What Audio Show to Attend?

calgarian,

If you have never been to a show before I would like to offer some suggestions. You need to do your own homework. That would mean make a list of products you would like to see and hear and then check the list of exhibitors for each show. Contact the exhibitors who have products you are interested in to find out what products they will be showing and with what associated equipment. If you really don't know what you want to hear and are just looking for ideas then pick a larger show.

Otherwise you could be in for major disappointment. It is nice to find surprises at a show so keep your options open. But it is also possible to be disappointed in a major way if you are looking for something specific and don't do some research before you go.

Shows can also be a lot of fun if you are able to hang loose and just enjoy the ride. But if you are spending big dollars and traveling a long way with a specific agenda you would probably want more than that.

That said I can recommend RMAF and this show in Newport Beach, CA http://www.theshownewport.com/

There's a show in San Francisco in August. It'll be the third year for this particular show. Go to www.caaudioshow.com for more info. The exhibitor list has not yet posted but you can refer to the list for 2011 to give you an idea. I went the first year. It was my very first so I cannot compare it to others. I would certainly go again. I think there's some review info if you search.

I think that Don s had sage advice that should be considered.

Also, I've been to the Newport Beach show and one of the things people kept commenting on was how they were able to bring their favorite software--cds, vinyl, etc--and demo on the systems that the exhibitors had. This was a plus for me.

But re-read Don s's post and take it from there.

CES is best ...period !..

The CES is not open to the public. So how goes a normal citizen gain access to a consumer electronics show geared for industry officils?

What are the requirements for attending International CES?

International CES is not open to the general public. You must be in the consumer electronics industry to be eligible to attend the show. Our attendees are made up of more than 140,000 individuals including manufacturers, retailers, content providers and creators, broadband developers, installers, engineers, corporate buyers, government leaders, financial analysts and the media — representing the United States, Canada, Mexico and approximately 140 other countries. All attendees must be at least 18 years of age. Two forms of identification are required on-site (one photo ID and one proof of business affiliation/business card).