Tips for a First-Time Show Attendee?

Wear comfortable shoes.

Suggest you book a room at the hotel if you are flying in. It is very nice and they have a special rate for RMAF. The restaurant in the atrium has a great flatiron (skirt) steak and mashed potatoes and some excellent microbrews. Try to bring a compilation disc of music you would like to have played. Most of the pros that are there are very open to playing what you have. Go with an open mind and just have fun. It takes at least 2 days if not 3 to see everything.

I've only been to one show, but it was RMAF 2006. I second the notion of taking your own compilation disc - that was my one regret of my visit, as most rooms were very willing to play whatever I wanted.

Aggielaw,

There's an airport shuttle to and from the RMAF hotel. Use it and save the time, gas and expense of a rent car.

I would also suggest you book a room at the Marriott (RMAF Hotel) so you can walk out the door of your room each morning and listen to music on the way to breakfast. Sleeping this close to the demo rooms makes RMAF the easiest of all audio shows and a fraction of the problems encountered at CES.

There's live entertainment in the lobby during the show. Hearing musicians up close and personal is a great way to "reset" your standards after listening to electronics all day. I make it a point to stop and enjoy the live venue, regardless of what they're playing.

Last, have fun and look at the badges when you pass people in the hall. It's as much fun to meet fellow Audiogon members as the manufacturers who are putting all this on for us. One year it was suggested that everyone put their Audiogon name on their badge along side their registration name.

Wonder if Audiogon has ever thought about supplying second badges or a stick on for RMAF badge?

Comfortable shoes, a game plan to see what you are serious about and an easy going attitude about a demo of your music on the disc you bring, I see folks get mad when they cant listen to 8 songs in a row...........like the guy is the only one at the show. A pen to jot down new music you are surely going to be exposed to is also a good idea. Last I would add not to grab literature your not really interested in for two resons, first it piles up quick and its a hassle to lug around, second that stuff costs those guys alot of money so dont waste it. Those are my thoughts after a few shows under my belt.