Audio shows have not fared well over the past 2 years but we’ve confirmed that Pacific Audio Fest 2022 (July 29th – July 31st) which is scheduled to be held in Seattle is most certainly happening.
Unless something changes, CanJam SoCal and CAF 2021 are happening this month and in November with a lot of COVID-19 rules in place to give show attendees a modicum of confidence, but that’s pretty much it until CES in January.
With AXPONA postponed to 2022 and RMAF cancelled permanently, the audio industry needs new shows like PAF 2022, and the new show planned for Southern California in January to be a success.
CAF is a great show that I will be covering (I used to live less than 2 miles up the road in Rockville) but it’s not a very large show and it has yet to make serious inroads with the D.C./MD/VA college crowd who are big headphone and vinyl customers.
As a GWU graduate, I would love to see a show further inside the district that would be easier for couples and professionals to attend; especially those who live in Foggy Bottom, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown.
The timing of Pacific Audio Fest 2022 is interesting. The end of July when Seattle is busiest and hotels are the most expensive. It’s also not especially hot which is a plus.
The hotel location by the airport is very convenient and the views are spectacular. Mt. Rainier is unbelievable on a clear day.
It’s a pity the show isn’t two months later when the Seattle Kraken will be starting the 2022 NHL season but we can’t have everything.
Pacific Audio Fest 2022 is happening with some rules which you can read about down below in the press release just sent to us.
“In April of this year we had to make the tough decision to postpone our 2021 show. We have since signed a new contract with the venue, and it is now time to start booking rooms for the show!”
General registration opens Oct 15, 2021.
1) The Early-Bird rates will end December 15, 2021.
2) Exhibitors who had selected a room and registered for 2021 are given first
preference for their room and are able to pre-register.
3) We are limiting the number of rooms to about 80 and we are about half sold
out from 2021, so please don’t wait to book your space. We anticipate that the show will
sell out.
4) Tickets will go on sale Oct 15, 2021.
Call or email for 2022 room rates. We look forward to working with you to make this a great show, and we hope to see you at Capital Audio Fest in November 2021.
COVID-19 Protections for Vendors and Attendees
We anticipate that COVID-19 will still be an issue in 2022, but we’re hoping it will be one we can manage safely and responsibly. For your peace of mind, we insisted on the same protections in our 2022 hotel contract that we had for 2021. So, if COVID-19 does prevent the show from going on next year, there will be no problem giving everyone the option for a 100% refund, just as we did in 2021.
The hotel is taking all the needed precautions for cleanliness, air filtration, and
sanitizing. We anticipate requiring proof of vaccination, and if needed masks for
everyone to minimize risks of transmission. Our hope is that by July of 2022 this will not be a major health crisis anymore, but even so, the simple step of vaccination will make everyone more safe and able to relax and have fun.
One big plus for PAF is that the large bar/lounge on the 14th floor will be private, only accessible to PAF attendees and exhibitors with a badge or wristband. The general public is not allowed in, so this will be a safer environment for all.”
Check PacificAudioFest.com for more information.
Lou Hinkley
Pacific Audio Fest Show Director
Lou@PacificAudioFest.com
Gary Gill
Capital Audiofest
Pacific Audio Fest Show Manager
