The AV industry is gearing up for two significant educational and networking events this fall. The Almo E4 Experience will take place in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sept. 10 and Chicago on Oct. 7, offering AV professionals a comprehensive alternative to major industry trade shows. In an exclusive interview, Dan Smith, executive vice president of Almo Pro AV, dives into what attendees can expect to see at the E4 Experience events.
Almo E4 Experience Embraces Three-Legged Stool Approach
Smith describes the event as more than just a traditional trade show. “We like to think of ourselves as a market enablement company… [because what] we’re really trying to do is expand the available options and knowledge,” he says.
He then declares the E4 Experience follows a “three-legged stool” approach, where it combines product showcases, education and networking opportunities. According to Smith, the three-legged stool approach is as follows:
- Comprehensive Product Showcase: Attendees will see the latest technologies from approximately 50 manufacturers, covering everything from basic displays to advanced AR/VR solutions for business applications.
- Accredited Education Program: All classes offer CTS Renewal Units (CTS-RU), with Almo having delivered almost 3,000 CTS-RUs over the past three years.
- Client-Friendly Format: Integrators can bring end users to see products in action and speak with potential clients and partners directly, transforming the event into an interactive showroom experience.
Beyond Traditional Distribution
Smith adds that the E4 Experience reflects Almo Pro AV’s evolution beyond conventional distribution., Emphasizing the expanded service offerings, he remarks, “We have a services group is a team of 30 individuals that can design solutions, do a bill of materials, DSP programming, controller programming and site surveys…all on demand.”
This expanded approach addresses current industry challenges. Smith notes three key factors driving demand for specialized services: labor shortages, increased technology specialization and geographic distribution of work across nationwide clients.
Emerging Technology Focus
The events in Santa Clara, Calif., and Chicago will showcase rapidly growing technology segments. Smith highlights significant growth in AR/VR business applications, adding, “I can tell you that this year our growth, at times, feels like almost 1000% on AR/VR for business applications.”
Almo has also expanded into hospitality technologies, drone applications and specialized programming services. This diversification demonstrates how distributors are adapting to meet evolving market demands.
Almo E4 Experience Has a Rotating Regional Strategy
Almo Pro AV hosts four E4 Experience events annually, rotating locations to maximize accessibility across major metropolitan areas and geographic regions. This approach democratizes access to cutting-edge technology and education for professionals who cannot always attend larger industry events like CEDIA Expo/CIX and InfoComm.
Whether you’re looking to discover new technologies, earn continuing education credits or strengthen industry relationships, the E4 Experience offers a concentrated dose of industry insights in a regional setting.
Ready to experience the future of AV technology firsthand? Watch the full discussion below to learn more about what awaits at the E4 Experience this fall.
