![]() ![]() ![]() As in the past, we set no concrete dollar boundary lines. This time, Alan focused on “Inspirational” products-those that many of us can realistically consider from a financial standpoint, if they float our boat (sorry, Bart) sonically-while Andrew took on “Aspirational” gear-the stuff we’d contemplate for the ultimate in sound quality, if cost were truly no object. While the halls were still mostly filled with throngs of middle-aged men, there were signs of hope.Īs in the past, the two of us have divided our coverage along admittedly blurry lines. He let in the spouses and kids of ticket holders for free. He advertised the show on jazz and classical radio stations and on college campuses. The registration process was efficient, signage was helpful, and the availability of food and drink in a convivial central location allowed attendees to concentrate on listening and networking.īart continues to fight the good fight to expand high-end audio’s constituency-not just to improve his bottom line but to invest in the future of the industry. ![]() Sure, there were annoyances that no one could control-lines for the elevators, some iffy Internet connectivity when everyone wanted to stream “Keith Don’t Go” at the same time-but for the most part things ran very smoothly. Andeer is a former tugboat captain whose specialty was moving oil rigs around, so it’s no surprise that he has a gift for logistics. The growing success of the Florida assemblage owes a lot to the efforts of Bart Andeer, the show’s Operations Manager and one of the four individuals who founded it. Maybe simply “Florida” or “Tampa.” Definitely not FLIAX. We can assure you that the show will return in February 2024, and in subsequent Februarys, but we’ll be needing a new shorthand for referring to the show. The show, held at the cumbersomely named Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore, sold out all available exhibitor rooms-all fourteen floors of them-and attendance was the best ever.īut perhaps you noticed that the name of the show has changed, from Florida Audio Expo-FLAX-to Florida International Audio Expo, reflecting the robust participation of foreign manufacturers and audiophile visitors. Not that there’s any issue with the health or sustainability of the South Florida show that just completed its fourth annual run. We begin with the news that FLAX, as it’s come to be known, will be no more-at least, not under that moniker. ![]()
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