We scheduled it, we developed a new type of programming and we even had a couple of large sound companies ready to take the stages. But now we have to cancel MixLive @ LDI this November. It was not an easy decision, and not one that we wanted to make. MixLive, formerly ET Live, provides the one chance for large sound reinforcement companies to strut their stuff on a relatively even playing field, reaching their customers directly from an open-air setup in Orlando. It is the only event of its kind in the industry and has been an important component of LDI over the past decade.

Unfortunately, this year has been tough economically for all involved. Once we realized that we could not host an event at the level we—and our sponsors and audience—expected, we decided to cancel.

MixLive is a separate entity from LDI, the premier lighting, staging and design conference, though both are owned by Penton Media. LDI maintains a robust audio program within the convention center, and the convention is coming off a record year in Las Vegas in 2008. The event will be held November 17-22 in Orlando. For those attending LDI with the intention of seeing large-scale concert sound systems in the parking lot, we offer our regrets. But we will see you next year in Las Vegas.