting Arena.
Maybe a smaller (think much smaller) conference venue.
Well I'll be going. I'm not booked that weekend, so I'll see how much free beer I can blag.
Probably at the motorcycle museum like it was in the first year? Or maybe that was another DJ event?? 10 years back now!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Nakatomi
Quote:
Originally Posted by mattydj50
Doncaster Dome, anyone? New venue they've just built in 'ull? :whistle::D:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Nakatomi
Plus ça change. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Benny Smyth
Mod note: How many times must I remind you not to transgress Rule 23? It's happening far too often! :Naughty:
Oops, sorry. :o:o:o
I was impressed with last years after party, the guys on the pianos were brilliant and the drinks were paid for by ADJ i believe? I thought I had 2 pints, but it turned out that I had 4 as they were double sized.Quote:
Originally Posted by Benny Smyth
For dinner I had a fillet steak and 2 long island ice teas in the top floor restaurant (by the casino) - 100% free from any mobile DJ's as they were all in Nando's. ;)
I would go to Birmingham just for that. & the hotel shower was amazing. I am easily pleased. ;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine
Well, if we were to enter Fantasy Land, there is a venue vaguely within walking distance of Broad Street ( allegedly a seven minute walk, but we've never managed one of those before) The Birmingham NIA. I saw Rod Stewart there.
Were it to be held there, then the post below takes on a whole different aspect. :)
Depending on many variables, there may be the outside chance of gathering up a car load of DJs for a trip to Brum. Who knows?Quote:
Originally Posted by Imagine