Volume 9, Issue 7 — July 22, 2015
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Brave New Tradeshow World
By Joel Rollins rAVe Columnist
Last month, we talked about the changes in trade shows that have come in the digital age, most notably the way we register people for shows now, and the way we tracked their information within the show and afterward. For many years, this has been based around a magstripe card which you allowed employees to scan if you are interested in their product, and wanted more information.
Current changes seem to indicate that the magstripe has largely been replaced by the QR code which can be scanned using a smart phone, tablet, or other device. I believe that this has given rise to a situation in which we are now scanned much more than we used to be, and thus will be receiving even more email and invitations to webinars than we did in the past, Simply because we no longer need to take out our card and hand it to the scanner.
But the best is yet to come.
Now, overlay the new methods of scanning with the age of social media, and we have created a situation in which much more information is now available, quicker than you can say Google. Because the next step in tradeshow identification involves the cross-linking of identity information. And it is going to give tradeshow promoters a whole new level of information to sell.
Let’s begin with the current method of scanning, involving the use of QR codes with GPS enabled android and iOS devices. Although the tradeshow promoter sells you an application that allows you to locally scan attendees for purposes of sending them information, these same utilities can provide the tradeshow promoter with information of a more global nature about the attendee. For instance, their iOS or android program can also tell the promoter who scanned you, and where you were when you were scanned in relation to the rest of the show. This can actually allow the promoter to track an individual attendee’s movements throughout the show and their concentration of time on particular exhibits or products. This effect would be enhanced even more by the use of RFID rather than scanning, as it would allow a minute by minute map.
This level of identity information can be enhanced by cross-referencing the names to their LinkedIn or Facebook profiles (which many of you may have already noticed has become a question on many show registration forms). This will allow the sale of much more comprehensive information about an individual attendee then they were willing to fill out on their registration form.
Now take the entire idea one step farther, through the use of publicly purchasable facial recognition systems, especially those that harvest names and pictures from publicly available social media such as Facebook or LinkedIn. Now, the well-equipped exhibitor and their tradeshow promoter can begin to track attendees by targeting information as they approach in the aisles. Information about nearby attendees, their sales potential, and their location can now be instantly sent to a rep’s phone on the exhibit floor.
this effect can also be increased, especially in high dollar shows where individual attendee targeting can be even more important, through the tracking and sale of proximity information. What do I mean by this? I have worked on a lot of shows, especially medical shows, where there are 25,000 attendees of whom 1 to 2000 are real targets. Think about professors at medical schools, and prescribing doctors from very large practices or HMOs, mixed in among general attendees. targeting these people can be extremely lucrative, and yet these people because of their importance are difficult to get appointments or time with. The ability to track their time in the show, along with their proximity over time to other people can become highly salable information under some circumstances. Think about this: you are a drug rep who has been trying for a year to get an appointment with Dr. Smith, who won’t give you the time of day. But you note in several shows that Dr. Smith seems to spend a lot of time in proximity with Dr. Jones, who you do know. You could then talk to Dr. Jones about setting you up with Dr. Smith.
So, as you can see from these brief examples, in a world of publicly available information combined cleverly with new methods of tracking attendees, we can begin to get a great deal more information about an attendee. Instead of the little white thermal slips with the name and phone number that we used to get from most tradeshow registration systems, we can actually begin to purchase what amounts to practically a dossier about attendees.
Is this part of Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World?” In a word, no. Every technique described above has already been tried, at least an experimental fashion, and in several parts of the world have already been used and a few have already been challenged in court. Because of the voluntary nature of the tradeshow information that we submit, most have been upheld as voluntary. Big brother, in the form of information that we already publish about ourselves, is already with us. And as technology such as facial recognition, RFID, and biometrics are reduced in cost and made more practical, we will see a great deal more of it. And, because of the multiple source and combine nature of this type of information, it becomes less obvious and obtrusive the more it is used. Most of the time, these types of techniques can be used without anyone’s awareness.
