Los Angeles Audio Show 2017 Report
LAAS 2017 Show: The Opening Ceremony And Post Show Thoughts
LAAS 2017 High-End Audio Show Report

  Welcome to the first annual LAAS (LA Audio Show) in Los Angeles, California! LAAS is a presentation of the Orion Group and is managed by Marine Presson, Show Director. Prior to joining the LAAS effort, Ms. Presson served as Show Manager for the T.H.E. Show Newport Beach that was produced by the late great Richard Beers. Being the first show at a new venue has many challenges for everyone to overcome.

For exhibitors it is a new room to learn how to achieve the best sound. For attendees it is a new layout to navigate, ncluding the small nooks and crannies that seem to always be hidden at an exhibition location. Of course the show producer and promoter has to be sure everything goes smoothly from months before to a few days after all the gear is packed up and shipped out.

After opening remarks from the show producers, Stereophile's Editor John Atkinson gave many kind, and inspirational, words to

Next up was all-around great guy Michael Fremer of Analog Planet. Besides his incredible efforts with keeping the vividly real vinyl sound close to his heart, he does sensational stand-up shtick too! After wise words from Michael we had....

Robert Harley of The Absolute Sound came up to the mic next and continued the musical lovefest. Great tunes, gear, and live music....

A guy who's close to bro-fest fun as it gets, Dr. David Robinson drove home the greatness of LAAS as it brings high-end exhibitors to LA. Overall, there was love in the air and we all knew the music was about to pour forth into many hallways, with live music nightly in the back patio/pool area.

Within their recent press release, it says:

"What you thought about the first LA Audio Show, just concluded at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel apparently depends largely on what you were expecting and how successful you were. While most exhibitors noted that attendance appeared down from previous similar events held in Newport Beach, the perception infuriated some and was taken in stride by others. Most indicated that traffic and attendance was difficult to judge because there were many more exhibit spaces than the usual first-year show, there were – at last – adequate elevators, and the show was spread out over five floors.

Marine Presson, the Show Director, said that she had not yet tabulated and analyzed the registration figures. She stressed that this was a preliminary "look back" and that there would be a more in-depth discussion after figures were looked at and feedback was obtained from attendees and exhibitors...

What other changes might we see between the 2017 Show and 2018's? "We are committed to the Los Angeles area," Ms. Presson affirms. "And we believe strongly that reaching new music lovers and those who may become audio enthusiasts is vital for the survival of this industry, the companies in it and those who love audio gear. Everything else is on the table for discussion," she added. "Over the next several weeks, we will discuss with both attendees and exhibitors what changes they would like to see for next year and we will make adjustments accordingly."

On a positive note, Ms. Presson said, "Our very first preliminary look at our attendance shows us that much of what we wanted to achieve was successful. Our figures for first-time attendees and for young people have gone up. We need to accelerate that. The crowds at the Positive Feedback-sponsored "Getting Started" room were outstanding. The room's host and presenter, the publication's Senior Associate Editor, Steve Lefkowicz reported that more than 300 people moved through his room on Saturday alone."

Other media also noticed and appreciated the "Getting Started" room. Greg Handy, a writer for "Home Theater Review," commented that some of the products displayed and demonstrated there were the standouts for him. He also noted that the mix of vendors was especially nice and that he was able to learn about products that were new to him as well as audition some that he had only read about. Dave Thomson, of "The Record Collector," summed up his impressions in one word, "Impressive!" he said.

"All in all, we feel it was a really successful Show," Ms. Presson concluded. "There were some glitches, which will be ironed out next year. But most exhibitors and attendees were happy and are looking forward to next year's Show — as are we."

Have removed exhibitor quotes, yet yes they ranged from a smaller attendance to long elevator wait times. There were some positive comments as well, so very mixed results and we shall see how things progress as am sure LAAS will tweak their event, marketing efforts, etc to better optimize their desired results.

Bob Levy and Marine Presson

Personally, it was obvious about the smaller crowd as compared to T.H.E. Show Newport at the Irvine hotel last year. Must say the food prices are near downright highway robbery, yet it is what it is when you're in LA by the airport. Still, $10 for a bagel with butter/cream cheese is a but much. The back patio/pool was a touch small, and when there was live music we also had kids screaming and playing in the pool area directly next to the stage, so that was some, well, interesting background 'noise' during live music events.

On the upside, the event ran smoothly, every exhibitor seemed to get their gear in good order and there was plenty of food and bathrooms for all. Of course there was an abundance of live music, music in rooms, and plenty for purchase at the marketplace.

Overall, LAAS has much promise and upside, so I very much look fwd to next year's event! Can someone in cyberspace bring me a double ristretto as there are many photos / pages to post about all the fun my wife/Muse Heather and I had at LAAS. Might even be a few words by Cailyn, Heather's 16 year old daughter, who joined us in Los Angeles! As always, in the end what really matters is that you...

Enjoy the Music,

Steven R. Rochlin

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