'It's time to pay more attention to the US market’: Funktion-One on why it's exhibiting at NAMM 2018 for the first time
The cult loudspeaker manufacturer has chosen to exhibit at the show thanks to NAMM’s increased focus on pro audio
At a time when professional audio trade shows are in a state of flux, the NAMM show remains the go-to event for manufacturers, suppliers and customers across all sectors of the industry. Taking place between January 25-28 at the Anaheim Convention Centre in California, the winter NAMM show will have an extended pro audio space this year, something that has attracted previous exhibitors to display at the LA show once again – and cult loudspeaker brand Funktion-One to exhibit for the first time.
The decision to become an exhibitor at the NAMM Show 2018 was based on a number of factors, explains technical sales director, David Brum: “The US market is more aware than ever of Funktion-One, thanks to the work of our US distributor, Sound Investment, and the arrival of Vero, which has been used on some really big events. We feel it’s the right time to pay additional attention to developing the US market.
“We have chosen NAMM for that because we believe it’s the right show, with the right people on the show floor – thanks in no small part to the organiser’s increased focus on pro audio. We’ve considered exhibiting at NAMM for a number of years and are now convinced that our investment in time, stand costs, and travel are worthwhile. We’re confident that our involvement in the 2018 show will be positive and productive, which is why we’ve committed to a large stand. We’re looking forward to it.”
Michael Nicholson, PR manager for Funktion-One tells PSNEurope: “The company will use its 800 sq ft stand to present loudspeakers from across its extensive product range, including US tradeshow debuts for Evolution and Vero, plus an exclusive launch of the F124 bass enclosure.”
In recent years, Funktion-One has dominated the US nightclub market, with installations at standout venues like Cielo and Output in New York, Beta in Denver, Q in Seattle, Mansion 360 in Miami and Time in Orange County. In addition to that, the introduction of the vertically arrayed Vero system and Evolution Touring speakers has underpinned a significant increase in Funktion-One sound at gigs, festivals and other live events across the country, including Ultra Miami, What The Festival, Tipper at Red Rocks, Imagine Festival Atlanta and Deadmau5 at Nassau Colisseum.
It isn’t only the size of Funktion-One’s stand that highlights how important the company views its participation in the show, senior members of both the Funktion-One and Sound Investment teams will be present throughout. Founders Tony Andrews and Ann Andrews will join David Bruml in making the trip across the pond, while Sound Investment will be represented by owners Dean McNaughton, Dan Agne and Todd Konecny.
Funktion-One’s stand, which is presented in conjunction with Sound Investment, will feature a flown Vero array, a flown Evo Touring array, plus a ground-stacked configuration comprising F124 and Evo 6E. Other products on show include the SB210A and F81 studio/small events system, an FF4.2L mixer, PSM318 DJ monitors, and a BR118 and F1201 pole-mounted system.
Tony Andrews commented: “We hope that NAMM will be a very important show for us by providing a springboard for furthering our endeavours in what has always been an interesting market. We’re in the midst of a very exciting time in Funktion-One’s development, both in terms of technological innovation and market impact. Therefore, we’re looking forward to building on the solid base we have in the States and to making new and important connections.”
Source: mi-pro.co.uk
