The Florida International Audio Expo 2026 returns for its eighth annual run at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel from February 20–22, 2026, right in the middle of a show calendar that’s been completely upended. Vienna has replaced Munich as Europe’s anchor event, while Warsaw, Paris, and Singapore have all grown into major international draws. Meanwhile, CEDIA and CanJam SoCal have both shifted weeks earlier, adding even more chaos to a schedule already packed with many regional and global audio showcases.
Through all that noise, Tampa remains refreshingly simple—and still the only major Florida hi-fi show (as far as anyone can tell). With over 100 exhibit spaces, live music, and heavyweight seminars, the Florida International Audio Expo continues to be one of the few shows that actually matters. And honestly, Tampa in February still beats fighting for a cab in Vienna or trudging through Warsaw snow any day.
After a late-December breather, we’ll dive headfirst into CES 2026 in Vegas—because nothing says “hi-fi glamour” like slot machines and Mitch Marner in a Golden Knights jersey.
Tampa might not scream “high-end” at first glance, but it’s become one of the fastest-growing cities since the pandemic, with plenty of transplants fueling its rise. Sure, hurricane season’s been a mess the past few years, but by February the airport’s a breeze, the city’s alive again, and you might even spot Kucherov or Vasilevskiy celebrating another Lightning win—though those have been in short supply so far in 2025. And let’s be honest—would you rather thaw out in Montreal or Chicago that month, or kick off the hi-fi calendar in Florida sunshine with a decent mojito? Exactly.
“The chance to audition favorite brands and talk directly with company reps is still at the heart of the buying and showgoing experience,” said Bart Andeer, FIAE’s Director of Show Operations. “We’ve seen more than 40% growth in the past two years, with leading global brands joining us. Adding the car audio community only expands the ways music lovers can connect and experience high-performance sound here in the Sunshine State.”
FIAE 2026 Brings Back Top Hi-Fi Brands, Expands Car Audio Spotlight in Tampa
FIAE 2026 will see the return of heavy-hitters like ATC Loudspeakers, Audio Note UK, Chesky Audio, Focal Naim, Gershman Acoustics, Next Level HiFi, Oneiros Audio, Pass Labs, Playback Distribution, SVS, and VAC—plus plenty more for attendees to dig into.
For the second straight year, the Expo will also put car audio in the spotlight, with an invitational sound-quality competition featuring some of the best competitors in the country. Backed by Florida Sound Quality, IASCA Worldwide, and SQology, it’s a rare chance to audition high-end car systems and learn from the experts in dedicated seminars.
On the creature-comfort side, the Sheraton Tampa Brandon has leveled up with new lobby seating and a Starbucks opening later this year. Parking is ample, with overflow available all weekend, and the complimentary shuttle covers any destination within three miles—including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in case your hi-fi budget takes a beating at the blackjack tables.
FIAE 2026 Tickets, Show Hours, and Why Tampa in February Beats Freezing Anywhere Else
Tickets are available online or at the door, but hotel rooms won’t last—so lock one down before you’re stuck at the Red Roof Inn. The Florida International Audio Expo runs Friday, February 20 through Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel (10221 Princess Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610). Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information: floridaaudioexpo.com
Related Reading:
- Best Audio Gear at CEDIA Expo 2025
- Best Home Theater Systems at CEDIA Expo 2025
- Best Video Gear, TVs and Projectors at CEDIA Expo 2025
- Best in Show at Audio Advice Live 2025
- Podcast: CEDIA Expo 2025 – Best in Show with John Sciacca