So, for those of us involved in the show industry, is this good or bad? In my opinion, neither. It simply represents a major change in how information is gathered, and for those who are astute, in how we use it when we get it home. For my part, I have simply become a great deal more aware of the amount of information that is publicly available about me, and how it might be used. From the promotion of bad webinars to the tracking of my personal purchase habits, this information is going to be out there. it’s now up to me how much I publish and how I permit it to be used. Leave a Comment
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EventCollab Launches at InfoComm – Aims to Help Rental/StagersEventCollab today announced it has launched the follow-up to its first released product, ShowBook. Providing a full event project management suite all in one online interface was the ultimate goal for the company, and that has been achieved today. The much-needed cloud-based solution will enable live event professionals to seamlessly collaborate with all event stakeholders within every event. The company will introduce EventCollab to the world on the largest stage for audio-visual professionals at the InfoComm show in Orlando this week.
2015 brings InfoComm’s inaugural Innovations Showcase pavilion, and EventCollab is one of twenty new companies taking part. This gives new businesses that have never exhibited at InfoComm a chance to exhibit in a unique and positive way, and the opportunity to share their product’s capabilities on the pavilion stage through “Tech Talks” each day of the show.
EventCollab Founder and CEO Tommy Melancon recognized the need for better collaboration and efficiency through the work his Level 2 Design production company has done in live events throughout the years. The clarity and time-saving EvenCollab has provided their projects sparked the move forward to develop a product the entire event industry can benefit from.
EventCollab is a robust event logistics scheduling and reporting tool, enabling users to track time spent on each event, assign tasks to team members, store—and edit—documents, chat within the events (and save the discussions) , maintain contacts, and import & maintain calendars (both personal and event-based).
You should consider downloading a demo here. Leave a Comment
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ALTO Professional Intros TSL115 Spectrum Active Loudspeaker Alto Professional today announced the TSL115 Spectrum Active Loudspeaker with Circular LED Array. Using Alto’s 15-inch, 800-watt TS115A Active Loudspeaker, now with the added excitement and capability of built-in interactive LED lighting. There are countless small- to medium-sized events where top-quality PA/DJ sound and celebratory lighting are needed: backyard weddings, graduation parties, karaoke contests, pool parties, coffee house performances, recitals, reunions, anniversary observations and more. In every one of these situations, large, expensive, complicated stacks of equipment and lighting are both inappropriate and unnecessary. Alto Professional’s TSL115 Spectrum powered speaker fulfills all these requirements with an easily-transportable, easy-to-set up unit.
An overview of the TSL115 Spectrum’s thoughtful features:
- Built-in circular around-the-woofer LED array provides brilliant light show
- Five customizable lighting modes: Mood, Meter, Mix, Pulse, Party
- Brightness control lets you adjust or disable LEDs
- Custom Color Control — easily adjust the desired mix of Red, Green, and Blue lighting
- Adds powerful sound and visual flair to any sound reinforcement/DJ gig
- Ultra-portable form factor for clean, uncluttered setups
- 800 Watts of Class D power pounds out exciting sound
- 15″ low-frequency transducer, 1″ neodymium driver
- Contour switch for increased EQ control
- Wide-angle audience coverage fills the entire room
- Two Mic/Line combo inputs with independent volume controls
- XLR output to link speakers
- Lightweight, trapezoidal cabinet with handles
- Use as a traditional upright loudspeaker or as floor wedge monitor
- Stand and pole-mountable or flyable
Here are details of the $449.99 TSL115. Leave a Comment
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Audio-Technica Intros AT2020USBi Cardioid Condenser USB MicrophoneAudio-Technica just debuted its AT2020USBi Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone featuring iOS compatibility. Combining high-resolution audio with increased connectivity options, the AT2020USBi cardioid condenser microphone adds a new level of sound-quality and convenience to Audio-Technica’s USB microphone line. Modeled after the AT2020, this digital output mic features an A/D converter with a 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate to deliver high-resolution articulation and intelligibility that’s perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting and voiceover use.
The AT2020USBi brings high-resolution audio (24-bit/96 kHz) to A-T’s line of USB mics. The AT2020USBi works with both USB and Lightning cables (included), so users can employ it straight from the box to digitally capture audio on the device of their choice: PC, Mac or iOS. The integrated gain control adds to the convenience, allowing users to adjust the input level directly on the microphone.
