Develop Your Career Only at The NAMM Show
The NAMM Show is best known as the place to experience and explore the latest innovations and products from throughout the industry. However, The NAMM Show is also home to cutting-edge education and training that sets professionals up to continue growing their expertise, add in-demand skills to their resumes, and set individuals up to further their careers.
Attending The NAMM Show is a whirlwind of an experience, between connecting with longtime friends and colleagues, checking out the industry’s latest gear showcased throughout The NAMM Show Campus, celebrating the achievements of our peers throughout all of our communities, absorbing the latest education and information from industry experts, and of course, enjoying a bit of live music, it can be challenging to squeeze all of the opportunities that await you at the show.
With all the robust offerings presented by NAMM, emerging and established professionals alike will want to make sure that they clear their schedules to attend some of The NAMM Show’s educational sessions that will issue attendees certifications from NAMM members and industry leaders like Allen & Heath, prepare professionals for certification exams through Dante, and earn renewal credits to maintain an ETCP certification from the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA).
Allen & Heath
NAMM member Allen & Heath is hosting a suite of console trainings at The NAMM Show to ensure rising and established talent in the industry remain at the top of their game. The certification courses provided by Allen & Heath are outlined in a previous article, which can be found at https://ww1.namm.org/playback/industry-crossroads/allen-heath-provides-free-training-and.
Dante Certification Training
Audinate will present beginner, intermediate, and advanced sessions to help professionals prepare for the Dante Certification exam. Please note that attending these sessions requires a NAMM badge and additional registration through Audinate.
Dante Certification Level 1, Second Edition
When: Thursday, April 13, from 9 am – 12 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 210C
Requirements: Hands-on portion requires a PC or Apple computer with a USB C port or bring your own dongle with network capabilities. (No Chromes books or Tablets)
After completion, students can comfortably design, set up and operate a Dante audio/video system on a single network switch. Demonstrations offer attendees a practical feel for Dante's breadth, reach, and simplicity.
You will learn the basics of using Dante and have the opportunity for hands-on experiments. You’ll learn simple, practical guidelines for connecting and working with Dante.
For the hands-on portion, if this is your first time working with AVoIP, this will give you a solid understanding of using Dante and setting up a network. The Dante Certification Program takes the practical skills you learn with the hands-on portion and shows you why these things work.
Upon completion, attendees will be able to design, set up and operate a Dante audio/video system on a single network switch; gain an improved understanding of fundamentals in digital audio, digital video, and networking; be able to explain the benefits of a complete networked solution as opposed to point-to-point connections, digital snakes or AVoIP protocols; and know how to connect devices to a single network switch and get audio sent around a network using Dante Controller.
Dante Certification Level 2, Second Edition
When: Thursday, April 13, from 1 – 3:30 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 210C
Prerequisite: Dante Certification Level 1, Second Edition
After completion, students can confidently design, set up, operate, and troubleshoot Dante systems that span multiple network switches. A combination of live and pre-recorded demonstrations (due to the required scale or elapsed time) will bring these features to life.
Upon completion, attendees will be able to design, set up, operate, and troubleshoot a Dante audio/video system that spans multiple network switches; attain increased confidence in networking and the underlying principles to build truly robust, reliable systems; gain an understanding of networking that should foster informed conversations with IT departments.
Introduction to Managed Switches
When: Thursday, April 13, from 3:30 – 5 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 210C
Requirements: Hands-on portion requires a PC or Apple computer with a USB C port or bring your own dongle with network capabilities. (No Chromes books or Tablets)
Intended Audience: Intermediate to advanced Dante users
Prerequisite: Dante Certification Level 2, Second Edition
Level 2 will lead straight into Introduction to Managed Switch configuration. You do not need to attend to become Dante Certified Level 2. The information presented in Level 2 goes hand in hand with this session to help solidify your skills.
This session offers a hands-on experience, with each table having its own Cisco CBS-350 switch to configure. Using the web interface, we will establish administrative access, turn off EEE and optimize traffic using QoS and IGMP Snooping. For high-bandwidth links, a Link Aggregation Group (LAG) will be established. As time permits, we may also tackle VLANs and trunk lines.
The hands-on portion is for those who have never used a managed switch and would like a brief introduction. This is ideal for AV technicians taking on more responsibility with network management or whose Dante networks are growing to the point that engaging some managed switch features may be wise.
Upon completion, attendees will receive a primer on programming a Managed Network Switch for a Dante Network using the Managed Switch Tutorial Guide.
Dante Certification Level 3, Second Edition with DDM Demo – Live Prep Session
When: Friday, April 14, from 9 am – 12 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 201C
Requirements: Hands-on portion requires a PC or Apple computer with a USB C port or bring your own dongle with network capabilities. (No Chrome Books or Tablets)
Prerequisite: Dante Certification Level 2, Second Edition
After completion, students will understand the fundamentals of Layer 3 enterprise networks and how Dante Domain Manager helps span massive network topologies for discovery, synchronization, and media transport. Since this class covers the individual streams Dante uses, students will also be prepared to engage with converged networks where IT policies block all traffic by default.
