T.H.E. Enterprises, the owner of America’s longest running hi-fi show (T.H.E. Show) has acquired the New York Audio Show from the Chester Group. Under new ownership, the renamed and reimagined event, T.H.E. New York International Audio Show, will carry on the tradition of showcasing ultra high-end audio solutions to audiophiles in the Eastern Seaboard from October 24-26, 2025.
Statement from Roy Bird, Founder of the Chester Group:
The saying goes that there is the right time for everything, and that can happen when there’s a unique meeting of minds.
Circumstantially Emiko and her team was that meeting of minds, as we shared a solid perspective of how we can both move forward to achieve our individual objectives.
For me, in my eighth decade and having been an organizer of shows and events for most of my life, and having spent a very enjoyable 25 years in the audio industry, the time is right for someone else to carry the baton.
This is not about money it’s about legacy of which I’m very proud, as this can be a tough and combative industry at times – but more importantly it respects a dear and departed friend; Richard Beers, who was instrumental in us pioneering the New York Audio Show way back in 2012 at the Waldorf Hotel no less.
He was a friend of the family and we shared the ups and downs of show organization (not to mention the odd cold beer) and I know that Emiko and her family also have close and dear connections as well.
So I am 100% sure about T.H.E Show’s ethos, determination and trustworthiness, so handing over the New York Audio Show to them, is easy and a special privilege.
I do intend to stay for a while though whilst things are taken over, as I do not want this to be seen as an unemotional departure, far from it as I have made many friends en-route.
Finally I want to thank my son Justin for bearing with me when the going got tough, especially post Covid as he has become a most proficient and productive show organizer and sales manager.
Statement from Emiko E. Carlin, CEO & Owner of T.H.E. Enterprises:
We are delighted to be adding the New York Audio show to our portfolio family. The New York show has been a long, respected annual event for hi-fi, high-end audio, and music lovers.
(photo by Jeffrey Miller)
Having spent time with Roy and learning his history with our founder, the late and beloved Richard Beers, this is not only a wonderful path forward, but it seems to be a natural one. We believe wholeheartedly that with this coming together, we will be able to serve the audio industry and community in greater ways.
More than that, we are grateful that The Chester Group has put their trust in us to carry forward the torch of the New York Audio show into the future, and I know that all of us involved strive to do our very best to make sure music and audio reach as many people as possible through our initiatives.
We would like to thank Roy Bird and his son Justin for all their hard work in building and bringing the New York Audio Show to life thus far. This is a very exciting moment for audio and hi-fi and we hope you will all join us in celebration and participate in this journey.
About T.H.E. Show
T.H.E. Show is America’s longest-running HiFi show, dedicated to presenting the latest in high-fidelity audio, home theater, and consumer electronics. With a rich history and a strong commitment to excellence, T.H.E. Show has become a cornerstone of the HiFi industry.
Now in its 29th year, T.H.E. Show, which historically held annual hi-fi events on the west coast expands eastward to Austin, Texas and now New York.
T.H.E. Show previously announced a new initiative with Lone Star Audiofest, which is coming to Austin, Texas, May 2-4, 2025.
This past June, T.H.E. Show SoCal 2024 showcased over 190 of the finest audio brands in the world in Costa Mesa, California to the delight of thousands of attendees. T.H.E. Show SoCal returns to the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa from June 6-8, 2025.
The inaugural T.H.E. New York International Audio Show is set for October 24-26, 2025.
About Chester Group:
The Chester Group continues to organize three shows in the U.K. and has never been afraid to pioneer new shows outside of the U.K., most of which continue to this day. They are also dedicated to greater cooperation with other organizers in the best interests of the industry. Forthcoming on the calendar, The Chester Group will be hosting the UK Audio Show, October 5, 2024 at the Staverton Park Hotel. For more information, please visit: https://www.chestergroup.org.
About T.H.E. Enterprises
T.H.E. Enterprises, the parent company of T.H.E. Show, is dedicated to fostering and championing supreme excellence in high-fidelity experiences through its audio shows, live events, and more. The company has been expanding this mission to larger, international audiences via growth into multiple avenues, addressing the needs and wants of audiophiles, cinephiles, and creators of music and film alike through the launch of their record label, forthcoming new network, and film festival. For more information, please visit: https://www.theshownow.com.
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ORT
September 25, 2024 at 12:50 am
This is wonderful news indeed, not only for Emiko and her team but also for all Audio/Video Enthusiasts!! I only hope I can attend next year’s show in Southern California. 🙂
ORT
Post Script – Yes dear reader, this really is me. I can be brief and to the point.