AT2020USBi specifications include:
- Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Power Requirements: USB (5V DC); Lightning (3.3V DC)
- Bit Depth: 24 bit
- Sample Rate: Up to 96 kHz
- Controls: Mic gain control
- Weight: 13.2 oz (374 g)
- Dimensions: 6.38″ (162.0 mm) long, 2.05″ (52.0 mm) maximum body diameter
- Output Connector: Micro-HDMI
- Accessories Included: Pivoting stand mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch; tripod desk stand; 10′ (3.1 m) USB cable; 10′ (3.1 m)
The AT2020USBi will be available summer 2015 at a list of $199. All the specs are here. Leave a Comment
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Christie Demos World’s First 4K OmniDirectional 3DLP Projector Running 120HzChristie is introducing the Christie Mirage 304K projector featuring 120Hz and omnidirectional capabilities June 24-26 at IVR, Japan’s largest 3D and high definition image technology exhibition. Delivering 30,000 lumens and 3DLP technology, the Christie Mirage 304K is designed for 3D applications and advanced visualization for industries including automotive, location-based entertainment, government, military, oil and gas, biotechnology, and more.
Featuring the powerful Christie TruLife Electronics platform, Christie Mirage 304K supports a video-processing pipeline of up to 1.2 gigapixels.
Providing a variety of input options including DisplayPort, HDMI and HD-SDI and built-in Christie Twist for curved screens and blended array visualization applications, Christie Mirage is a benefit to global business and visualization applications that rely on both 3D and single or multiple channel immersive displays. The image quality, color and uniformity of Christie Mirage 304K provides visual accuracy in the product development process, which, from concept to design, can reduce risk and costs for research and prototyping.
The durability of Christie Mirage 304K provides 24/7 reliability in fully immersive virtual experiences while the stereoscopic capability of the Mirage 304K enables engineering work collaboration and visualization of highly-complex data.
All the details. Leave a Comment
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Screen Innovations’ Slate Just Got Even BiggerScreen Innovations (SI) has just launched a new design that will create its largest “affordable” screen option to date with their new Slate Micro Seam — they are claiming it to be the world’s largest ambient-light rejecting screen available in sizes up to 390 inches diagonally in 16:9.
With Slate Micro Seam, SI can manufacture large-scale, ambient-light-rejecting screens for any commercial or retail environment imaginable. It is achieved by utilizing a special radio frequency welding technique that creates an airtight seal and permanent bond between two materials — the seam is small enough to be invisible at distances of 20 feet and greater, which is far closer than anyone would care to stand on screens of this magnitude.
Screen Innovations’ Slate Micro Seam screens are here. Leave a Comment
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Sound Devices Ships SL-6 Powering and Wireless SystemSound Devices says its new SL-6 powering and wireless system for its 688 mixer/recorder is now shipping.
The optional SL-6 accessory is designed to streamline linking between the 688 and wireless by providing integration for up to three dual-channel, slot-in receivers. When combined with SuperSlot-compatible receivers, the SL-6 offers wireless receiver control and monitoring direct from the 688 mixer, in addition to its already impr essive power and antenna distribution.
The SL-6 attaches directly to the 688’s top panel. With its NP1 battery slot, USB charging port, two 12-V isolated outputs and two non-isolated direct battery outputs, the SL-6 is an ideal powering hub for peripheral devices. The SL-6 features Sound Devices’ SuperSlot technology, regarded as the industry’s first non-proprietary, open wireless control and interfacing standard. SuperSlot is the result of Sound Devices’ collaboration with a number of leading wireless manufacturers, including Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Wisycom and Audio Ltd.
Here are the specs. Leave a Comment
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Adamson Blueprint AV 3D Modeling Software Now FreeAdamson Systems Engineering has announced that registration for their popular Blueprint AV software is now free of charge to members of the professional audio industry.
Blueprint AV allows system designers and technicians to build a simple or very complex listening area, hang multiple arrays, simulate response with a variety of acoustic measurement tools, and provide a detailed and accurate rigging plot that can be exported to DXF files for easy transfer to the rigging team.
Users can choose the quick and effective 2D mode to easily determine optimal splay settings for their arrays within their space, or they can opt for the highly detailed 3D mode, which allows for a wide variety of polygonal shapes to easily and accurately build complex spaces. The software also provides a large variety of simulation options.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
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Da-Lite Unveils New Product for Large Venue InstallsWhen designing large venues, ballrooms or architecturally appealing rooms, a consultant, integrator or architect may feel conflicted when installing a traditional screen in a room with high ceilings that will require a lot of black drop to accommodate the AV needs and an appropriate screen viewing height. The Wireline Advantage from Da-Lite is the aesthetic solution to this design challenge.
