The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1914)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 7 JOBBERS GET READY FOR REUNION AT ATLANTIC CITY. Next Convention of the National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers to Be Held July 6, 7 and 8 — Will Be Noteworthy in Many Respects Because of Its Educational Features— Committee Active in Perfecting Plans — Latest Developments of Interest. The eighth annual convention of the National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers will be held at Atlantic City on July 6, 7 and 8. The reason for choosing Atlantic City as the meeting place is set forth in the words of our talented and genial friend, James F. Bo.wers, of Lyon & Healy, Chicago, who once said: "There are only three places at which to hold conventions. The first is Atlantic City; the second is Atlantic City; and the third is ATLANTIC CITY!" On April 18 J. C. Ro.ush, of Pittsburgh, president of the association; L. C. Wiswell, of Chicago, chairman of the committee of arrangements, and Benj. Switky, of New York, met at Atlantic City to perfect plans for the most successful convention ever held. The next convention will be noteworthy by reason of the educational features embodied in the pro.gram. The committee realizes that the mere offer of a good time is not in itself sufficient inducement for a jobber to travel fro,m the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast. Therefore, they have set for themselves the task of making the next convention a good business proposition for every member who attends. This means that to be absent is to lose money. In addition to the personal attendance of every member of every firm of distributers it is urged that association members bring along their managers, superintendents and right-hand men. There will be a mechanical exhibit and demonstration in Atlantic City such as has never before been attempted. It will be like bringing the mountain to Mahomet. The why and wherefore of many things and policies that have puzzled the trade will be explained authoritatively by the men responsible for those things and policies. Questions of momentous interest to. both distributers and dealers will be discussed, debated and acted upon. Members will find it to their interest to inspect the various lines of supplies and specialties that will be represented at the convention. Likewise, the opportunity of greeting factory officials should not be overlooked. Matters of personal interest can be taken up while visiting the East. In order to induce members to bring along their wives, families and friends, a delightful social program has been arranged, in charge of special reception and entertainment committees. Automobile rides, luncheons, dances, cabarets, banquet, etc., are merely a hint of what is in store for members and their guests. In addition to the business features, the plans of the arrangement committee include a banquet that promises to be one of the most enjoyable ever held under the auspices of the association. Arrangements have been made with Barney's Hotel, one of the most popular places in Atlantic City, to provide an enticing menu at a moderate price and to give the use of the regular hotel cabaret entertainers and orchestra for the entertainment of the diners. The banquet will be held on Tuesday evening, July 7, and the committee has also arranged for Mr. Barney to reserve the balcony in his cafe on Monday night for the association members and their friends, and from where they can watch the dancing on the main floor. Barney's will take the place of the Old Vienna this year, the latter place having closed, following the death of the proprietor. Among the arrangements made for the entertainment of the ladies, while the convention is in session, is included an automobile trip to the Atlantic City Country Club on Monday, with luncheon at the club before returning. The National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers has more than justified its existence. By reason of mutual interests it has banded together the jobbers of the United States. Through the officers and the executive committee many farreaching and profitable results have been achieved. It is the duty of every member of the association to answer in person the roll-call at Atlantic City, if for no other reason than to show his appreciation of the excellent work of the executives and committeemen. While the strength of the organization is measured by its membership, its vitality is gauged by the attendance at the annual convention. So get together, gentlemen. Don't shift it onto George. Be there yourselves. The convention dates were purposely chosen so as to blend with your Fourth of July celebration or your summer vacation. CONCERTS FOR SHOPPERS. An Excellent Means of Bringing the Talking Machine to the Attention of the Public. A very excellent suggestion was that made by the Edison Phonograph Monthly, when it said : ''Many dealers are located right in the shopping district. Here is a decided advantage if rightly used, and the advantage consists in the fact that so many women are doing the shopping and would be glad of a resting place just about noontime or shortly thereafter. The alert Edison dealer will not miss the opportunity. A recital planned at that time, will undoubtedly be well patronized, but some strong feature must be announced. One store recently announced that a contralto singer, prominent in a certain local church, would sing. The place was filled ! "But apart from the attracting of shoppers, there is great importance to be attracted right now to store recitals. By all means get the machinery* in working order. Have an attendant who understands the Edison. See that the machine itself is in good shape and the records selected and ready to play. Make it a high-tone affair by a neat program, which may be varied from day to day. Victrolas and Record Stocks Short Be just to yourself and your customers You owe it to yourself and your customers to give us a trial at filling your orders before you lose a sale by telling them that you "haven't got it and can't get it." We cannot truthfully boast about the completeness of machine and record stocks; nevertheless you can get from us certain types of machines and many selections of records that are not to be gotten elsewhere. New numbers are coming in daily. TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED UNTIL YOU HAVE TRIED BENJ. SWITKY, Distributor NEW YORK, N. Y.