#GothamGadgets #CruisingPeachy AXPONA 2026 Delivers Record Attendance, Exhibitors and Listening Rooms 12,000+ attendees and 750+ brands from 50+ countries gathered in Schaumburg to experience AXPONA (Audio Expo North America)
AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) officially marked its biggest year yet, drawing 12,546 music lovers to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center—a 15% jump over 2025. This year's record-breaking crowd was characterized by a distinct shift in energy, fueled by a 52% increase in Gen Z passes. The influx of younger and more diverse attendees underscored a growing mainstream appetite for high-fidelity audio. From spectacular sound rooms to live performances, AXPONA 2026 proved that the future of the industry is younger, broader, and more passionate than ever. Whom You Know is delighted to continue our coverage of this show and we believe it is a well-run show, planned intelligently in advance.
“AXPONA 2026 exceeded all expectations—from record attendance to the incredible energy across the Listening Rooms, Expo Hall, Ear Gear Experience, Car Audio Showcase and new ALTI Pavillion,” said Liz Smith, VP, Event Director for AXPONA. “It’s exciting to see the passion for high-end audio continue to grow, bringing together music lovers, industry leaders, and young enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience.”
AXPONA featured a record 235 dedicated Listening Rooms (on 12 floors) crafted by the best in the business, including 750 global manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and brands.The bustling Ear Gear Experience was the biggest yet featuring everything for personal audio, from headphones and electronics to accessories and cables. The Expo Hall, which is home to the Record Fair, showcased a vast array of turntables, cables, accessories, racks, stands, tonearms, cartridges, and new and Vinyl. While industry leaders and exhibitors gave sessions in the Master Class Theater on the show floor.
The Car Audio Showcase offered passionate music lovers the best sounds in car audio. Manufacturers and dealers of high-performance car audio featured demonstrations from leading brands to discover new audio products for purchase and upgrades. In addition, car lovers and fans could witness the Sound Quality (SQ) competition—where experts competed to achieve the pinnacle of clarity and precision inside the car environment. This year’s winner was announced on Sunday during the show.
Live Concerts nightly at AXPONA are always a big hit. On Friday, acclaimed jazz pianist Caelan Cardello performed to a packed crowd. 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, award-winning singer-songwriter Amber Rubarth took 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.
Lastly, AXPONA’s robust seminar program offered attendees the chance to learn directly from industry experts, engineers, and musicians. Sessions covered topics such as HiFi system building, acoustic room treatment, and high-resolution streaming. These educational forums remain a cornerstone of the AXPONA experience, providing invaluable insights into the engineering and artistry behind the world’s finest audio equipment.
“It was incredible to see our exhibitors joined by dealers, distributors, and press from over 50 countries, all while welcoming a new generation of enthusiasts to the show,” added Smith.“The record-breaking attendance and the influx of younger, more diverse listeners prove that AXPONA is not just the premier B2B gathering for the industry in North America, but a growing, vibrant destination for all music lovers. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming everyone back next year.
AXPONA returns April 9-11, 2027.
For more information about the event, please visit www.axpona.com.
ABOUT
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 230+ high fidelity listening rooms, providing guests the enviable opportunity to experience the newest technology in high-end consumer audio products. Attendees are encouraged to go from room to room and sit, listen and compare the various systems. The Expo Hall and Ear Gear Experience play host to thousands of products and accessories from cables to headphones to LPs and SACDs. The Car Audio Showcase features high-performance car audio from manufacturers and dealers. Beyond the exhibits, AXPONA includes live musical performances and educational seminars with industry experts and demonstrations.
