Knowledge Connects: How MONACOR Academy Unites the Field of PA Experts
From offerings of analog workshops to digital treasures of knowledge, the Academy inspires audio professionals and fosters a true passion for technology
There is a bright room in Bremen, ff the sun had risen, the room would have been flooded with light due to huge windows. Nevertheless, the mood is lifted by Christmas cookies on the table. It is December, to be precise: it is 8:30 a.m on 6. December. Even though it is St. Nicholas Day, 15 people from across Germany have arrived to hear Anselm Goertz talk about planning a PA system. The professor is well-known in the scene. However, there are far more reasons why the Academy from MONACOR reaches far beyond Bremen: the story of a digital transformation and the passion for sharing knowledge.
Thirst for knowledge and the wish to meet up again to support each other
The workshop starts early. Nearly all participants arrived the previous day and had a good night’s rest in the hotel. An electrical installer who is a young father jokingly said: “Finally, I was able to sleep through again”. Today is going to be longer than anticipated. Even though it is a 2-day workshop, the group does not want to finish as planned at 4.30 p.m. (“can we not just carry out this measurement before finishing …?”). Heads are spinning. However, the guests are still thirsty – a thirst for more knowledge on PA technology because this could not result from lack of water. There is more than enough available to keep the brain alert.
MONACOR Academy has certainly hit a sweet spot. We are always able to get well-known lecturers from the scene to teach at the Academy. For example, Holger Wiesenberg from Audinate who is one of the most accredited lecturers for AV and network technology with a practical experience of more than 20 years in the field of event technology. The Academy is also popular because after Covid, people want to do further education again without having to stare at a screen for hours.
Blended Learning: The most effective way of knowledge transfer
Blended Learning combines traditional learning models, such as in-person and e-learning, and links them in a pedagogically meaningful way to ensure the maximum benefit and success for the learner.
The MONACOR Academy, the Blended Learning Tool for Continuing Education! Whether you want to expand your skills, acquire new knowledge, or stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends – we offer a variety of learning formats tailored perfectly to your needs.
**Digital training courses:**
Flexible and available anytime! Our digital training courses allow you to learn at your own pace. Access a variety of courses developed by experts in their field. Whether you want to learn at the office or from home, our Academy is always there for you.
**Face-to-face training:**
Experience direct interaction! Our face-to-face training courses offer you the opportunity to learn from experienced lecturers in interactive workshops and seminars. Benefit from personal discussions, networking opportunities, and practical exercises that help you apply what you have learned.
**Videos, vlogs, and podcasts:**
Learn when and where you want! Our instructional videos, vlogs, and podcasts offer valuable insights and expert tips on various topics. Whether you're commuting, at work, at the gym, or at home, you can find inspiration and expand your knowledge at any time.
**Downloads of service material:**
Operating instructions, circuit diagrams, software, firmware, tender texts, EASE data, etc. can be found in the “Downloads” section.
From speaker data to Dante®: audio technology is changing and experienced experts also need up-to-date input
Measuring EASE data, psychoacoustics, simulation with AFMG, focus, address, Evac, acoustic measurements, SPL, RT, STI: a lot has happened, particularly in PA technology or we simply need to be reminded again. The Academy is the answer and is the ‘baby’ of Kerstin Röber who is the Head of Marketing at MONACOR INTERNATIONAL. Years ago, she already knew the potential of an Audio Academy and continuously brought this topic on the agenda. Finally, during Covid, it has really taken off.
„At the peak of Covid, we started with our first live training via video conference called 'from the stage to installation'. At the time, it was about the opportunity for event technicans to transfer their knowledge to the field of installation.“
But after Corona, Kerstin Röber wanted to bring people together: in-person training also means shared meals and full-day personal support—not just from 1 or 2 field experts, but also from Kerstin herself. “It’s very important to me that workshop participants feel well taken care of here. The Academy is not a sales event. Our products are not for sale here—that’s not even on the table,” she laughs. You can notice straightaway that the Academy’s goal is to fill your unexpected gaps in knowledge. Information on the types of cables is also well received. Even though it is basic knowledge, it may slip your mind in your daily routine. For this purpose, the Academy has created a little help for every electrical installer.
"It’s great to be back in a room with industry colleagues, and to meet customers and potential future partners face to face. Many have shifted their focus in recent years, for example, from security technology to audio solutions."
Face-to-face workshops are the analogue tip of the iceberg. The Academy is one of the largest digitisation campaigns in the history of MONACOR
If you hear Kerstin Röber talk about the Academy, you can quickly notice that the Academy of MONACOR means 12 legendary workshops a year in Germany and meanwhile throughout Europe. However, it stands for a lot more. It includes access to a vast amount of know-how and digital resources, e.g. manuals, circuit diagrams, data sheets as well as how-to videos. You will also find quick and clear information, how-to instruction manuals on PA technology and pieces for short explanations which are good to know.
We are a solution provider for Pa technology. Part of this solution is continuous training and education as well as timeless digital support.
Downloads from the digital site are the secret stars of the Academy. Circuit diagrams and measuring data have been downloaded thousands of times in the logged-in section of the Academy. Hence, planners, electrical installers and constructors can work more independently. Thus, it takes a lot of pressure off MONACOR INTERNATINAL’s service department.
"MO:IN - MONA talks" and "MO:VI - MONA's facts": It keeps going – with podcasts and vlogs
Our vlogs "MO:VI - MONA's facts" and podcasts "MO:IN - MONA talks" provide valuable insights and expert tips on various topics. Whether you're commuting, working, at the gym, or at home – you can get inspired anytime and expand your knowledge.
There are also times when Kerstin Röber simply puts the whole gear into the car and drives directly to the experts to make a good video. Since doing the Academy, she has learnt a lot. Rather than getting her knowledge from masses of specialised literature, she stresses that most of it she learnt from hands-on: a certain eye for camera settings and light, a little bit didactics. Most of the time, there are no scripts for the tutorial videos either. “We have tried that in the past when we made videos with our own staff. They are all experts in their field and thus, it was an obvious choice. However, the colleagues have often never been in front of a camera before and cannot speak freely. Then, we have tried to use scripts but that was not a perfect choice either and to be honest, our audio experts have better things to do than to stand in front of a camera.” Now, we are planning to record podcasts with our experts in order to provide even more learning opportunities.
The latest evolutionary leap of the Academy at the end of 2024 was a vlog - again featuring prominent icons from the sound reinforcement industry.
For a new relationship between solution provider and users in the field of PA technology
Kerstin Röber is very enthusiastic when she talks about the practical reasons for the Academy: “in the past, customers had called here if they needed urgent information on products or compatibility. Now, instead of getting the information only during office hours, it is available 24/7 in our digital room of the Academy. We not only had the service concept in mind, both parties can also effectively save time. Thus, it is more an equal partnership between MONACOR and expert planners or audio installers and is much more self-determined on both sides.”
We used to call it “Knowledge as a service”.
