For immediate release
TOP 10 THINGS TO EXPERIENCE AT
AXPONA 2026, APRIL 10–12
Discover the NEW ALTI Pavilion, 220+ Listening Rooms, live concerts, AI-powered mobile app, seminars and more
SCHAUMBURG, IL (March 25, 2026) – AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), the largest high-end audio event in North America, returns April 10–12 to the Schaumburg Convention Center for its 17th year. Audiophiles, music lovers, musicians and industry professionals from around the globe will gather for three days of immersive listening experiences, groundbreaking technology, educational seminars, live music and the latest gear from the world’s most respected audio brands.
With more than 230 listening rooms, 750+ brands, an expansive Expo Hall, Ear Gear Experience, Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase and a new ALTI Pavilion, AXPONA 2026 offers attendees the opportunity to test, touch and experience the best in high-fidelity sound. Add these 10 must-do experiences to your agenda to make the most of the show.
- Experience 220+ Immersive Listening Rooms
The heart of AXPONA is its 230+ dedicated listening rooms, where attendees can hear and compare expertly engineered high-performance audio systems from the world’s most prestigious manufacturers. Across multiple floors, guests can sit down and experience systems featuring cutting-edge speakers, amplifiers, streamers and analog gear in carefully curated listening environments.
- Shop the Expo Hall and Record Fair
The Expo Hall, home to the popular Record Fair, offers an extensive marketplace for vinyl collectors and audio enthusiasts alike. Browse thousands of LPs and discover the latest in turntables, tonearms, cartridges, cables, racks and accessories from top manufacturers includingButcher Block Acoustics, Fern & Roby, Music on Reels, SOTA Turntables and more.
- Discover the Ear Gear Experience
Personal audio takes center stage in the Ear Gear Experience, the largest showcase of its kind at AXPONA. This dedicated area features the latest headphones, in-ear monitors, DACs, amplifiers and portable audio players. Leading brands including 64 Audio, Beyerdynamic, Dan Clark Audio, Noble Audio, Sennheiser and ZMF Headphones will debut new products and offer hands-on listening opportunities.
- Explore the NEW ALTI Pavilion
New for 2026, AXPONA welcomes the ALTI Pavilion, presented by ALTI Association (Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International). This dedicated B2B space within the Expo Hall brings together audio and loudspeaker technology innovators, consultants and manufacturers to collaborate, network and explore new business opportunities. The Pavilion also anchors AXPONA’s expanded trade programming, including seminars, the networking mixer and lounges designed for industry professionals.
- Hear the Best in Hi-Fi Car Audio
The Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase returns, giving attendees the chance to experience high-performance automotive sound systems up close. Demonstrations from top manufacturers and dealers highlight cutting-edge car audio technology, culminating in the Car Audio Showcase Invitation Sound Quality (SQ) Competition, where experts compete to achieve the pinnacle of sonic clarity inside the car environment.
- Enjoy Live Concerts with Amber Rubarth and Caelan Cardello
When the show floor closes, the music continues with live concerts at AXPONA.
On Friday, April 10 at 8 p.m., acclaimed jazz pianist Caelan Cardello will perform. A rising star in modern jazz and recipient of the BMI Future Jazz Master Award, Cardello is known for blending classic jazz traditions with contemporary innovation.
On Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m., award-winning singer-songwriter Amber Rubarth takes the stage. Known for her soulful voice and cinematic songwriting, Rubarth’s music spans folk, Americana and indie influences, delivering an intimate and emotionally rich live performance.
Both concerts are sponsored by Wireworld Cable Technology.
- Discover New Products from 750+ Global Brands
AXPONA is the place where manufacturers unveil the latest innovations in high-end audio. More than 750 brands will showcase new speakers, turntables, streaming systems, cables, amplifiers and accessories. Attendees can explore the newest technologies from leading companies including ATC Loudspeakers, Bel Canto, Cambridge Audio, Devialet, Focal Naim America, Magico, Nordost, Pass Labs, Totem Acoustic, Vandersteen Audio and YG Acoustics.
- Attend Expert-Led Seminars and Master Classes
AXPONA’s robust seminar program offers attendees the chance to learn directly from industry experts, engineers and musicians. Sessions cover topics such as hi-fi system building, immersive audio, analog playback, headphone technology and the evolving world of high-end audio. AXPONA is also introducing a new trade-focused seminar track this year, featuring two sessions designed specifically for industry professionals. These seminars will explore modern marketing strategies and evolving retail concepts, offering actionable insights for brands, dealers and partners looking to grow and adapt in today’s competitive landscape.
- Navigate the Show with the NEW AXPONA Mobile App
New for 2026, the AXPONA mobile app helps attendees plan and navigate the show with ease. Featuring an AI-powered help desk, the app allows guests to quickly find exhibitors, locate brands — including companies showcasing turntables and analog gear — and receive personalized recommendations. The app also includes messaging features, seminar schedules and exhibitor directories to enhance the overall attendee experience.
- Passport Program
AXPONA also invites attendees to engage with exhibitors through its interactive Passport Program, accessible via the AXPONA App. Participants can collect ID numbers from participating brands throughout the show, with completed passports automatically entered into daily drawings. Three winners will each receive $100 in cash prizes, awarded at the Master Class Theater.
Tickets
1 Day – $32 online, $40 onsite
Multi-Day – $60 online, $75 onsite
Gen Z Pass – $15 online, $20 onsite
All general admission tickets grant access to exhibits including Listening Rooms and the Expo Hall, as well as educational seminars, live music and special events.
AXPONA opens Friday, April 10 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), Saturday, April 11 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), and Sunday, April 12 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.axpona.com/register.asp.
About AXPONA
AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) is North America’s largest event for audiophiles, manufacturers of high-end audio equipment, musicians and music lovers. The three-day experience features more than 230 high-fidelity listening rooms, allowing guests to experience the newest technology in high-end consumer audio products. The Expo Hall and Ear Gear Experience showcase thousands of products and accessories, while the Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase highlights cutting-edge automotive sound systems. Beyond the exhibits, AXPONA includes live musical performances and educational seminars with industry experts and demonstrations.
For more information, visit www.axpona.com.
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