So there I was, minding my own business, when I was reminded that it was time for InfoComm. Specifically, InfoComm 2017 in Orlando last week (June 12-16). The flashbacks began immediately.

If you remember my fairly recent attempt to bring to light the hidden entertainment within trade shows (here), you might grasp my slight trepidation for accepting this mission.

It’s a mixed bag of emotions about these melting pots of intermingled pro audio manufacturers and audio techs of many stripes, many of whom seem to rarely go out in public any other time.

The numbers from InfoComm say that there were a lot of people at the show (see below for the actual numbers). Those brave souls survived standard Orlando traffic and muggy weather to soak in three days high tech goodies that seemed to challenge my core understand of what I really need to be happy.

My social skills were challenged as well…

Seriously folks, how hard is it to step out of the aisles for conversations? Texting while walking in the traffic flow should probably qualify as a misdemeanor, at least. Yet despite the quirks of humanity, InfoComm 2017 was a magnificent display of utter awesomeness. I personally met with about 50 different manufacturers, as seen in the slideshow (above). The excitement of future prospects was evident in almost every booth.

One thing that was undeniable: almost everything from microphones to monster subs is now sporting Dante. It’s now so widely accepted as a standard that the majority of vendors were displaying their Dante certifications like trophies.

I experienced some outstanding system demonstrations that are finally bringing significantly higher definition to sound reinforcement. The sound quality seems to (finally) be reaching impressively new highs at every show now. A couple of manufacturers impressed me so strongly that I might have even offered inappropriate compliments. (Maybe.)

Bruce Hurst showing off the new Bose Professional EdgeMax EM180 recessed loudspeaker.

Something else that I didn’t expect to be as impressed with are the latest advancements in recessed installation loudspeakers. There, too, is some truly fresh innovation that has the potential to earn the overused title of “revolutionary.”

Since my days of installing systems, I haven’t seen anything that jumped out at me as a massive innovation until the column array began carving out its modern foothold. That technology would have been a lifesaver on so many projects 10 (let alone 20) years ago.

We also learned a whole lot more about the problems coming from the RF spectrum auction. All the changes we’ve been anticipating are coming substantially faster than expected. And some of those problems are going to be in the history books.

Plans are already in the works for a presentation from some of our primary experts and contributors. Stay tuned for that announcement in the coming weeks. We’ll cover all of the facts about where this thing will land.

Overall, it was a very good week for the pro AV industry. Over and over these fine folks impress me with their drive and inspiration. Which brings me to the best part of shows like InfoComm. There are so many people with common passions in one area, all eager to discuss whatever technological marvel you want to know about.

Most manufacturers had at least one designer or engineer on hand, and most were more than willing to discuss everything from the intricacies of design choices to the best spot for hot wings. Thanks for another good visit.

Scan through the slideshow and images to see what you might have missed.

(L-R) John Sebastian from Electro-Voice. Mike Torlone of One Systems. Elien Vergeer of Electro-Voice and Jono Bailey of Dynacord with one of Dynacord’s C Series amplifiers that debuted at the show.

And here’s the official story from InfoComm…

InfoComm 2017 last week in Orlando (June 12-16) hosted more than 40,000 visitors for the first time in its history.

“It’s a watershed year for InfoComm,” says Jason McGraw, CTS, CAE, senior vice president of Expositions, InfoComm International. “The technology on display was amazing again, and we’re thrilled with the tremendous response, but we’re especially excited that guest after guest told us this InfoComm offered new and different experiences for our growing, innovative audience.”

By the time the doors closed for the week, InfoComm reports it had logged 44,077 registered attendees, 13 percent more than the last time it was held in Orlando in 2015, and 14 percent more than InfoComm 2016 in Las Vegas.

Visitors hailed from all 50 United States and 117 countries; 17 percent of attendees were from outside the U.S. The show’s 950 exhibitors anchored an expo that spanned more than 545,000 net square feet of exhibits, demo rooms, and special events space, making it the biggest InfoComm ever.

“Brand-new show elements like our TIDE conference, Center Stage (right), The Park, and the Immersive Technology Experience made for an incredible atmosphere and attracted an unprecedented mix of qualified attendees,” McGraw said.

In all, 41 percent of InfoComm 2017 attendees identified as technology managers and end users — more than in any previous year. And 39 percent were first-time visitors, a sign that InfoComm continues to attract new customers and professionals to the AV solutions marketplace.

“InfoComm is committed to serving as a catalyst for market growth by offering content and programs that speak to the outcomes achievable through AV solutions,” says David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, executive director and CEO, InfoComm International. “As we build greater awareness of the magic of AV, we believe the InfoComm show will continue to draw more and different market participants, from content creators to enterprise decision-makers. InfoComm 2017 has proven to be a significant step in that direction.”

Other notable news from InfoComm 2017 in Orlando:

— More than 3,700 attendees took part in InfoComm training and education – up 24 percent from 2016.
— Nearly 190 professionals passed a Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) exam, bringing the total number of CTS holders to 11,105.
— More than 650 volunteers participated in InfoComm council activities, including record attendance at the Women of InfoComm Network Breakfast.

“I had the pleasure of speaking to many of the enthusiastic, engaged InfoComm 2017 visitors at the week’s meetings and receptions,” Labuskes says. “It left me inspired by their dreams and ambitions for audiovisual experiences and how they continue to impact people around the world.”

InfoComm 2017 was sponsored by Presenting Show Partner Samsung, Strategic Show Partners Blackmagic Design and Crestron, and Supporting Show Partner LG.

InfoComm 2018 will be held June 2-8, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

(L-R) Yorkville‘s Steve Hendee and Kira Haden. Revolabs‘ Bryan Adams with Yamaha‘s CS-700 video sound collaboration system. Jim Bobel with EAW‘s Anna line arrays.

Continue to page 2 for the new products and highlights of InfoComm2017.