NADJ is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) working for the benefit of its members and the wider DJ industry.
The NADJ Directory is being developed into far more than a basic list of DJs. It is a professional directory, marketplace and member visibility platform designed to help DJs be found, receive enquiries, respond to posted gigs, present trust evidence and build stronger professional profiles.
This is not about creating a race to the bottom on price. NADJ controls the platform, the structure, the membership offer, the listing options and the way professional DJs are presented. The aim is to support quality, trust, fair value and sustainable work for members.
Many DJs are already willing to spend significant sums with external wedding platforms. Some members are happy to consider spending around £1,200 with platforms such as Hitched for exposure and enquiries. That raises a fair question: why would members not consider investing in a platform built around DJs, controlled by NADJ, and designed to put the DJ community first?
The difference is where the value goes. With an external platform, the money leaves the sector. With the NADJ Directory, income can support NADJ CIC, improve member services, develop the platform, promote professional standards and strengthen the wider DJ community.
The NADJ Directory is built around the idea that clients, venues and suppliers need better ways to find professional DJs. At the same time, DJs need more than a name in a list. They need a profile that explains who they are, what they offer, where they work, what evidence supports their professionalism and how clients can contact or book them.
The platform supports public DJ profiles, location-based search, category browsing, posted gig opportunities, quote requests, proposal tools, featured listings, member dashboards, notifications, Trust Signal Evidence, Public Liability Insurance status displays and profile improvement tools.
This gives NADJ a strong foundation for a member-first marketplace. It allows clients to find DJs, post gigs and request quotes. It also allows members to manage their own profiles, apply for opportunities and demonstrate professional credibility.
Each member can have a public profile that acts as a professional shop window. A profile can include a trading name, personal or business biography, location, service categories, images, social links, contact details, music links, certificates, Trust Signals and enquiry options.
For example, a wedding DJ in Essex, Cardiff, Birmingham or Northampton can use their profile to show more than a short sales paragraph. They can show their service area, style, images, client-facing information, verified NADJ status and supporting evidence.
This helps members present themselves as professional suppliers rather than anonymous names in a search result.
The NADJ Directory allows visitors to search by category, city, price range and radius. This helps clients find DJs and related suppliers based on the practical details that matter.
For example, a venue looking for a DJ within 25 miles can search locally. A couple planning a wedding can narrow their search by city and category. A supplier or member can also find retailers, venues or services within the wider NADJ network.
This is important because a directory only works if people can find relevant results quickly. Location-based search makes the platform useful for clients and gives members a better chance of being discovered for work in their area.
The NADJ Directory includes gig posting and job board functionality. Clients or organisations can post opportunities, and DJs can view relevant gigs and send proposals.
This changes the directory from a passive listing site into an active marketplace. Instead of waiting for someone to find a profile, members can also respond to posted opportunities.
For example, a client may post a wedding DJ requirement with a date, location, budget and event details. Members can then review the opportunity and decide whether to send a proposal. This gives DJs another route to work while keeping the process inside a platform designed around the DJ community.
The platform includes job alert functionality, with email and SMS alert options depending on member settings and technical configuration.
This matters because speed often makes a difference with enquiries. A DJ who receives an alert about a suitable posted gig can respond quickly, while the opportunity is still active.
For example, if a client posts a gig in a member’s area or category, the alert system can help bring that opportunity to the member’s attention. This makes the directory more useful than a static profile page.
Email and SMS features also create future scope for stronger member communication. As the platform develops, NADJ can use alerts to help members stay informed about enquiries, posted gigs, applications, booking activity and profile-related notifications.
Posted gigs can include proposal functionality. This allows members to respond to suitable opportunities from inside the directory marketplace.
For members, this creates a clearer process than chasing leads across social media posts, private messages or third-party platforms. A posted gig can show the key information, and the DJ can respond in a structured way.
This also helps NADJ build a more professional marketplace where enquiries, applications and proposals are handled through a dedicated system rather than scattered across different channels.
The directory supports quote request functionality. A client can visit a DJ profile and request a tailored quote based on their event details.
This is particularly useful for DJs because entertainment pricing is rarely one-size-fits-all. The final fee may depend on date, location, timings, access, equipment requirements, hosting duties, additional services, travel and the type of event.
