Hi-Fi shows are finally back in full swing and that’s great for the industry because CES 2023 which just concluded in Las Vegas, has thrown in the towel when it comes to high-end audio, headphones, and a large section of the home theater market.
Back for its fourth year, the newly renamed Florida International Audio Expo (formerly the Florida Audio Expo) will be held Friday to Sunday, February 17–19, 2023, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore Hotel.
“We felt the name change was important to reflect the wonderful group of exhibitors who support us, and to welcome exhibitors and attendees from around the globe,” said Bart Andeer, co-founder and operations manager of the Florida International Audio Expo. “We believe we have the formula for international success—beautiful weather, easy access to the airport, great-sounding rooms, and strong attendance from music lovers of all ages. We were thrilled with the success of our 2022 show, and appreciate everyone who attended!”
Tampa is booming; it benefitted enormously from the influx of new money from New York, New Jersey, and New England during the pandemic and has become the fastest growing city in Florida. It is a strong market for custom integrators and home theater companies and it looks like high-end audio has a strong future in the market.
We have been informed by the show organizers that 77 exhibit spaces are sold-out and this year’s show is set to be the biggest yet. Attendees at the Florida International Audio Expo can expect to find over 12 floors of high-end audio systems to experience, including electronics, loudspeakers, turntables, and headphones from the industry’s most coveted brands.
There will be a number of presentations in the main ballrooms featuring Acora/VAC, Clarisys/Bloc, Classic Audio, MBL, Thrax/Lansche, and TAD.
Fidelity Imports and MoFi Distribution will have the newest products from their rather extensive lineups in multiple rooms throughout the show. Expect to see some of the latest from Unison Research, Perlisten, Michell, Acoustic Energy, Cyrus Audio and more.
The design of each demo room will give vendors the opportunity to better maximize the space and improve how they can present their specific products in an environment that will feel more like a home than a hotel room.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore was originally built as a condominium complex and offers a luxury feel, with acoustically isolated living suites—a key reason this venue was selected.
“We are thrilled to bring to the United States, for the first time ever, the full TAD Reference One experience, as well as the debut of the CE1TX, TAD’s new Compact Evolution speaker,” said Dave Malekpour, owner of PAD HiFi, US distributor of TAD. “We can’t think of a better event at which to share the latest developments from this iconic brand than the Florida International Audio Expo.”
Qobuz returns as the show’s official streaming sponsor. David Solomon, Chief Hi-Res Evangelist for Qobuz USA, will host his famous Flash DJ sessions throughout the show.
Where is it?
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore Hotel is within convenient driving distance of Tampa International Airport and is close to such attractions as Busch Gardens, and is just 60 minutes from Walt Disney World.
Additional benefits for attendees and exhibitors staying at the Embassy Suites include free airport shuttle, free breakfast, and free happy hour.
What will be there?
Check the official exhibitor info list to see which brands will be there and where to find them. There will be 77 exhibitor spaces arranged over 12 hotel floors.
How much is it?
Tickets are on sale now. Single-day admission will be $25; admission for all three days is $35; students, children, and spouses are admitted free of charge.
When is it?
- Friday, February 17 (10am – 6pm)
- Saturday, February 18 (10am – 6pm)
- Sunday, February 19 (10am – 4pm)
For more information: www.floridaaudioexpo.com
Related reading: T.H.E. Show 2023 SoCal is Moving to Costa Mesa, CA June 9-11
