BPM 2009

After the huge success of the first two events at Donington Park Exhibition Centre, this year's BPM show will take place at Birmingham's NEC on the first weekend in October 2009 - Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th. The upgrade will allow the event to be even bigger this year, and take advantage of the superb transport links to the NEC. Birmingham is situated directly in the centre of England and an on-site train station and airport make it easily accessible not just to attendees from the UK but also from mainland Europe too.

Whereas the Musik Messe in Frankfurt is the main showcase events for the entertainment technology industry, BPM focuses specifically on the art of the DJ and is fast becoming an essential part of the European DJ calendar. Pretty much every equipment manufacturer you can think of will still be exhibiting their wares and representatives will be available to meet at the show, but BPM is very specifically focused on the needs and requirements of the disc jockey - and all that is associated with this cutting-edge artform. DJ culture continues to thrive worldwide, and BPM reflects the crucial part the DJ/producer plays in modern music making.

At the BPM NEC show there will be demonstrations from a number of high-profile DJs. Previous guest DJs have included Tom 'The Jedi' Middleton, Dizzee Rascal's tour DJ Semtex, DMC champ DJ Fly and rave stalwart Slipmatt, and this year's line-up promises to be meatier than ever. A whole series of seminars, workshops and presentations will also be taking place at the event, covering all aspects of DJing skills, music production and marketing strategies. There will also be after-show parties to help make the weekend continue with a swing ;)

As well as an ideal opportunity to try out new bits of kit, the BPM show is also a perfect networking opportunity for DJs and producers. Hundreds of promoters, record label people and club managers attend the show, and the opportunities to meet and impress - and pass a demo to - those who may provide future employment for a DJ/producer are ample.

Up and coming DJs and producers are also invited to drop off demos at the BPM Promo Exchange. Music industry visitors to the show will be invited to take away these specially assigned demos and feedback directly to the artists.

"BPM brings together DJs, promoters, producers, performers and dance music enthusiasts for two days of learning, networking, partying and most of all music," said organisers Eddie Short and Mark Walsh. "After two successful events at Donington Park we are looking forward to bringing BPM to the Birmingham NEC this year for what is set to be our biggest, busiest and best event so far."
At BPM new contacts can be made, faces are put to names, and new opportunities are given the space to flourish. As more details are announced, you can find out which DJs will be playing sets, which experts will be presenting seminars and which new gear will be on display by following Twitter updates.

  visitbpm.co.uk