The Wireline Advantage is a projection screen for large venues that uses thin steel cables instead of black drop to lower the viewing area to an appropriate height for the audience. The result is stunning with a large screen that is almost invisibly suspended at the right viewing height, leaving the architecture of the room exposed.
The Wireline Advantage housing can be ceiling recessed and features the easy installation brackets and self-trimming edge that is inherent to the Advantage line. The Wireline Advantage will feature cable lengths up to 29 feet, and will be available to order in November 2015.
Here are the details from a video we shot at InfoComm. Leave a Comment
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PreSonus Unveils Next-Generation DigiMax DP88 Preamp/Converter The PreSonus DigiMax DP88 eight-channel microphone preamplifier and A/D/A converter combines eight remote-controllable mic preamps with remote control features with the new Studio 192 audio interface. The newest member of the company’s DigiMax series, the 24-bit, 96 kHz DigiMax DP88 has an audio path using by Burr-Brown A/D/A converters with 118 dB of dynamic range.
Eight digitally controlled XMAX Class A preamps use analog circuitry, with a separate digital volume control circuit. Phantom power is individually switchable for each preamp. Each channel is equipped with an eight-segment LED input meter and a phantom power indicator. In addition to offering front-panel control, the DP88’s pre-amps use simple MIDI CC messages to control level, phantom power and direct ADC input.
When connected via ADAT Optical to a PreSonus Studio 192 audio interface, the DigiMax DP88’s preamp controls also are accessible from PreSonus’ Studio One DAW and UC Surface control software for Mac OS X and Windows. No additional setup is required; the DigiMax DP88 becomes a natural extension of the Studio 192 inputs and outputs.
The DP88 provides eight channels of ADAT Optical I/O at up to 96 kHz (using dual SMUX). Mic inputs are on XLR and DB25 connectors. Eight direct, analog-to-digital, line-level inputs are available on DB25 and can be accessed per channel with a front-panel button, allowing you to keep all of your gear connected at the same time.
Eight balanced direct outputs are provided on a DB25 connector, as are eight balanced DAC outputs that expand your interface outputs for monitor mixes or speaker switching. You get MIDI I/O on a multi-pin connector and breakout cable and word clock I/O on BNC connectors. Use the DP88 as the master clock, or sync it externally via ADAT or word clock.
The DigiMax DP88 is $699. More details are here. Leave a Comment
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KWIPPED Launches Web Platform Designed to Help AV RentalsKWIPPED is a brand-new online platform built to help AV companies source and rent specialized equipment. The KWIPPED.com rental marketplace aggregates rental demand for specialized commercial equipment using proprietary technology to streamline sourcing from a global network of AV rental suppliers. KWIPPED facilitates the process of sourcing and managing AV equipment rentals, navigating rental availability, execu ting rental contracts and coordinating delivery, which enables professionals to focus on their core business.
The KWIPPED.com platform is designed to accommodate the uniqueness of the AV rental sourcing process. Unlike traditional ecommerce, renting equipment must consider issues like insurance, security deposits, accessories, return shipping, replacement costs and the reliability of both the renter and the supplier of the equipment. Also, companies are often unaware that certain equipment is available for rent.
Participating suppliers are exposed to potential for business on a large scale. Suppliers can showcase their inventory for immediate rental transactions at KWIPPED.com or respond to requests for quotes for specific equipment. KWIPPED.com matches their inventory to the relevant renter requests, qualifies the renters, offers the first layer of customer service and takes the hassle out of the rental business. The end result, they claim, for suppliers is less equipment on the shelves and higher utilization rates.
Check out the platform here. Leave a Comment
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EIKI International Intros 8,000 ANSI Lumen Projector With Built-In Edge Blending and Image WarpingEiki International has introduced the new EIP-UHS100 single chip DLP projector, with a specified 8,000 ANSI lumen brightness and a 2400:1 contrast ratio. Featuring a native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution, the new EIP-UHS100 supports analog and digital video inputs, including 3G HD-SDI and HDMI, in all color standards up to 1080p.
The new EIP-UHS100 projector has built-in edge blending for combining multiple projected images into a single seamless image and image warping, which facilitates digital image manipulation for either corrective or creative purposes. Additionally, the projector incorporates a lens memory feature with as many as ten saved settings. This makes the EIP-UHS100 ideal for venues where, for example, there are movable walls — enabling the focal settings to be memorized in advance for each projected distance.
