Dec. 17, 2025

#339 - James Brett - Recapping the LDI Show: Highlights and Insights

In this conversation, the hosts recap their experiences at the LDI show, discussing the highlights and key events, including the Golden Dino Awards. They compare stadiums like Allegiant and SoFi, emphasizing the evolution of sound and lighting technology in live events. James Brett shares his journey in the AV industry and the impact of AI on live events, audience engagement, and health and safety. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of human interaction in a tech-driven world and the importance of adaptation in the industry. In this conversation, James Brett and the host discuss the profound impact of AI on human interaction, communication, and the lighting industry. They explore advancements in real-time translation and voice technology, the evolution of trade shows, and the challenges of equipment costs. The importance of knowledge transfer and community engagement in the industry is emphasized, along with the role of AI in enhancing business solutions.

James Brett is a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist with 30+ years of C-suite and growth leadership experience, and a Partner & Co-Owner of Gear-Net. Since founding his first company at just 18, James has built, scaled, and successfully exited businesses across pro A/V, SaaS, broadcasting, mobile tech, finance, real estate, events, and marketing.Known for his passion for innovation and mentoring, James specializes in turning bold ideas into reality, then refining “the last 5%” that makes projects memorable for all the right reasons. He’s a sought-after speaker, advisor, and board contributor, valued for his positive, forward-thinking perspective.

 

Fun facts: Super Bowl audio engineer, certified stunt car driver, voice-over artist, extreme adventure traveler, CNN live reporter and owner of 800+ pairs of sneakers.

 

This Episode is brought to you by Elation and Main Light

Chapters

 

00:00 Introduction to LDI Show Highlights

04:45 Dining with Dinosaurs Event Overview

05:15 Weather Talk and Stadium Insights

11:19 Concert Experiences and Sound Quality

18:30 Lighting and Power in Modern Concerts

28:36 The Business of Event Production

32:08 Navigating the Challenges of Logistics in Canada

33:36 Investing in Technology for Live Events

34:17 Transitioning from Live Events to New Opportunities

35:17 Innovative Technology: Apex and Audience Engagement

37:24 Enhancing Audience Experience with Real-Time Information

39:45 Exploring New Revenue Streams through Technology

40:43 The Impact of AI on the Live Events Industry

44:37 Adapting to Change: The Role of AI in Business

47:32 The Future of AI and Human Interaction

55:44 The Importance of Human Connection in a Digital World

58:01 AI Voice Translation Breakthroughs

59:38 The Evolution of Speech Recognition Technology

01:01:44 AI-Driven Equipment Showcases

01:03:43 The Dark Side of AI Voice Replication

01:06:32 Trends in the Live Event Industry

01:08:09 The Impact of LED Technology on Live Shows

01:11:53 Innovations in Lighting and Effects

01:17:29 The Future of Product Pricing in the Industry

01:22:39 The Role of Gearshare in Equipment Utilization

01:25:03 The Synergy of AV and Rental Companies

01:26:17 Integrating AI into Gearsource

01:27:40 Enhancing Product Listings with AI

01:29:35 The Evolution of AI in E-commerce

01:31:45 AI's Role in Personalization and Communication

01:33:40 The Rapid Advancement of AI Technology

01:37:09 Utilizing AI for Business Solutions

01:39:30 Dining with Dinosaurs: A Unique Event

01:43:48 The Importance of Knowledge Transfer in the Industry

01:50:54 Introduction to Gearshare and Its Impact

01:51:22 Exploring the Benefits of Gearshare's Affiliate Program

01:51:46 Geezers Outro Video.mp4



 

James Brett Profile Photo

Successful Serial Entrepreneur & Venture Capitalist with 30+ years of C-Suite & Growth Management Experience. Partner and Co Owner of Gear-Net

James Brett is an experienced, skilled, successful, professional serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over three decades of involvement in a wide variety of businesses and start-ups including traditional bricks and mortar, pro audio-video equipment rentals, smartphone technologies, SAAS, broadcasting / engineering, financial information services, online gaming and merchandising, bespoke travel solutions, real estate, event management and marketing.

Having founded his first successful company at age 18, James continues to consult and invest in a relatively diverse group of industries with a special passion for innovative start-ups, while mentoring and supporting new and young entrepreneurs as well as seasoned partnerships, business entities and management groups.

James has a track record of successfully divesting all organizations he originally founded.

He enjoys sharing his intellectual capital with others, accompanied by his ‘passion and drive for life’ that one would find hard to match.

James has a particular eye for the unusual and innovative. He is particularly skilled in his ability and history in making ideas come to reality and for the reality to become awesome!

James regularly uses several terms and methods that uniquely describe his perspective and style, one of his favourites being "The Last 5%"; referring to the importance of the finite detail… Read More