Going to Rocky Mountain Audio Fest - any advice

My wife and I went last year for the day.. There weren’t really any long lines when we went (Opening day), and we got to see everything I wanted to. If you are going to audition speakers, you may be in for a little disappointment. Many of the rooms were playing some sort of God awful music that was unfamiliar to my wife and I. No one offered to play something different and when I asked at a few of the manufacturers suites, I was told this is the music we picked out to demonstrate our equipment. Perhaps on the second or third day, the manufacturers weren’t so anal and relented.

I was disappointed in the marketplace, no really good deals, everything was being sold at full retail and there weren’t that many vendors.

What I loved was talking with some of the audio greats. Bob Carver was the most gracious host and I can’t stress that enough. He went out of his way to chat with my wife and I for over a half hour! I talked to so many audio people that I can’t remember all the details. All in all, you will have a fun time and don’t forget to grab all the freebies!  One more thing, it is best to start at the top floor and work your way down.  The elevators can get very crouded so we mostly used the stairs.  It is easier walking down than 

Take a pocket notebook.  Log the rooms you like with the room number and exhibitor.  Make a list of components on demonstration.  
Then write notes as to what aspects you liked or things that didn’t sound quite right.
If you are contemplating speakers, make a note as to placements.  This may provide some idea 

I have gone every year since it’s inception and most years have been really good. My advice is get there early and start on the top floor of the north tower. The elevators are the Achilles heel of the show. Use the stairs to work your way down between floors. This save at least an hour of waiting on the elevators.

Make your plans for each floor floor and visit the rooms you want to. Be careful not to get sucked into some sales pitch in a room where you really have no interest. The hardest part for me is some rooms are so crowded it is hard to get a seat and just as hard to get answers to questions if they are carrying a conversation with another patron. You hate to be rude but you find that some people are naturals.

But the show can be fun and informative. Some rooms will sound exceptional and others may have great equipment but not sound good if they are limited in set up options based on the room. I live in Colo and we have had the hottest summer I can recall in 60 plus years. The problem this creates is they may keep keep the AC off to keep the noise down. Hotel rooms are small and 10-15 people plus equipment can heat a room up beyond comfort. Drink plenty of water, but know where the restrooms are. Most rooms won’t let you use the restrooms in the rooms as they stuffed with equipment boxes.

But you will enjoy the show especially if you have never been before.
i know I plan to go, oh one more note, if the Broncos are playing Sunday it can reduce attendance but some vendors break down early.

Have fun and safe travels

You'll have a great time!  As has been alluded to...check out the exhibitor list/map and plan whom you'd like to see/hear starting at the upper floor and working toward the ground floor.  Take the stairs if you can.  :-)

This year they should put SVS in the car lot.....lol