Are audio shows good for the industry ? Short answer - No !

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Not according to this article

https://www.headphonesty.com/2025/07/elitism-lazy-marketing-killing-audiophile-hobby/

Audio shows are everywhere now. During the first half of the year, there's one almost every month. But for at least one longtime dealer, they've become more of a drain than a strategy.

    "The amount of shows is stupid and the results from shows is even stupider," he said bluntly.

To be clear, he isn't against shows completely. He's done plenty of them. But in his experience, they rarely bring in new customers or deliver truly impressive demos. Most visitors aren't there to buy. They're just passing time.

He called it "audio tourism." People poke their heads in between errands or while waiting on their partners, with no serious interest in gear. And even when they do sit down to listen, the sound usually isn't anything special.
"Most of the sound at audio shows is just average," he said. "I don't think most people go to an audio show and get their doors blown off."

Some of the industry's frustration now comes from logistics. In 2025, several major events like AXPONA, SIAV in Shanghai, and Kaohsiung Hi-End Show all happened on the same weekend. This forced brands to pick sides on where to spend money and manpower.

And that money doesn't go far. Booth costs, labor, shipping, and lodging have all gotten more expensive, yet most companies still have no clear way to track return on investment.

Even shows that report big turnouts aren't necessarily bringing in the right crowd. AXPONA 2024 hit over 10,000 visitors, but the new Gen Z ticket tier, despite some growth, still made up a small slice of attendees.

    "It's the same thing over and over and over again," he said. "There's nothing unique about any of them."

He doesn't think shows need to disappear. But if the goal is to grow the customer base, this isn't the way.

IMO the only benefits appear to be for the organizers who make a killing from renting out pint-sized hotel rooms with poor acoustics, and for a few days only whilst all of the exhibitors have to pay extra staff to do the heavy lifting and grunt work !! It's literally money for old rope for the organizers

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Case in point from a visitor to a show

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And a regular poster on a very well known audio forum made the following comment



In other words, it's just a day out. It's not what exhibitors would want to hear. Priceless !!

[Tranquility Bass]

Wasn't long before the meme's started popping up