Show Experts - Please Help Me Make a Plan

[Zuman]

I'm planning to go to AXPONA in April with a friend. I'm an audio show novice, having only attended Capital Audiofest in 2023, and my friend has never attended a show before. I'd appreciate some guidance on how we might best appreciate what AXPONA has to offer.
We are both happy with our existing systems and are mostly interested in just seeing, hearing, and learning about cool stuff that's new to us (however, I did just buy a pair of Von Schweikert Endeavor SE speakers, which I first heard at Capital Audiofest in 2023).
We'll drive in on the Friday of the show, arriving around noon, and we'll stay overnight. Then we'll stay at the show until we're ready to leave on Saturday and drive home again later that afternoon or evening.
Does anyone have an "approach" to the show that we might want to follow?
Thanks!

 

[F208Frank]

Sure I will try to help.

I would say if you do NOT have OCD and try ton cover everything and every room, the best way is to go little early to look at the standing boards showing what rooms have what companies.

Jot down all the ones in your notebook or phone that are must sees and most interesting for you and take your time at each of those rooms and really absorb what you can at your own pace and try not to rush.

For my first year last year, I tried to cover every single room and was dodging in and out of each room like a mad man.

No need for that, relax, take your time, enjoy each company and get a feel for each room and the people behind them.

The people running the rooms are a direct representative of the brand so I feel for brands it is extremely important to choose the right person for the gig.

This is why you see most actual owners such as Ted from SR doing his own show and running his own room.

That goes a long long way.

I went into one room with an authorized dealer from texas, I greeted the guy upon walking inside and he barely acknowledged me with not even a head nod, when I left I bid him farewell just for curiosity sake what he would do, same response. A non response basically. He looked like he was having the time of his life.

 

[Iamrael]

This is why you see most actual owners such as Ted from SR doing his own show and running his own room

Never heard of him!

 

[unboxed]

I do not see a way to sort the exhibitors list by floor number. I used to make a list of what rooms I wanted to see on each floor. I did not exclude other rooms but the list kept me focused so I did not miss a room important to me. Also be aware that any battle plan falls apart with the first contact with the enemy. Do not necessariliy avoid a room if it seems too crowded. The crowd probably signals a worthy room that might be worth your time or a return visit.

You are going to need a plan since your time at the show will be brief compared to the size of the show.

Advice: "We are both happy with our existing system". If you are happy, stay home. The trip could get very expensive.

Most importantly, Have a Blast.