One of the classic North American shows – and a Left Coast high point in the audio-show circuit has been unexpectedly cancelled for 2017. In a press release sent out to exhibitors on Sept.6, 2017, Maurice R. Jung, the president of T.H.E. Show states that ” It is with deep regret that I must report to you that I have decided to postpone T.H.E. Show at Anaheim for 2017 and move it to a new date in 2018.”
Long time industry veteran, and genuine renaissance man Richard Beers had been helming the T.H.E. Show at Newport Beach for a number of years until his death in 2016.
Part-Time Audiophile hopes T.H.E. Show will be back for next year.
–Rafe Arnott
Press release:
Hello Exhibitors,
It is with deep regret that I must report to you that I have decided to postpone T.H.E. Show @ Anaheim for 2017 and move it to a new date in 2018. This was not an easy decision for me and the great team of T.H.E. Show to make but several reasons have come into play that have made this decision necessary.
I hope you will understand why as you are entitled to know:
1. The limited participation from high-end exhibitors-too many shows and a lack of budgets.
2. Hotel room sales compared to last year are smaller and a six-figure payment due just recently asked by the Hotel (Hotel attrition requirements), in addition to what has been already paid to the Hotel. This would be financially unattainable with a 3 week notice before this Show!!
3. Our concern is also for the attendee/ customer experience as well as yours. In our history, T.H.E. Show has never put on a mediocre event, not ever. Richard Beers would never have done it and neither will I. Many of you have already experienced a mediocre show recently, in some cases financially devastating to many businesses. Without a good Return of Investment (ROI), its not good for you, T.H.E. Show or our customers. The word of mouth and print on a mediocre show goes far and wide.
4. This one is the most heartbreaking of all. The second owner of T.H.E. Show, Beverly Harber, Richards life long partner, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Small cell non-squamous Terminal cancer. Some of you may have met Beverly who was the talent behind the throne so to speak. She created some of the first source books and also financed the show for many years in the belief that T.H.E. Show would help an industry always under pressure to succeed. Beverly has recently moved from Salt lake to Las Vegas with me for better care in the company of family and friends. Cancer is truly a cruel and unforgiving disease.
All attendees and exhibitors will receive full refunds over the next 30 to 45 days. Kyle Robertson from T.H.E. Show office will oversee the details to ensure a proper refund to all.
I do want to thank all of those who have supported T.H.E. Show in the past and hope you will join us in 2018 when we announce a new date.
Sincerely,
Maurice R. Jung, President
T.H.E. Show
Put a fork in it. It’s done. And it may not be the only show to go away.
No, I suspect not. But I don’t think we’ll stop seeing new shows cropping up.
Not enough PR about this show, not actively engaging with the new Head-fi type community. I had to actively seek this one out, and have seen very little about it otherwise. Basic failure of advertising and providing discounts for early registration, discounts to hi-fi clubs outside of LA, etc. Basic business failures. If manufacturers could see a large early registration audience, they would come… Looks like Rock Mountain owns this for now. I was going to go to that one, but had a conflict. These shows should definitely be scheduled at different times of the year.
He clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about in regards to other recent shows… Only one I can think of would be the Los Angeles Audio Show, which was a resounding success.
“Many of you have already experienced a mediocre show recently, in some cases financially devastating to many businesses.”
I can’t help but wonder what this refers to . . . .
That would be the audio portion of CES 2017