Before attending this class, students should have passed Dante Certification Level 2, Second Edition. The original Level 2 class will not be sufficient for the topics discussed in this session — the new Level 2 class has substantial new content that must be understood to succeed in this class.
After going through Level 3, students can see a Dante ecosystem using Dante Domain Manager. Students then can connect networks and use Dante Domain Manager to add DDM features to their own Dante Ecosystem.
Upon completion, attendees will understand the basics of Layer 3 networking commonly employed in enterprise networks and appreciate why networks are designed that way at scale; be able to design, setup, and maintain a Dante system in a Layer 3 environment using Dante Domain Manager; gain an understanding of networking that should foster exceptionally informed conversations with IT departments, helping attendees build a better, collaborative relationship with members of that department; and have brought Dante Domain Manager into the networks they built in Level 1 and Level 2 to help manage their devices like a brief introduction. This is ideal for AV technicians taking on more responsibility with network management or whose Dante networks are growing to the point that engaging some managed switch features may be wise.
Please note: Because this class requires a network switch per student, the number of seats is limited. This course is ideal for technical associates or business partners to take the class together.
For all Dante Certification courses, the “Live Prep Session” is an abridged version of the classes available “on-demand” at https://audinate.com/certify. The focused live session addresses topics most people understand least and will cover the essential skills to set those topics up.
For the best score on the Dante Certification Tests, it is still recommended that students also watch the on-demand classes covering all tested topics. The benefit of the live class is the opportunity to ask questions of the instructors and work with a live system.
The certification tests are taken online. Time is not allocated for the certification tests in this session, though students are welcome to remain after the class to take the test or complete them at another time.
Register at https://www.audinate.com/news-activity/events/dante-training-at-namm-2023--anaheim-ca-2138603400? for any of the Dante Certification courses.
ESTA ETCP Renewal Credits
The NAMM Show is partnering with ESTA to present dynamic education, nearly all of which qualifies for ETCP Renewal Credits, making this a one-stop-shop for learning from some of the industry’s best and brightest, while receiving valuable credits to maintain your ETCP Certification.
Powering Your Festival Stage: Power Distribution for Outdoor Live Events
When: Thursday, April 13, from 9 – 10:30 am
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 1.5
Into the Great Wide Open! Providing power for outdoor events adds a set of challenges and hazards. This session will look at power distribution in the outdoor environment, the challenges it poses, and the necessary safety measures to mitigate the additional hazards involved. Topics will include portable generators, weather ratings for equipment and cable, codes and standards, and emergency action plans.
Keeping in Clean: Clean Power Systems for Audio, Video, and Lighting Systems
When: Thursday, April 13, from 10:30 am to 12 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 1.5
What is “clean power,” and what is “dirty power?” How does dirty power affect live audio, video, and lighting, and how do we know if we have clean power, dirty power, or something in between? These questions and more will be answered in this session by exploring the sources of and solutions for hums, buzzes, pops, distortion, and more.
The Importance and the Methodologies of Truss Inspection
When: Thursday, April 13, from 1 – 4 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 3
Do you know how to inspect your truss? Did you know that it’s a requirement of the truss standard ANSI E1.2 to document the inspection of your truss at least once per year or even more often, depending on how it’s used? Do you know what damage or issues may require you to seek repair or require the truss to be removed from service? If your answer to these questions is “no,” this session is for you!
‘To Sleep, Perchance to Dream’: The Harmful Effects of Sleep Deprivation
When: Thursday, April 13, from 4 – 5 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 1
In his book, "Why We Sleep," Dr. Matthew Walker explores in detail the myriad benefits to the body and brain derived from sleep and the deleterious effects of not getting a good night’s sleep. In an industry that regularly demands long and irregular hours of its workers, how much harm are we really doing to ourselves? Eddie Raymond and Bryan Huneycutt, industry safety professionals, discuss the ramifications of our shared lack of proper rest.
What Does RDM Buy Us?
When: Thursday, April 13, from 5 – 6 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 1
Most lighting professionals are aware of the Remote Device Management protocol (RDM), but the true capabilities of the standard are not well understood. Milton Davis will introduce RDM and the infrastructure required to support it. He will then show how RDM can be used in practical applications to meet the goal of "being faster than a person with a ladder" to accomplish tasks in entertainment lighting venues. Capabilities for the most recent extensions of the RDM protocol will also be covered.
Keep the Rhythm Going! Electrical Safety for Live Events
When: Friday, April 14, from 9 – 10:30 am
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 1.5
If all the world is a stage, we need fewer stage electrocutions! Fatal stage electrocutions occur about every other year, and near-fatal stage shock occurs far more often. What are the causes of these accidents, and more importantly, what can we do to prevent them in the future? Very often, the problem is preventable if you know what to look for and how to resolve electrical issues safely.
