The FUNtastic Florida International Audio Expo 2024
Great gear, magical music and amazing attendance!
FIAE 2024 Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin

  Before I begin reporting on the many rooms.... If you have not heard by now, this past weekend's Florida International Audio Expo was a resounding success by every measure! Was there an increase in attendance, yes. More gear to see and hear, yes again. A wide array of magical music and not just that 'audiophile-approved' stuff to hear and discover, yes once again! A record amount of press coverage is already making its way online, with print publications surely giving expensive physical paper space within their next edition.

The weather was outstanding and warm for the week leading into the show plus during setup and Friday. Today is the Monday 'hangover' and yes there's sunny weather; so those who decided to stay an extra week with their family will bask in the sun while experiencing Disneyworld, Bush Gardens, Universal Studios, NASA / Space Coast... or just hang out and tan at the USA's #1-rated Siesta Key beach. It's all here for your enjoyment and pleasure.

Even if there was no formal show, everyone I spoke with agreed the Florida International Audio Expo is a perfect place to meet up, catch up on family and life events, plus hang out chatting about whatever. Without a doubt, it is both attendees and exhibitors that make this event abSOlutely FUNtastic!

There's the elder audiophile generation, yet am seeing more younger music enthusiasts (those under 60... and under 40) plus of course families with children. Some exhibitors go out of their way to bring their families with them to enjoy the many splendid things to do within America's legendary Sunshine State. This State also has Waffle House and is widely known for #FloridaMan.

Side Note: This coming weekend is The Florida Man Games!!! Far better than the Olympics, these games include real-life talent showcasing usable physical abilities such as:

Evading Arrest Obstacle Course
You jump over fences, through backyards, and away from actual police officers to earn your freedom!

Steal A Catalytic Converter, Two Bikes, And Copper Pipe
Race and compete as you live a day in the life of a Florida Man headlines.

There's far more to the Florida Man Games, and since I may be high-performance audio's unofficial #FloridaMan, it brings me joy knowing there's far more to the Florida International Audio Expo than a typical convention center, plus we promise there's no snowy weather here! Our beaches are clean, crime is low, and exhibitors don't have to worry about 'imperial entanglements' that add unnecessary costs to showing at an event.

While chatting with various attendees, everyone was happy, which is usually impossible one way or another. Maybe there's something special in Florida? Many of those I spoke with said they enjoyed discovering new tunes, and enjoying the music. With many rooms providing aural excitement, there was something for everyone from tube-o-holics to massive solid-state amps. Panel speakers, normal speakers, horn speakers... reel-to-reel, turntables, Hi-Res Audio DACs, and yes immersivephiles and home theater enthusiasts too. The only thing missing was, hmmmm, was... hmmmm, come to think of it, I can't think of anything that was truly missing at the Florida International Audio Expo 2024. Maybe we need alligator wrestling or mermaids in the swimming pool?

Danger: There's Mischief Ahead
Many of you who know my Muse / wife Heather also know how the ladies of the industry get together and are.... Trouble. T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!!

Of course I mean Trouble in the most complimentary of ways, yet how many shows can you say that the ladies always find a way to share stories, laughs, and enjoy an all-around great time together. At the Florida show they do! Would name names, yet as a very happily married man want to keep it that way, yet you ladies know who you are and what you did that time when... you know.

Remember: When visiting the Florida International Audio Expo, you are automatically tagged as a (temporary) Florida Man or Florida Woman. Yes, #FloridaWoman also has quite the story to tell. Go ahead, be that Florida person you always wanted to be. You know deep within your heart want to, plus it's fun too!

Fun For All
If for some reason you missed this year's event, perhaps due to eye surgery or having kidney stones removed, you really missed the best Florida show ever! If you happen to be an exhibitor, the best bet is to reserve your space for the Florida International Audio Expo 2025 ASAP, and for those who plan on attending be sure to reserve your discounted sleeping room before they get sold out. In 2025 I can virtually guarantee you there will be more music, more gear, and more great times together.

A Most Humble Thanks
Please allow me to thank the show promoters, exhibitors, and attendees. Together, our industry is steadily growing and becoming more popular too! It brings me joy to chat with longtime friends, plus making new acquaintances too. What blows my mind is a longtime online friend who I've never met in person... until this past weekend and it was magnificent (plus we all love Bill's unique sense of humor, which is what makes him Bill). Sure shows are about new gear and business, though you quickly realize there are friends to meet, new music to discover, and whatever 'trouble' the Florida Man and Florida Woman within you can get into.

Look forward to seeing you at next weekend's Florida Man Games in St. Augustine... and the 2025 edition of the Florida International Audio Expo. Until then, as always in the end what really matters is that you....

Enjoy the Music,

Steven R. Rochlin

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