Lemoyne, PA (February 13, 2023)—For two decades, the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) has brought pro-audio manufacturers together to explore and often advocate for issues facing the industry.
“Our members are our greatest assets and resources for the industry,” said Chris Regan, current President. “PAMA member companies realize that we can compete while still cooperating to the benefit of not only our members, but also benefiting the industry at large. Our board and membership meetings, online and in person, serve to facilitate open dialog that raises all boats.”
PAMA founder Paul Gallo recalled, “At the time, I felt that the pro-audio manufacturing community lacked a singular voice in addressing the growing issues the industry faced. I felt there was a critical need for the top executives to know one another better, and in doing so to share industry-wide concerns. In a very short period, leading companies agreed to become members, and together they were able to enhance the visibility and growing importance of our entire pro audio community. I am really pleased that PAMA continues to serve as an independent and vibrant voice for the manufacturing community.”
To help mark the new anniversary, there’s a new logo. “PAMA’s new branding reflects the modern and innovative look we have come to associate with high-quality audio companies and products,” stated Regan. “As PAMA continues to grow and become even more accessible to the next generation of audio professionals, it’s important that the PAMA brand supports that effort with an updated design.”
2023 will also see the continuation of the organization’s monthly webinar events exploring industry issues; a separate series of student-focused webinars focused on career opportunities and other topics of interest to young and aspiring audio professionals; the naming of 2023 recipients of the Mark Brunner Professional Audio Scholarship (presented in partnership with Shure Incorporated); profiles of audio professionals from PAMA member companies with insights from their unique and varied perspectives; and contribution by PAMA members to ongoing dialogs on critical industry issues.
Chris Regan, President, Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance
Chris Regan first entered the pro audio industry in 2004—coincidentally the same year that the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) was formed. In time, Regan went on to co-found antenna and RF signal distribution accessory manufacturer RF Venue and lead the company as its president. Now his leadership abilities are being applied in a different way, as he began a two-year term as president of PAMA’s Board of Directors in January.
“I joined PAMA in 2018 and was so impressed by the membership and organization,” Regan recalls. “When the opportunity became available to lead the organization and educate more of the pro audio community about PAMA, I jumped on it.”
Regan inherited the role of president from Greg Beebe, director, Professional Audio at Sennheiser, who Regan credits for having “set PAMA on a strong growth track,” and aiding with his own acclimation into the organization. Today, he says, “PAMA is not only a place to learn what’s happening in the market and to network with peers in the industry, it’s also a platform that enables the industry to speak with a common voice on matters of importance for pro audio.”
Naturally, one of those matters of importance is the global pandemic and its effects on the industry. Regan acknowledged it has created “obvious disruptions for live events,” but also noted it has provided massive growth opportunities in market segments like USB microphones, home studio recording equipment, streaming and small outdoor PA systems.
While manufacturers in the organization come from different parts of the industry, they all can share and discuss common issues with other member companies. “We are all going through similar challenges during this pandemic, from supply chain disruptions to rapidly changing consumer demand,” he says. “Being able to discuss these trends with peer companies has been a great resource.”
PAMA hasn’t only looked inwards during the pandemic, however, as it has also reached out, devoting time and resources to help members of the live sound community. “The pandemic brought silence to clubs, halls, theaters, arenas and stadiums worldwide,” says Regan. “It’s not just the performers who are sidelined, but also the engineers and live event crews that make the performances possible. Fortunately, we were in a position to be able to use dedicated funds to help The Roadie Clinic and Crew Nation—two organizations that have been helping live sound professionals affected by the pandemic.”
The organization also contributed to the Audio Engineering Society’s (AES) pandemic-driven fundraising initiatives and has also been finding new ways to aid in the advancement of audio technology, innovation and education. “Most recently, PAMA has been hosting open online meetings featuring guest speakers from the pro-audio industry,” says Regan. “We have had some amazing presentations and Q&A sessions with experienced executives from Sweetwater and ATK Audiotek, as well as leading economists and market researchers presenting valuable insight and industry forecasts.”
Looking to help foster the next generation of industry leaders, PAMA has held student panel discussions on networking opportunities and job searching during a pandemic. Member companies can speak on these panels to introduce pro audio students to opportunities on the manufacturing side of the industry. “There are a lot of brilliant young audio engineers that might not consider roles in manufacturing,” says Regan, “so it’s PAMA’s job to educate them on what those roles look like, how they could benefit and the best ways to pursue those opportunities.”
Furthering its educational mission, PAMA, in partnership with Shure Incorporated, recently launched the Mark Brunner Professional Audio Scholarship to help students worldwide who are pursuing an education in professional audio. “Mark was a long-time Shure executive, PAMA founding member and leading voice in the audio community,” says Regan. “PAMA will be granting the first scholarship later this summer, so we’re thrilled to be honoring our friend Mark’s dedication to education and passion for teaching.”
Conversely, the member companies are also educating themselves: “We’ll be announcing soon PAMA-recommended neutral terminology guidelines collaboratively developed to promote inclusivity in our industry.”
All these efforts by PAMA highlight that while some member companies are fierce competitors in the market, there is great camaraderie within the organization, as well as a shared common goal to move pro audio forward. “The bottom line is we are all in this pro audio industry together,” says Regan, “and we need to work together to grow the market, establish best practices and more.”
