Backstage Pass: A Conversation and Q&A with Tom and Steve Alford

 

Steve Alford, President, and Tom Alford, Executive Vice President, of Alford Media joined Backstage Pass to talk about the events industry, evolving technology and what makes Alford Media successful. They also answered the burning questions listeners wanted to know.

Over 35 years in the events industry, Alford Media has experienced the evolution and changes in the industry. Steve said the industry is trending up over the past ten years, and technology continues to change. “The big challenge today,” Tom said, “is finding new and exciting ways to present information that grabs people’s attention.”

What do Tom and Steve think are the next big technological trends in the industry? Steve believes 5G will play an important role in increased speed and bandwidth in ballrooms and event spaces. Tom said there is now a backward trend in the utilization of lower resolution LED; people who want bigger screens at a lesser price-point. Due to advances in technology, lasers are now cheaper than before, which Tom sees as an old trend becoming a new one.

In terms of what makes their organization successful, both agreed it is the people working at Alford Media that are the difference-makers in providing exceptional service and results for their customers. . As Tom put it, “If you don’t have the right people in place, all the best tech in the world isn’t going to get you there.”

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Pro AV Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Pro AV Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication. A new episode of the Pro AV Show drops every Thursday.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

IP730D
One Radio, Three Networks, Seamless Coverage: Meet the IP730D
February 4, 2026

The IP730D is a true game-changer in professional communications, blending LTE, IDAS, and analog networks into one powerful hybrid radio. Designed for flexibility and confidence in the field, it uses dual PTT buttons to let users transmit and receive across networks seamlessly—delivering reliable, wide-area coverage wherever it’s needed. From the moment it comes out of…

Read More
IP-M60
One Device, Two Networks: Meet IP-M60, the World’s First LTE and VHF Marine Hybrid Transceiver
February 4, 2026

The IP-M60 sets a new standard in marine communications by bringing LTE and VHF into a single, purpose-built hybrid transceiver. It uniquely combines a traditional VHF marine transceiver—relied on worldwide for maritime safety—with LTE connectivity for long-range, land-based communication within cellular coverage. By uniting these two networks in a single handheld device, the IP-M60…

Read More
solo sailing
Solo Sailing Around the World Demands Reliable Communication, Sound Judgment, and a Respect for Risk
February 4, 2026

For most people, crossing an ocean by sail sits firmly in the realm of the dangerous and impractical. Doing it alone, on a small boat, means weeks without land, crew, or margin for error. While modern adventure is often designed to feel safe and predictable, solo ocean sailing offers none of that—only isolation, consequence, and…

Read More
NFL Linebacker
Former NFL Linebacker Thomas R. Williams Talks about Life after Football
February 4, 2026

On this episode of the Through the Storm podcast with Dr. Travis Hearne, Travis sits down with former NFL linebacker, leadership expert, author, and all-around amazing human, Thomas R. Williams.  Since 2018, Thomas R. Williams has been a proud member of The Jon Gordon Speaking Team, dedicated to developing positive leaders and fostering stronger,…

Read More