The new EIKI EIP-UHS100 also includes horizontal / vertical lens shift and corner keystone correction allowing for versatile placement. Optional lenses for the EIP-UHS100 cover a range of 0.76 (with lens shift) to 8.25:1 throw ratios.
Available now, the EIP-UHS100 carries an MSRP of $16,995. More information is here. Leave a Comment
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Yamaha Launches MonitorMix App for iOSYamaha today announced the availability of the MonitorMix app designed to simplify access to the company’s new TF Series digital mixing consoles. Available as a free download in the Apple App Store, the MonitorMix app offers individual wireless AUX mixing from up to 10 iPhone, iPad or iPod touch devices simultaneously, giving performers control over the AUX buses assigned to them, without having to master complex settings or parameters. They can also create personal Group settings for even easier adjustment, including the ability to set all levels on just one fader, for example.
Since up to three devices running TF Editor or StageMix and up to 10 devices running MonitorMix can be connected at the same time, even large bands can have the personal control they need, reducing demands on the sound engineer.
For more details, go to the MonitorMix app page here. Leave a Comment
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Extron Launches New Quantum Connect with HDMIExtron’s Quantum Connect videowall processor is now offered in two HDMI configurations with new, lower pricing. The Quantum Connect 82 and Quantum Connect 84 feature eight HDMI inputs and two or four HDMI outputs. Extron says they are integrated with the same video scaling, windowing capability, and performance as Extron’s flagship Quantum Elite processors. Quantum Connect is designed for videowalls with two to four displays, delivering video processing with flexible windowing capabilities.
The Quantum Connect 82 and Quantum Connect 84 maintain optimal full frame rate performance with a high-speed, 10 Gbps RAPT – Real-Time Asymmetric Packetized Transfer video/graphic bus that allows all inputs to be processed simultaneously, while preserving real-time control response and image performance.
A variety of display scenarios can be pre-programmed or created on-the-fly using Quantum Connect Control Software, an intuitive control interface for setup and system operation. Restriction-free windowing allows complete flexibility when designing window layouts. All of this is complemented by high performance image scaling technology, which accurately preserves the original image quality at all window sizes.
For more information on the Quantum Connect, go here. Leave a Comment
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New AmpliVox Mity-Lite PA Uses Rechargeable Lithium-Ion BatteryAmpliVox Sound Systems launched the SW300 Mity-Lite PA system, a compact PA that’s designed for rooms up to 1,500 square feet and audiences of up to 350. Weighing only 6.5 pounds, the Mity-Lite can be placed on a tripod or simply worn on a shoulder strap and outputs 35W sound while running on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to ten hours of use time.
The Mity-Lite PA features a built-in 16 channel wireless frequency receiver with 16 user-selectable channels connecting to a wireless handheld mic, a Bluetooth™ module allows for wireless music streaming and includes a line-in for CD or mp3 players and other audio sources and a line-out for mic inputs. The entire unit is housed in a plastic enclosure that can attach to a shoulder strap.
For wireless applications, the Mity-Lite includes a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery that lasts up to ten hours. AmpliVox says the battery recharges in under five hours, and can be recharged while the system is in use with an AC power source.
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Martin Professional Showcases VDO Sceptron LED Video Solution For Dynamic DesignsHARMAN’s Martin Professional debuted its VDO Sceptron family of LED video solutions at InfoComm 2015. Martin’s LED video solutions are easily cross-rentable and integrators can create more dynamic lighting designs.
The VDO Sceptron family features linear outdoor-rated LED video fixtures with 10, 20 or 40-millimeter pixel pitch and an extensive range of field-exchangeable optical accessories that offer a wide variety of looks. Controlled by the Martin P3 System Controller family, VDO Sceptron fixtures boast simple configuration, mapping and setup.
Integrated power and data cabling allows for long daisy-chains with many fixtures per cable-run, while the power supply can be located backstage (up to 50 meters away) for a clean setup avoiding messy cabling and several driver boxes. VDO Sceptron fixtures are also backwards compatible with DMX for smaller setups.
For more information on the VDO Sceptron, go here. Leave a Comment
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe Rental [and Staging] Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter. Instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas, Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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