More than 200 dealers and integrators attended the Easy Access Expo on November 2 and 3 in Billerica, MA. The main theme of the event was the opportunity for growth by branching out into light commercial work.
“We focused on light commercial as an untapped opportunity and featured education, live demonstrations, and support, plus one-on-one interaction with over 40 vendors,” said Steve Presti, owner and president of Easy Access and Catalyst AV board member.
Vendors included Atlona, RTI Commercial, Soundtube, Russound Commercial, Catalyst AV Wire and Cable, Rapid Video Mounts, Lyric Speakers, Monitor Audio, Chief, Da-Lite, Vivitek, Luxul, Mood Music, Ice Cable Systems, and Heos for Commercial.
“There are lucrative opportunities out there if you know what to look for in light commercial projects: doctor and dentist offices, bars, restaurants, spa/retreats, houses of worship, realty, etc.,” Presti said.
“Education is the essential ingredient in expanding your marketplace and in order to take the next step you have to demonstrate the ability to support the dealers,” Presti continued. “We understand their issues in the field and have a support team that has been there and done that. We speak the same language and have experienced the challenges of growth that our dealers are facing in a changing and competitive marketplace.”
Guest speakers included Jeff Cowan, Heos VP of training in the Americas, who addressed “Top Down Selling”; Kelly Neary, special projects, partnerships at eero discussed reaching Millennials; and Erica Strickland, trainer and sales engineer for Atlona presented on 4K and HDR.
“Steve and the Easy Access team always go that extra mile when they hold their expo,” Cowan said. “Some guys just sort of go through the motions, but not Easy Access; every expo is on message and exciting. We demoed Heos as a great way to branch out into light commercial.”
Cheena Srinivasan, CEO of Kaleidescape, also spoke about the growing popularity of home theater through new technologies such as HDR, object-based surround sound, and Ultra HD.
“I want dealers to understand that we are a resource for education in this category, with a commercial vision in place to help grow the market,” Presti said. “We bring fresh ideas and new avenues to increase revenue to the Easy Access Expos and we are successful in our mission.”