For example, a couple may request a quote for an evening wedding reception. A corporate client may need production, microphones, early setup or longer performance times. A venue may need a regular supplier. The quote process gives members room to price properly rather than being pushed into a fixed low headline fee.
The platform includes booking and availability-related marketplace features. These can help members manage enquiries, bookings, schedules and client expectations.
For DJs, availability is one of the most important parts of the booking process. A good directory should help clients move from discovery to enquiry without unnecessary friction.
For example, a member may use their profile to show service information, receive an enquiry and move towards a booking conversation. As the platform develops, booking and availability features can help reduce admin and make the process clearer for both clients and DJs.
The directory package structure includes Google Calendar-related functionality. Used properly, this can support availability management and booking organisation.
For a working DJ, calendar accuracy matters. Missed dates, double-booking risks and manual admin can all create problems. Calendar-related tools give the platform scope to support more organised diary management.
This is especially useful if the directory develops into a stronger booking and enquiry platform over time.
The directory platform includes invoice-related functionality. This can allow providers to create invoices, show invoice records and support payment workflows.
For members, this gives the directory potential to support more than lead generation. It can help manage parts of the business process after the enquiry has been received.
For example, a DJ could use the platform to issue or record an invoice linked to a booking or client interaction. This type of functionality helps move the directory closer to a practical business tool rather than just a marketing page.
The NADJ Directory can support featured or promoted listings. These can give members extra visibility while also creating a revenue stream that supports NADJ CIC.
This is where NADJ has an advantage over external platforms. Featured visibility can be structured in a way that supports the community rather than extracting value from it.
For example, a promoted listing could place a member higher in relevant search areas or support additional advertising for their profile. The NADJ Directory already explains that promoted listings can include Meta and Google Ads promotion, with profits retained by NADJ CIC and reinvested for the benefit of the DJ community.
That is a very different proposition from paying a third-party wedding platform where the platform’s shareholders, not the DJ community, benefit from the spend.
NADJ has been developing Trust Signal Evidence within member profiles. This allows members to upload supporting documents through the existing certificates and attachments area.
Trust Signal Evidence may include PAT / EET evidence, RAMS, DBS information, venue documents, review evidence, trading name evidence, external insurance evidence, professional memberships and other documents that support a member’s credibility.
Once checked by NADJ, approved evidence can appear as verified trust signals on the public profile.
This gives members a way to show evidence rather than relying only on claims. A venue, client or supplier can see that a member has taken steps to support professional standards.
The directory also supports clearer NADJ Public Liability Insurance status displays and live certificate verification links where available.
This can save members time. Instead of repeatedly sending static PDF certificates to venues, members can share a live profile or verification link that shows current certificate status.
For venues, this is clearer. For members, it is more efficient. For NADJ, it reinforces the value of membership and the importance of verified professional evidence.
The directory can help members bring more of their professional presence into one place. This includes social media links, profile content, images, music links and other public-facing information.
For DJs, this matters because clients often want to see personality, style, experience and proof of activity. A profile with strong content is more likely to build confidence than a bare listing.
For example, a member can include links to social media, Mixcloud, SoundCloud or other relevant public content. This helps clients understand the DJ’s style and gives members a more complete online presence inside the NADJ ecosystem.
The directory supports profile image and gallery-style content. Good images help members show their setup, events, branding, presentation and professionalism.
This is important because clients often judge suppliers quickly. A complete profile with strong images is more likely to generate trust than a profile with missing details or no visual content.
For example, a DJ can show a clean booth setup, lighting, venue work, ceremony setup, corporate event or packed dance floor. These images help tell the story of the service being offered.
The directory can support multiple categories, which means it does not need to be limited to DJs only. It can include retailers, venues, suppliers, PAT / EET testing providers, training providers, photobooths, production services and other event-related businesses.
This helps create a wider NADJ marketplace. Members can use the directory not only to be found by clients, but also to find trusted suppliers and services.
For example, a DJ needing PAT / EET testing, equipment support, venue contacts or related event suppliers could use the directory to find people already connected to the NADJ network.
The platform supports different user roles, including provider, customer and candidate-style accounts. For NADJ, this can be adapted into DJs, clients and opportunity-related users.
This means clients can interact with the platform rather than simply browsing and leaving. They can post gigs, request quotes, review proposals and manage interactions through the directory.
For members, that creates a more structured route for enquiries and proposals.
The member dashboard gives DJs control over their profile and related tools. This is important because a directory only works when members can keep their information up to date.
Members can manage profile content, contact information, images, evidence uploads, service details and other relevant settings.
This reduces the need for NADJ to manually update every minor change and gives members more ownership of their public presence.
Notification tools help users stay informed about activity such as job applications, task updates, messages or system notices.
For members, notifications can help reduce missed opportunities. If someone posts a relevant gig, requests a quote or interacts with a profile, the platform can help bring that activity to the member’s attention.
This is one of the key differences between a static directory and a working marketplace.
The directory includes favourite or shortlisting-style functionality. This allows users to save profiles or opportunities they may want to return to later.
For clients, this helps with decision-making. For members, it means a profile can remain in consideration even if the client does not enquire immediately.
For example, a couple planning a wedding may shortlist several DJs before making contact. A stronger profile gives the member a better chance of being remembered and revisited.
The directory can support reviews, ratings or feedback-style features. This helps members build public credibility inside the NADJ environment.
For DJs with strong service records, reviews provide reassurance. They also help distinguish professional suppliers from low-effort listings.
This supports the wider aim of the directory: promoting quality and trust rather than simply listing the cheapest available option.
The platform includes admin controls for providers, customers, claim business requests, account moderation and package management.
This is useful because NADJ needs control over the quality and accuracy of the directory. It should not become an uncontrolled public listing platform.
For example, NADJ can manage who appears, what level of access they have, whether evidence has been checked and how listings are structured.
The platform includes provider, category and import-related admin tools. This matters because NADJ already has an existing membership base and a live directory structure.
Good admin tools help the directory scale. They allow NADJ to organise categories, manage profiles and develop the platform without manually rebuilding everything from scratch.
The NADJ Directory can support different listing packages, including free member listings, done-for-you setup, promoted listings and other upgrade options.
This is where the “race to the bottom” concern needs to be addressed clearly. NADJ does not need to build a cheap-leads platform. NADJ can control the offer, the eligibility, the feature access and the pricing.
Members should not be forced into undercutting each other. Instead, the platform should help professional DJs show value, evidence and credibility.
If DJs are prepared to spend around £1,200 with a third-party wedding platform, there is a strong case for investing in a member-first platform that keeps profits in NADJ CIC and reinvests them for the wider DJ community.
The NADJ Directory gives members a chance to benefit from a platform built around their industry, not around generic supplier advertising.
It can help members:
The directory also benefits the people looking to book DJs. Clients and venues can search by location, category, price and radius. They can view profiles, request quotes, post gigs, compare suppliers and look for evidence of professionalism.
This gives them a better experience than asking for random recommendations in social media groups or browsing generic supplier platforms with limited DJ-specific knowledge.
For venues in particular, verified PLI status and Trust Signals can help reduce admin and support better supplier confidence.
The long-term opportunity is significant. NADJ can use the directory to build a member-first marketplace that creates value for DJs while generating income to support the association’s wider work.
That income can help fund development, member services, education, standards, promotion and future improvements.
Instead of watching members spend large sums with external platforms, NADJ can build a credible alternative that keeps value inside the DJ community.
External platforms can provide visibility, but they are not built primarily for the benefit of DJs. Their purpose is to sell advertising and lead access across many supplier categories.
The NADJ Directory can be different. It can focus on DJs first. It can explain professional standards. It can support evidence-based trust. It can connect members with clients, venues and suppliers. It can also give members a reason to invest in their own association rather than sending money elsewhere.
This does not mean every member needs a paid upgrade. It means NADJ can create a platform where members have options. Those who want a free listing can use one. Those who want a stronger profile can improve it. Those who want extra visibility can consider promoted options. The key point is that the platform remains controlled by NADJ and aligned with member value.
The NADJ Directory is already moving beyond a simple listing. Recent work has focused on profile improvements, Trust Signal Evidence, live certificate status, frontend profile presentation, social links, uploaded evidence, verified indicators and clearer member guidance.
The wider platform also supports job opportunities, proposal workflows, quote requests, alerts, profile packages, featured visibility, booking-related tools, invoices, availability and marketplace management.
The goal is to build a practical, trusted and member-first marketplace that helps professional DJs win work, prove credibility and keep more value inside the NADJ community.
Members should now review their NADJ Directory profile and make sure their information is complete, accurate and useful to clients.
Members should also upload any relevant Trust Signal Evidence, such as PAT / EET evidence, RAMS, DBS information, venue documents, review evidence or other professional credentials.
The NADJ Directory should not be seen as just another directory. It is the foundation of a DJ-first marketplace owned and shaped for the benefit of the NADJ community.
It is not about being the cheapest. It is about helping professional DJs show value, receive opportunities, prove trust and support a platform where profits stay within NADJ CIC.
Avtar ThethyWHAT WILL I DO?
I have a ‘Goldmine’ of ideas, that, if elected, I will endeavour to implement and achieve top results.
EQUALITY
Equal partnerships with manufacturer’s and service providers within the DJ sector.
Strengthen existing relationships and look for new participants to drive us all forward.
Create more fund raising opportunities for NADJ.
Social Events
The 1st Internal NADJ DJ Awards evening.
We all are from the same entity, so I believe that we as a membership, we deserve equal recognition as other Associations, past present and future.
ACCOUNTABILITY
To promote the visibility of NADJ, at exhibitions and shows, both Nationally and Regionally.
Reintroduce the NADJ clothing range, with additional items.
To make myself as the National Chairman more accessible to existing Members in all classes of membership, and new ones – introducing new opportunities for the membership as a whole to perform at top level events and functions.
Allowing the membership to “air” their views as we go on, and make a positive but constructive contribution on matters that effect YOU the member.
Have standardised forms available for the whole network to use and adapt, with all Health and Safety documentation required by venues in a Welcome pack.
STRENGTH
To be a strong chairman who truly represents the membership interests at high level meetings and events.
To maintain, strengthen and underpin the membership voice by improving the NADJ’s representative role in the open marketplace.
Empower all members and NADJ Reps to become co – creators of Change (Regional Led Projects)
INNOVATION
Improve NADJ facilities to allow Members to deliver a more professional service in their own respective businesses, in an ever growing industry.
The development of a more social and approachable network of DJ’s across the UK.
Introduce a ‘one stop shop’ making it easer for the member and client to obtain everything under one roof.
WHO AM I ?
My name is Avtar Thethy, 55 years old, married and a father to two boys.
Based in West London for last 52 years.
Running my own business LED Factory for last 9+ years.
An active and helpful member of NADJ London and I’m also the London Chairman.
I am determined, committed and will always endeavour to get the best results possible for YOU, the Member.
WHY ME?
Existing NADJ Member, Chairman for London.
I’ve been blessed with many opportunities week in week out to attend the TOP Events up, down and across the UK – as a supplier, organiser, judge and simply as a guest.
I enjoy the creative benefits of product and service integration with the following well established AV companies daily:
Kudos Av & Kudos Music
Calibar Events
Ritzy Music
UVD Ultimate Visual Display
AVH
(There are many more.)
We are consistently facilitating well over 100 events pa. All of them different,
So you can see that not do I only talk the talk, but I am constantly and walking the walk.
I feel the Association needs CHANGE and Change for the better, It needs to recognise the huge talent that it has within and needs to promote that from within.
It also cannot have its members to have disproportionate inequality in the outside world.
I certainly have the Passion, Commitment and fully understand the hardships in running a business without help.
In talking to a few fellow members, over the last few years, I understand what is missing and what Needs need to be addressed – If you can see these gaps, then,
I am the man to deliver.
Avtar Thethy
Led Factory / NADJ
Fabio CapozziChange is good but change for change sake can be a sign of not understanding the true needs of what must be done. I believe the secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. The Association is long overdue revision and reform that better suits the members.
A new approach to reviving the many reasons why membership is the right choice for hard-working DJs is a better understanding of today’s DJ. By helping members maintain a better work-life balance with money saving benefits or having access to advice from experienced fellow members or sharing work opportunities, it is all for naught unless there is a fundamental mutual respect towards everyone, no matter their view or standing.
Community is important to the success of NADJ and it is the huge support of the membership that we can all pride ourselves on. It is, however, inevitable that a collective of people will disagree from time to time, albeit having a common goal. It is essential that open and fair discussion is encouraged to allow opinion and debate to enhance the values that NADJ stand by. I believe that by creating a culture of positive ideas backed by action this forum can encourage us to move forwards in boosting the public opinion of UK DJs. By way of a campaign, aimed directly at the consumer, NADJ in collaboration with other associations and DJ groups, can represent the benefits of choosing a DJ that is encouraged to apply best practices towards their clients with a view to enhance their business. This path can be applied to all types of DJ, from bedroom to festival and radio and by being more inclusive and properly acknowledging these equally important types of DJ into our community, we can be enriched with their viewpoint and expertise of the industry we all work in.
Our industry is one of supplying a serious amount of dedication and excellent customer experience wrapped in an evening of fun, music and dancing. When you are passionate about your work and strive to be professional, it is a welcome relief to be able to meet, network and collaborate with industry colleagues whilst having a little fun. The branch sessions, events and gatherings that happen across the UK require dedicated committee officers to make these happen regionally and nationally. Without the hard work, that is volunteered, the branch sessions would not be possible – and I thank all of you for your unflagging efforts to run great branches. I agree with opinion that NADJ life has become overly serious and in some cases stale, adopting a tired constitution, no longer in keeping with current member needs and aspirations undermined by language that is outdated. I see the need for reform of the constitution, more inclusive language and attitude, updated to reflect the industry we work in today and instrumental in helping the membership to grow and develop by attracting younger DJs to understand how the NADJ can offer a sound platform to boost their DJ career.
All this I believe is important to make being a member an enjoyable and enriching experience but the serious business of running an association is not all about fun (not for NEC committee members anyway), it is a task that relies on consistency, diplomacy and the ability to make new relationships whilst maintain the ones we have happy. Without the support of members and the industry, no matter how much fun and energy you would like at a branch session, it will be difficult to achieve without the help of great content organised on time and with consideration – this is not a job where you can ‘wing it’… I have never winged anything. I look forward to your vote.
Alastair CraigMy name is Alastair Craig and I am a full time DJ with over 30 years’ experience of providing services to many events, including Weddings, Birthdays and Corporates.
Apart from DJ’ing I am also involved in the IT industry and have been advisory on protecting Children’s Data and more recently been involved in testing software for a leading DJ company.
Outside of work I am is a keen Scuba Diver and currently serve as the Diving Officer for Reading University in which I also act as a mentor and Assistant Instructor.
I am running for Secretary for NADJ as I feel that I can bring some new ideas as well as my organisational skills to the table, not just from my experience within my DJ work but from my other involvement in IT to which assessment, planning through to delivery was key to my role.
At this time, I feel NADJ is ready for change and I am certainly open to listening to new ideas from the membership to move the association in a new fresh direction.
Let’s leave the politics behind and concentrate on building new relationships from within as well as looking after the ones that have already been established.
Yes, it will be a challenge for the new committee but no doubt, as D-ream sang “Things Can Only Get Better” 
Dave MillsFirstly, thank you to those who felt I was worthy to be nominated for a position on the National Committee. I’m not sure I should be grateful, but I am very honoured by your faith in me.
Some of you may know me as the fun, gig addicted, rock music loving Chairman of the South Central Branch but if you don’t and haven’t seen my recent profile piece in Pro Mobile issue 95 (yes shameless self-promotion) then let me briefly introduce myself.
I’m Dave Mills; I had been a struggling DJ for many years working for an agency in Berkshire until I was invited to a NADJ meeting. The people I met within NADJ inspired and helped me to leave the agency and successfully branch out on my own. I’ve made some great friends and learned A LOT. By joining the committee and then becoming the south central chairman I have found myself in a position to encourage and support other aspiring DJ’s to do the same as myself. The range and wealth of knowledge, experience and professionalism within NADJ still floors me making me feel in awe but very proud to be a part of it all.
I am open minded to new ideas and using feedback from our members and non-members, working together as a team so everyone has a voice and every member gets something extra from being in NADJ (not just a P.L.I.) and feels part of our mad music addicted community.
*I hope I haven’t bored you to death yet, nearly there*
I would like to think that my 6 years on an NADJ committee have given me the experience required to move up to the challenge of becoming National Secretary. I am under no illusion that there is a difference between running a branch and taking on a role at national level and it’s not always going to be easy (but I hope not to the point of sitting on a chair sticking pencils up my nose, with pants on my head and saying ‘wibble’) but for some insane reason I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge.
If you are kind enough to vote me in, my main aims would be to help make the association more open and inclusive, encouraging and supporting the current membership as well aspiring DJ’s of any age and gender to join us in our mission to make the DJ industry truly recognised as a profession in a positive, encouraging way.