BG Event Ltd has formally taken on the Hungarian distribution for Martin Audio’s
award-winning loudspeaker portfolio.

The Budapest-based company was originally created for a single project back in
2011, and only became active again when owner Gergő Szentivanyi sold his shares
in the previous company that was importing the brand.

Today, BG Event also operates as a rental company, with an inventory containing a
wide range of the British company’s PA’s. In addition they have moving lights and
modular stage system.

BG Event initially purchased a Martin Audio MLA Compact Multi-cellular Loudspeaker
Array and WS218X subs — with a view to selling the system in the territory. But the
market demand was so great that “we had to start doing gigs with it to demonstrate
the capabilities of the system,’ says BG Event Business Development Consultant,
Balazs Szentivanyi. “Eventually we loved it so much that we decided to keep it for
ourselves and add to our rental arm.’

On the distribution front, the company has added Martin Audio as a front line brand
to the many manufacturers which it already sub-distributes. “Martin Audio is
prestigious and well-known in the country; but while in many cases aging gear
needs to be replaced with new technology, investment cost is always an issue in
Hungary. However, we will build brand awareness through social media,
exhibitions, print advertising, and using the products. Doing gigs with the MLA
Compact will create its own impact.’

BG Event’s most recent expose was at the Budapest Music Expo, the only existing
trade show in the region, with around 10,000 visitors attending during the three
days. The full CDD range was on show including CDD-LIVE 8 and 12, as was the
entire BlacklineX series. “Also, the MLA Mini was rigged above the booth and a pole
mount stack on the floor,’ Balazs continued. “We brought four MLA Compact
cabinets and two W8LM, as there is still interest, while the cherry on top was the
DD6 and pair of WS218X.’ Visitors came mostly from Budapest, with the remainder
from other parts of the country as well as Slovakia, Romania, Serbia and Russia.

In conclusion, Balazs Szentivanyi is optimistic for the future, citing the good
relationships his company enjoys with other rental partners. He describes his
company’s new appointment by Martin Audio as “an honour.’ “It’s a brand that we
truly believe in,’ he says. “Even though the Hungarian market is very challenging
and it is difficult for customers to fund purchases, we are still able to sell product,
and being based among the influential technicians in the capital, we are certain we
can keep up the pace.

“The key is to provide customers with the same passion in the brand that we have.
And with the support of Martin Audio, we in turn can also support our clients and
ensure the pool of users continues to grow.’