RMAF only, most years over the last decade.
Likes -- the chance to hear stuff I cannot hear otherwise....which let's face it with high-end stores nowhere to be found, is practically anything interesting now. I like the location enough - sort of manageable in scale. And let's face it, you're in a community of like-minded fanatics....all good.
Dislikes -- almost certain that something I really want to hear is not going to be found (speakers mainly). That bit can't really be helped but it is disappointing to travel and not hear some highly regarded products that are always in the press and which we're constantly told we have to hear for ourselves. Could live without noisy people who talk loud enough to destroy the listening experience for others. Rooms where they won't just let you come in, listen and leave without trying to sell you; Rooms of certain big name companies that think music is optional (yes, it's true, some rooms treat regular attendees as inconsequential while talking to their friends from the media). Or how about the room where the main guy is giving a pitch at the front and rolls his eyes every time someone new walks in....yeah, I get it....you want to explain your new invention that morphs the time-space continuum and these people just keep coming in like they expect to be able to go anywhere, anytime, at a show they paid to attend. The audacity!!! Oh, and volume...did I mention volume...after a day at RMAF I need to lie down and give my ears a break.
Makes it sound like the dislikes are more than the likes....not so....but you asked.
Now, are you going to be in Denver next month??