On the Road: Portable Power Systems for Audio Systems
When: Friday, April 14, from 10:30 am – 12 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 1.5
The ins and outs of powering up your rig ... providing power for audio systems in the entertainment industry is a particular thing. From source to speaker, this session will look at how to properly size and distribute your power to ensure your sound comes out clean. Topics will include sourcing, cabling, phase balancing, and techniques for mitigating hum and noise.
Changes to the 2023 NEC
When: Friday, April 14, from 12 – 1 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 1
The way electrical equipment is used in the live event industry differs greatly from typical applications elsewhere. The National Electrical Code includes material specific to the entertainment industry and is updated every three years. The 2023 edition was published in the fall of 2022. This session presents insight into general electrical standards and the NEC specifically, including updates for the 2023 edition.
Industrial Rope Access - A Means to an End or the Bus We Used to Take to Work?
When: Friday, April 14, from 1 – 4 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 1.5
This session will look at the history behind rope access and the growth and development of a sustained, safe and economical alternative to traditional fall protection. Join Ian Bevan, senior rigging manager/rope access program administrator for Disney Live Entertainment. Ian is also a SPRAT-certified Level 3 rope access technician and SPRAT-certified evaluator, and he has been certified as an IRATA level 3 rope access technician in the past. Session topics include, but are not limited to, a history of difficult access and worker safety; the role of OSHA and Difficult Access; governing bodies on worker protection; industry consensus bodies involved with rope access; relevant work at height standards; and more.
Setting the (ANSI) Standard for Safety in Live Events
When: Friday, April 14, from 4 – 5 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: .5
American National Standards from ESTA's Technical Standards Program play an integral role in keeping people safe from harm at live events. No matter what kind of event or how you're involved with it, and whether or not you've ever given standards any thought, you're familiar with them, you use them regularly, or you help write them, don't miss this session! Come to listen and ask questions about standards, how they're written, and how you should use them.
Controlling Color With LED Lighting
When: Friday, April 14, from 5 – 6 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: .5
LED is the future of entertainment lighting, but it brings new challenges for working with scenery, costumes, and makeup. This session will cover how to select LED fixtures that will work well together and how to avoid issues, such as color shift across a set, that can distract from the show. The discussion will also include setting up controls for the best color performance.
When: Saturday, April 15, from 9 – 11 am
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 2
Many riggers fear the math that is sometimes required to calculate loads for their rigging systems. Ignoring the problem isn’t the solution! This session will delve into the math and concepts that riggers use to determine loads on entertainment structures. We will calculate point loads and uniform loads and look at how they create different reactions on structures. We will discuss the concepts used to determine bridle lengths and find out how to calculate load distribution and line tension. Last but not least, we will discuss the concept of indeterminate structures and how it should affect our thinking when designing the rigging. This is a great session for those wanting to brush up on material for the ETCP Rigging exam.
Wireless DMX512
When: Saturday, April 15, from 11 am – 12 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: .5
Join lighting expert Paul Kleissler, head of engineering for City Theatrical, Inc., for an in-depth exploration of the DMX512 Wireless Control System. Discover the many uses for wireless DMX512 distribution and how you can use it to simplify your lighting installation. Paul will also discuss the basics of wireless DMX, the different approaches to system design, and the capabilities and capacity of the technology.
PoE for Entertainment Environments
When: Saturday, April 15, from 12 – 1 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: .5
Power over Ethernet (PoE) was created to allow telephones and video cameras to operate without needing a local power feed. Numerous devices have adopted this ability in the entertainment industry. PoE allows a single cable to be used for data and power to control stations, data interfaces, audio interfaces, and even lighting fixtures. Chad Jones and Erik Augustine will explore PoE background, limitations, and applications unique to our unique situations.
Networking Basics
When: Saturday, April 15, from 1 – 2 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: .5
In this session, Javid Butler and Shawn Silverman will introduce basic networking concepts needed for entertainment environments. They will cover cabling, hardware, and configuration.
Advanced Ethernet Networking for Entertainment
When: Saturday, April 15, from 2 – 3 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: .5
Networking expert Jason Potterf will explore advanced networking topics which allow entertainment control systems to operate over large areas, such as theme parks. Latency and traffic priority are concerns in such situations. Operation from remote control via the internet can also introduce design challenges.
Production Safety: Integrating Public, Audience, and Worker Safety Into Your Plans
When: Saturday, April 15, from 3 – 5 pm
Where: ACC, Level 2, 203A
ETCP Renewal Credits: 2
For years now, safety in the entertainment industry has been moving up the list of priorities for production companies. Whether a large concert event or a small local production, coordinating the safety plans for the production isn’t just about the public and the audience but must also include the health and safety planning for the workers. This includes how the workers fit in with the execution of the safety plan and how employers and contractors fulfill their worker health and safety obligations.
Don’t leave these opportunities on the table; register for The NAMM Show today.