AudioFest Midwest--A New Thread and an Idea to Consider

Vapor Audio · « **Reply #20 on:** 1 Apr 2011, 05:00 pm »

Thanks for all your legwork Kent! And I'm glad my suggestion helped.

You can still pitch the whole family weekend idea, since I'd think anyone coming in from out of town will either be driving their own vehicle or have a rental.

kirch · « **Reply #21 on:** 1 Apr 2011, 05:39 pm »

What? Not at the Moonrise? Hell, if I can't walk to it, I'm not going!

Just kidding. My wife Betsy and I went to Collinsville recently for the bikefest thing. It was close and easy to get to. Sure I'd rather walk to the loop, but . . .

Regardless of where this ends up, I'm all for it and will definitely be attending BUT, and not to be a nattering naybob of negativity, (thank you Mr. Agnew and Mr. Saffire) this does change the dynamic of the "family" thing. Just putting that out there. Wouldn't keep me from attending one way or another. Not sure how it might affect out of towners. Nothing against Collinsville, but there ain't much out there when compared to other apparently less affordable options downtown, the CWE or the loop. So promoting this as a family destination in my opinion, becomes somewhat moot. That theme would lend itself more to a venue that was essentially in the thick of things, vs. a 15-20 minute drive, don't you think?

Also, in St. Louis, do we have the IBEW to concern ourselves with? Just curious. I know it's a big deal at the convention center.

Kent and Jim, thanks so much for your hard work on this!

Scott F. · « **Reply #22 on:** 1 Apr 2011, 06:16 pm »

As far as the IBEW or the Teamsters, I don't think they will come into play at all. Even if they try to force their way in, you still wouldn't have to use them. At that point the most they could do is put up an informational picket....and as I think about that, they can't picket since no one is hired to deliver or assemble the systems. The system owners would be handling those chores themselves.

The Convention Center is a different animal. I want to say SEIU is in there and they defer to the IBEW for final placement and connection of electrical items. I might be wrong about that but I think that's how the structure works down there.

I agree about the 'family' destination thing.

and like Kirch said, not trying to be a party pooper but I keep going back to what Jeff mentioned.

Quote

What would be great is to see a new show that truly offers something different than just rooms full of gear.

What could we do to make an event like this into something different? Something that would really get a manufacturers and the publics' attention? That's why I keep going back to The Loop.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #23 on:** 1 Apr 2011, 06:40 pm »

I for one sincerely appreciate the time and effort Kent is putting into this.
If memory serves, the GAS fellas have a nice little nest egg. Would it be possible to give Kent some money for fuel and maybe a lunch for the time he's spent researching?

Bob

kentj1948 · « **Reply #24 on:** 1 Apr 2011, 09:43 pm »

We have our first commitment to AudioFest Midwest. Thanks Steve!

SAS Audio Labs
503 W Jefferson St
#2
Morton, Illinois 61550
PH: (309) 263-0736

Thanks.
Steve Sammet

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #25 on:** 2 Apr 2011, 12:36 am »

Actually, I've had a couple manufacturers signed up for a while now. Check >> HERE <<.

Bob

Mitsuman · « **Reply #26 on:** 2 Apr 2011, 01:14 am »

Quote from: kentj1948 on 1 Apr 2011, 09:43 pm

We have our first commitment to AudioFest Midwest. Thanks Steve!

SAS Audio Labs
503 W Jefferson St
#2
Morton, Illinois 61550
PH: (309) 263-0736

Thanks.
Steve Sammet

Are you kidding me? I lived there from 2000-2007 and never heard of them.

opnly bafld · « **Reply #27 on:** 2 Apr 2011, 03:19 am »

Quote from: Bob in St. Louis on 2 Apr 2011, 12:36 am

Actually, I've had a couple manufacturers signed up for a while now. Check >> HERE <<.

Bob

Um' Bob, I think Steve (SAS Audio Labs) was basically "signed up" here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=89780.0

Lin

opnly bafld · « **Reply #28 on:** 2 Apr 2011, 03:36 am »

Quote from: Scott F. on 1 Apr 2011, 06:16 pm

and like Kirch said, not trying to be a party pooper but I keep going back to what Jeff mentioned.
What could we do to make an event like this into something different? Something that would really get a manufacturers and the publics' attention? That's why I keep going back to The Loop.

Could it possibly start with "baby steps" and then evolve into something more?
I think the original post back in January was more about providing an affordable audio fest in the Midwest, is there anything wrong with starting small and adding ideas/features to make it more unique/different as (if) it grows?

Lin

opnly bafld · « **Reply #29 on:** 2 Apr 2011, 03:42 am »

Kent,

Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Lin

wedweb · « **Reply #30 on:** 2 Apr 2011, 03:42 am »

Re: DoubleTree in Collinsville.

I work near there. We have had our Christmas parties in their space. We usually take up their main three rooms as one large room. We also get their catering from Porter's, the restaurant attached. The food is pricey when catering. And the restaurant can be pricey. They do have alot of parking. Plus, there is a White Castle on Eastport Plaza. There are a bunch of other restaurants too. They have a couple of micro-hotels...Super 8, there is also a Drury Inn.

See their room configurations:
http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/hotels/meeting_space.jhtml;jsessionid=J0Q0P2NHRBGZACSGBJT222Q?ctyhocn=STLCNDT

hibuckhobby · « **Reply #31 on:** 2 Apr 2011, 01:50 pm »

Quote from: Mitsuman on 2 Apr 2011, 01:14 am

Are you kidding me? I lived there from 2000-2007 and never heard of them.

Steve makes some of the finest line stage tube preamps out there. Amazing sound quality.
Hibuck...

woofersus · « **Reply #32 on:** 2 Apr 2011, 11:35 pm »

So glad to see somebody planning a show in the Midwest! It's a little too early for me to make an official commitment, but if the schedule works out and costs stay within reason I can add Angel City Audio and Melody to your exhibitor list. Potentially fellow ACA/Melody dealer Motor City Custom Audio might come down too and show some of his subwoofer mod kits. (MO is his territory anyhow)

BPT · « **Reply #33 on:** 3 Apr 2011, 04:18 pm »

Thank you Kent, Jim & Ryan. If the Doubletree type fits our needs, there are ones located in Chesterfield and Westport as well, both having ample parking, restaraunts, shopping, etc. close by.
Chris H.

dwarfed centipede · « **Reply #34 on:** 4 Apr 2011, 03:54 pm »

Quote from: Scott F. on 1 Apr 2011, 06:16 pm

and like Kirch said, not trying to be a party pooper but I keep going back to what Jeff mentioned.
What could we do to make an event like this into something different? Something that would really get a manufacturers and the publics' attention? That's why I keep going back to The Loop.

+2 on this. I am thinking about CES and some of the other major shows in Vegas, and nobody has really tried to copy them because there would be nothing new to show. You also have gatherings like comiccon and all the other xxxxxcon's where people go and do the same thing every year. But you have to look at how often are people willing to gather and do the same thing? If we already have 3 or 4 national shows, we really need to make ours something different. Otherwise you are only going to get the vendors that didn't participate in the other events due to proximity or scheduling conflicts. We need to focus on getting these vendors here by enticing them with a whole new venue.

So on that note, I think the loop would be a good attraction area. But it looks like it might be too costly and some other nuances. In my opinion, it doesn't really matter where it is held as long as it has that attraction appeal. So don't look at what the surrounding areas can offer, instead look at what else we can add to the show to make it more appealing to a larger audience. We can even go outside the home audio theme and add something like model trains or some other hobby enthusiast event. Maybe even join forces with one of these events for the first few years? Just my thoughts...

thunderbrick · « **Reply #35 on:** 4 Apr 2011, 04:26 pm »

Or, if costs force it out of the loop, we could have a web page (we will have a website for this, right?) or fliers (flyers?) that point out local attractions/venues/performances going on. St Louis is not that big a city, after all, that people can't reach things easily.

Steve · « **Reply #36 on:** 4 Apr 2011, 05:21 pm »

"But it looks like it might be too costly and some other nuances. " referring to the loop.

I think we all have that caveat of price, at least I do. I would not pay $2500.00, and probably not $1500.00, for a room, being a small company. However, Doubletree at $300.00 is quite reasonable.
I believe Hibuck is from near Rockford, another from Minneapolis who wish to attend, seems to be interest from far away.

Mistusman, I was wondering if you know Scott Berger, owner of Home Theatre Concepts, in the field Mall?

Cheers.

Vapor Audio · « **Reply #37 on:** 4 Apr 2011, 06:05 pm »

I two trains of thought here seem to be making it more attractive to exhibitors, to potentially making it more attractive to attendees.

Personally, I don't see why one should negate the other. I don't see anybody flying their family into Lambert, taking the Metro to the Loop, and not having a rental car. Chances are anybody that brings their family into town for the event will do so either by driving, or will get a rental at the airport. And if you have a vehicle, then why does the event need to be close enough for the family to walk to their destination? Especially when doing so will greatly increase the cost to exhibitors?

How about just having an attendees package that gives detailed directions from whatever hotel ends up being our host to all the attractions around town, include parking information for those places, cost, etc. Almost all would be driving distance away from the Loop anyway. Also include Restaurant information in the package, one thing St Louis has is great food ... so highlight that to attendees.

I think what we need more than anything to have a successful first event is a Hotel that's eager to have our business, and will do everything they can to help us pull it off. Wherever in town that ends up being I'd think is secondary to the decision.

As for 'making it something different', the idea is worth talking about. I'd think anything home related would tie in nicely. Just ideas that pop into mind, how about contacting some local furiture galleries and see if they would be interested in outfitting rooms with decor. Maybe the exhibitor could pay $300 to have their room decorated with nice seating and other decor, and the furniture maker could leave information in the room for attendees to take. How about art being displayed in a similar fashion, or a gallery in the hotel lobby? Just ideas ...

youravhandyman · « **Reply #38 on:** 4 Apr 2011, 07:49 pm »

To add to the possible tie in's would be the two beer festivals that St. Louis has every year both located in Forest Park. The St. Louis Microfest is usually early May (6-8th this year) and the St. Louis Brewer's Heritage festival is usually early June (10-11th this year). Not that we would want to hitch our wagon to these festivals but if we could time the festivals to run on the same weekend this may be additional draw.

Matt

kentj1948 · « **Reply #39 on:** 5 Apr 2011, 03:49 pm »

Let me remind everyone that no decision as to the venue of AM has been decided. If there is still a better idea out there, let’s check it out while we have time.

The Moonrise was initially suggested due to its location and the great possibilities that offered. It has some physical drawbacks, though, a small lobby, small drop-off area in front, only two large meeting rooms, and fairly narrow hallways.

And, even if we don’t have to use any extra rooms for buffers/storage (a situation that isn’t going to happen), we are still looking at a nearly $600 cost per exhibitor to us. This will have to be marked up enough to cover the additional expenses of the show. For a new show with no history of attendance, this is an issue.

I really want to encourage everyone in GAS to go down to the Moonrise before Mark’s gtg and see it for himself. It will make discussing whether to continue considering it a lot easier. Ask for Krista Johnson or Mark Aipperspach, they will know what you are talking about. Maybe we can discuss it at Mark’s.

Note also, that the $300 per exhibitor for the Doubletree is what it will cost us and that will have to be marked up as well to cover expenses.

I am planning on contacting the Doubletree this week and see if they have checked to see what weekends in the spring might be slower for them. With that information, we can discuss both filling in for AKFest and whether we feel that the “family weekend” idea is still one we want to or can pursue.

Please send me any additional exhibitor information so it can be added to the list. If there is some person/business that you know and are contacting, please include that as well. The same for the publicity list.

I will continue to send out revised versions of these lists weekly as long as there are any updates. I would appreciate any help in filling in names, addresses, websites, etc.

Thanks,
Kent
Kentj1948@yahoo.com