Our Mission Statement

"We Help DJ's Build & Grow Their Business"

The Purpose and ongoing Mission of the American Disc Jockey Association is to produce educational content, to promote networking and to provide support for our members, because together we can achieve greater success, which will also benefit our clients by providing increasingly higher calibers of service, performance, talent and professionalism.

ADJA Standards

The ADJA encourages the highest in business ethics and performance standards

We encourage representatives and members of the ADJA to adhere to the following guidelines, as it is our intention to provide the highest quality service to our clients and to perform in a manner most appropriate as professional disc jockey entertainers.

WE WILL:

• Be courteous and respectful
• Tell the Truth
• Return your phone calls in a timely manner
• Be fair and competitive in our pricing
• Listen to your needs
• Setup early for the event
• Dress appropriately
• Play your selection of music
• Assist in anyway to make your event successful
• Do our very best for you
• Be ENTHUSIASTIC and have FUN!!

WE WILL NOT:

• Act in a manner unbecoming a professional
• Use offensive language
• Drink alcohol or smoke
• Perform in the presence of illegal drugs
• Use Music stolen off the Internet
• Play any music that contains foul language, is sexually offensive or demeaning
• Offend you or your guests
• Switch to another DJ prior to the event, without your permission
• Have an unpleasant attitude

If you ever have experience anything but the highest quality of service and performance, feel free to contact any of the NEADJA Board of Directors to voice your concerns. We would love to hear your success stories as well!

The Truth about DJ Pricing

How much is a professional Disc Jockey's service really worth?

A recent bridal survey said that before the wedding, the entertainment usually fell to the bottom of the budget priority list and was considered one of the smallest expenditures, yet after the wedding, most surveyed brides wish they had spent more and made entertainment one of their highest priorities.  Why do you think that happened?

Unless you have actually experienced mediocre or even disastrous wedding entertainment, many people make the mistake of thinking that it is “just the music”, all entertainers are the same and that a cheaper priced DJ is a better value for their money.  Again, this is a big mistake!

Entertainment is a talent-based service and each Disc Jockey entertainer will bring a different level of talent, quality of service, experience, and expertise to your wedding day.  Some entertainers DO an outstanding job at creating a fun, memorable, and worry-free celebration…unfortunately, the reality is that many DO NOT.  Using price as a major consideration for hiring your entertainer will usually lead you to the latter.

In order to find the best fit for what you are looking for in a highly skilled entertainment professional, first realize that you need more than “just the music”!  For a smooth flow of events, skillful and timely announcements, an atmosphere filled with fun and unique memories with perfectly placed musical selections, there will be a much greater need than “just the music”…a considerable amount of time will be needed to pre-plan the day’s details, complete coordination with your other vendors is a must, and to act as an energetic, articulate Master of Ceremonies to fill an overall leadership role for your party will be vital.

Since the entertainment you choose will have a profound and direct effect on the successful and memorable outcome of your wedding day celebration, it would be in your best interest to dig much deeper into the quality of service you receive, opposed to simply deciding based on price alone.

Consider that if you are paying less than $1,000 for your Disc Jockey, you are taking a chance on a Disc Jockey who is most likely not a truly skilled professional and may very well sell your reception to an even less qualified Disc Jockey that you will meet for the very first time at your reception or special event. 

Good luck and choose wisely!

Ten Questions to ask your DJ

The ADJA strongly recommends that you ask the following questions of any Disc Jockey service that you are considering hiring:

1. Have you commited yourself to follow the ADJA Code of Professional Conduct?
Any responsible business owner will be committed to living by the ADJA code of Professional Conduct. This is just one of the commitments that legitimate entertainment companies will make to you.
2. Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of liability?
Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Disc Jockey's receive a Certificate of Liability which can be used as proof.
3. Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?
A versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication.
4. Do you use Professional Equipment?
Ask whether your prospective Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer or the A.D.J.A. to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an entertainer's talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event.
5. Do you provide backup equipment at my event?
Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. Members of the A.D.J.A. have many resources available to them in case of an emergency. You may also reach our Hotline number to get a Disc Jockey when you have an emergency. The toll-free number is 888-723-5776.
Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party. Selecting a Disc Jockey who is an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association will provide you with the confidence that you have selected a trained professional. A.D.J.A. members are more likely to be involved with other Disc Jockey's who can help them out with an unexpected situation.
6. Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
A professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event.
7. How much time do you allow for set-up?
Punctuality is a necessity. Most Disc Jockey's arrive at least one hour prior to the start time you've given them. Your entertainer should ideally be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door.
8. Do you provide a written contract?
It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.
9. Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?
Specify the type of apparel that your Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat and tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a "themed" event, make sure your entertainer is informed.
10. Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group?
Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the companies willingness to network, learn and grow. Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional.