Interesting thought

As far as putting books under the equipment, I have never thought of it as a sign of anything worth mentioning. I am proud to report that it seems that I used to do that before other posters in this thread set foot in an audio store. I used to have a tower (x2) of phone books as my speaker stands for years. Not because of cost (they were free), but because I could not find stands I would have liked. By the way, there was no difference in sound once I installed real stands. It was only harder to dust around them.

"I am in Chicagoland too."

It seems that the place to try the idea would be Chicago. Now it makes sense that AXPONA is there.

Just invite more younger folks (family members..friends with younger kids) over to hear your system.  Play their music.  Don't push the equipment...let them ask and keep it simple.

I have played listening sessions at places like this all over the world. It’s certainly not a new nor novel idea.

Shelter, Tokyo
Bar Bridge, Tokyo
Brilliant Corners, London
Giant Steps, London
Spiritland, London
Hosoi, Stockholm
Potato Head, Hong Kong
Dynamic Range, Amsterdam
Jazz Blues Soul, Tokyo

Here’s a friend’s photo diary of some of them in Japan: https://instagram.com/jazz_kissa?igshid=1re7cyt5jesq7

At Shelter, all the people basically lied on the floor and watched a light show on the ceiling while I played trippy Jazz and ethereal music. System was JBL Everest, Accuphase, room treatments were exquisite. It’s my longtime favorite.

https://youtu.be/qe5W7zvw10I

Aside from “bars” there is the obvious one, The Loft that began in 1969 and still goes on today (RIP David Mancuso) - he used a 4 corner Klipschorn set-up with Levinson amps, Mitch Cotter B1 turntables, Fidelity Research arms snd Koetsu styli. 

One way NOT to encourage people about audio is to send them over to millercarbons house!  lighten up Francis!!