Almo Professional A/V’s recent stop outside Chicago was the first since it rebranded its signature training and product showcase tour as Almo E4 Experience. So far, so good for the distributor, which reports “record-breaking” attendance.
The pro A/V division of Almo, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, prides itself on continuously reevaluating and updating its offerings, according to Almo Pro A/V executive VP Sam Taylor. “We’re always looking to improve,” he said. “So this is now the E4 Experience because it really is an experience for our customers and our vendor partners and we’re really revamped it and improved it.”
The next E4 Experience takes place in Southern California on April 5 at the Hilton Orange County in Costa Mesa.
Watch Almo’s Sam Taylor Discuss E4 Experience Training and Certification:
[related]Among the improvements reflected in the E4 Experience are more training and certification opportunities.
The 2019 slate of E4s includes SDVoE AV-over-IP Design Certification training with a CTS renewal unit (RU) opportunity, which is taught by SDVoE Alliance president Justin Kennington who saw packed training room for his SDVoE session in Chicago.
Almo also added a DSF (Digital Signage Federation) Certification opportunity with the Foundations of Digital Signage session offering a CTS RU.
“Those are two really important organizations in the pro AV world,” Taylor said. “Video over IP and audio over IP is becoming prevalent and SDVoE certification is really important for our integrators to have. And obviously with digital signage and the reputation that DSF has having that course our there for our dealers who are involved with digital signage is very important as well.”
In total, Taylor continued, “We have 12 courses here that all have CTS renewal units with them.”
Watch Almo’s Sam Taylor Discuss E4 Experience Product Showcase:
Another addition to the 2019 slate of E4s is personal concierge service for attendees. Taylor explained that a concierge calls everybody who’s registered to help them set up their schedule for the day, prioritizing classes and helping to maximize their time. “We realize that they’re taking a day out of their work to come here and we want to make it as meaningful and educational as we can.”
Almo Pro A/V has also added some local flare for its E4 visits. During the Chicago E4 Experience, former Chicago Bears quarterback and Superbowl champion Jim McMahon was on hand to meet with attendees. E4 Southern California is hosting former Major League Baseball star Jose Canseco for an autograph session from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Not to be overlooked are the products on display at the E4 Experience. Taylor pointed out that the Spring and Fall events have become a strategic product launching pad for many of its exhibiting vendors.
