CHICAGO (PTA) — The Part-Time Audiophile team are packing our bags for the trip to Chicago next week. It’s gonna be epic. According to various news sources, AXPONA 2019 will have over 1 million exhibition rooms, an indoor water-park, a pumpkin-chunkin’ contest, Formula 1-style go-kart racing, free screenings of all the Marvel movies culminating in a sneak preview of Avengers: Endgame, and several dozen strategically-placed Jacuzzi tubs filled with hot coffee! Okay, that last bit is probably an exaggeration.
But WE are STILL gonna be there — nevertheless! — with our bells on and caps tilted firmly askew.
In all seriousness, shows this big are complicated. Okay, “dizzying” is probably a better way to put it. As a helpful guide, the team at AXPONA has given us a Top 10 List to help us navigate our way. Check that out below. And to get a flavor of what we’re in for, check out our past coverage of one of North America’s largest audio shows!
See you in Chicago!
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Watch this space!
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TOP 10 THINGS TO EXPERIENCE AT 10th ANNUAL AXPONA, APRIL 12-14
Shop the latest products, enjoy live concerts, navigate show with new mobile app, partake in compelling seminars, and more
AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) will celebrate its 10th anniversary April 12-14 with its LARGEST show to date. Audiophiles, music lovers, musicians and collectors will unite at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center to experience 500 exhibitors,190+ interactive listening rooms, an expanded Expo Hall, new Ear Gear Expo, Live Concerts, Seminars and much more, Add these 10 “must-do’s” to your agenda to experience the best of AXPONA 2019:
1.Mobile App
AXPONA is pleased to announce the launch of a new, feature-rich app sponsored by AMPED to help visitors get the most out of the expo. Key features will include an event schedule, show maps, and the ability to search your favorite exhibitors.2. Live Evening Concerts
When the show closes, the party keeps going with live music nightly. This year Seth Walker, an American electric blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter, will headline on Friday, April 12th. Walker just released his tenth studio recording, ‘Are You Open’, which includes bold and infectious songwriting. Visit axpona.com to learn more about the concerts and performers.3. Industry Expert Talks and Seminars
Get front row seats to interesting seminars all weekend, including World renowned audio engineer and audiophile, Allen Sides, and international recording artist, Lyn Stanley to discuss the art involved in making a Direct To Disc (D2D) recording. You won’t want to miss this insightful presentation from two experienced professionals.4. Shop Till you Drop
The expanded Expo Hall, which is home to the Marketplace and Record Fair, is a whopping 30,000 square feet and will showcase a vast array of Turntables, Cables, Accessories, Racks and Stands, Tonearms, Cartridges, Vinyl and desktop Speakers in the growing world of mobile and high-end personal listening.5. Ear Gear Expo
Due to high demand, there will be a dedicated hall for Headphones featuring 50 exhibitors like ZMF Headphones, FOCAL, Hifiman, and Schiit Audio. Try on and test the latest Headphones from open back to wireless options, there is something to fit everyone’s taste and budget.6. Listening Rooms
Experience superbly designed, high-performance systems in over 190 dedicated listening rooms (now on 11 floors) crafted by the best in the business. Experience sound like never before in room settings, perfect to inspire sound systems for your media room, man cave or home office! Must see rooms include Warwick Acoustics in the Explorations rooms, American Sound in Alexander, MoFi in 330, 334, 390, Vandersteen Audio in Utopia D, Gryphon Audio Designs in Schaumburg C and many more.7. Product Debuts from World-Renowned Manufacturers
More than 500 manufacturers chose AXPONA to unveil the latest Headphones, Speakers, Turntables, Cables, Accessories, Streaming Music, Racks and Stands, Tonearms, Cartridges and more. Touch, test and shop the best in high-end audio equipment and gear by the world’s most prestigious manufacturers. Highlights include:
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Speakers, Aurender A30, Ayon Audio USA Epsilon Amps Vacuum Tube, BAYZ Audio Counterpoint Flagship Speaker, Magico M2 Loudspeaker, plus many more!8. Master Class Theater Presented by NAD
This world class theater on the Expo floor will feature curated content presented by industry experts including MQA on the end-to-end solution for capturing the original studio master recording, authenticating its bit perfect playback, and delivering the ultimate listening experience, PSB Speakers featuring Paul Barton, the legend in speaker design, has been at the forefront of speaker design and research, and NAD Electronics as they break down the myths, half-truths, and misconceptions behind amplifier and amplification technologies.9. New Exhibitors
AXPONA is known for featuring world-renowned companies and manufacturers, showcasing the most innovative products and services in the high-end audio industry. It is the place where manufacturers and dealers unveil their latest offerings, and this year AXPONA will welcome over 50 NEW exhibitors from around the globe including: Gill Audio, Fyne Audio, Block Audio, MEE Audio, Weiss Engineering, Laufer Teknik, ABYSS Headphones, Grandinote, Tenacious Sound, Klipsch, SVS and Classé Audio.10. Secrets of the Beatles’ White Album
Calling all Beatles fans! Join audio expert, Thomas Mulready on Sunday, April 14 at 1:30pm, as he peels back the curtain to show on the acclaimed White Album. Using rare video, photos and needle drops, the presentation includes Q&A, trivia and many surprising insights.AXPONA will be open Friday and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel is located at 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173
To purchase tickets or for more information about the event, please visit www.axpona.com or call 203-371-6322.
About JD Events
JD Events is dedicated to the creation of targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content and high-level networking opportunities — all geared toward increasing business transactions in the markets it serves. For more information, visit: http://www.jdevents.com.
