• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

My AK Fest Experience; First and Probably My Last.

Status
Not open for further replies.
As someone who has never attended the fest, maybe I know not of what I speak, but how can you judge the Fest by spending 1 hour there? I bet there were members, new and old, who spent most if not all of the weekend there, and did not get to see every room and sponsor system!

Yes, it probably is intimidating to a newb to walk into the rooms to be in the middle of a few guys who are talking, and are old friends, but you have to remember, these same guys just a few years ago were strangers and Fest newbs as well!

You will only take away from an event like this what you put into it, it's that simple. Questions unaswered, hands unshaken, aquantainences not made, is what you got for your $15.00. Don't blame this on the Fest, for the blame lies squarely at your feet.

You missed out on a wonderful opportunity by keeping your hands in your pockets, and by not taking advantage of all of the skill and knowledge that was present there, as well as the great friendships you could have started.

Hopefully, this experience has not soured you on AK, or the hobby, and you will continue to be a valued, contributing member of AK. I also hope that between now and the next Fest, you reconsider your experience, and give next years Fest the chance that it, and you, deserve. The Fest is such a great resource/event for all, and it would be a shame to not give it another chance, especially since you reside so close!
 
This was my 3rd 'Fest. My first one was similar to your experience in a way. I just joined weeks prior, and knew nobody, but was welcomed and many local people. The 2nd was was more about gear & music collecting, but also strengthening and creating new relationships with members. This year was strictly about the camarerie. Looking at nametags, putting faces to screen names. Just being able to say hello and shake a mans hand that you have come to respect over the years. (perhaps this is the part that's lacking from your experience)

I spent the majority of my time with people that traveled from all over the country and abroad just to meet them. The funniest thing I encountered was a guy from England that couldn't grasp the accent of the lady from Tennessee.

As Douglas stated, consider the SMAC meetings to get to know some of the local people better and I assure you that it will be a more fulfilling experience next year.
 
Thanks for stating and defending your opinion.

About the 'outsider' feelings, please remember that over three-fourths of the attendees were 'walk-ins', who came to the show, from outside of AK, to see the gear, and hear some music. There were a few times when I attempted to enter a room, only to find it full. I moved on, and returned, later.

I remember my first Fest, years ago. Nobody knew me, even though I was a member, because I didn't have my username on my credentials. That makes it tough for others. I did bring an LP, and I trooped from room to room, looking for working turntables. In every room where there was a tt, the person staffing the room was only too happy to play my selection. I even turned on several people to one of my favourite recording. The benefit of having your own audition piece is that you are familiar with how the music sounds, so you can more easily judge what changes exist in the playback.

As for the room size, when our original venue became unavailable, on short notice, we had to find another place. Swiss time was running out...
(Oh. Sorry.) We had to fine another venue, and the Embassy suites was it. In larger rooms, in the past, many vendors did bring several items for static display, or even to roll in. This year, there were several rooms with two systems. The room did present a challenge to certain vendors to pay extra attention to their system choices.

It is unfortunate that you were disappointed in this year's Fest, as many people put in huges amounts of time and effort to stage this year's event. If you would permit me, with 40 rooms, and travel time, in one hour, you either skipped rooms, or averaged about a minute in each. No disrespect, my young friend, but I hope, if there is a next time, that you give the Fest a fair chance.

Please stick around, and maybe, next year, you will be arranging to meet your AK friends at the Fest.

And do, please, check out the SMAC forum, and meeting dates. You will be welcomed there.
 
Fest expectations

Wow!

As one who has not attended this event (but would like to, someday), here's what I see.

1. Subwolfer would have probably been more well-received if he had a longer history on AK with a higher post count. I believe that I if did make the event, that my username would have been recognized and I would have been warmly welcomed or assaulted:D in a nice way! Subwolfers low post count minimized the number of folks that would recognize him by user name.

2. Subwolfer has seen the error of his ways expecting the "Audiochickfest". Let's let that go.

3. It probably is true to a degree that a lot of the attendees are old friends and could possibly make an noob feel less than welcome. That's not the fault of the "old friends" at all, it just requires the "noob" to "step up" and introduce themselves. I have enough self-confidence to do it, I have to do it in business all the time, but some don't have it or are not very comfortable with it.

4. I look forward to someday attending and believe that with a big "70salesguy" name tag, a smile. a dash of self confidence and a pair of eyes and ears ready to take it all in, that a good time will be had!
 
Here’s my $0.02. I offer this as my perspective only, and not as a critique of the initial post in the thread.

In order to understand what the AK Fest is, you really have to go back to its roots. An attendee at the first Fest could not have fathomed what this event has evolved into. The first fest was just a collection of like-minded audio enthusiasts who gathered together to talk gear and have a good time. As I recall we had 3 separate meeting rooms (note, these were not guest rooms, but actual meeting rooms) on the first floor. Two or three forum members (Craig – AKA NosValves was one, and my apologies for my lousy memory, but I can’t recall the others) brought their personal systems in for display and to enjoy the music. There was a break room which also doubled as the Swap Room. There were door prizes and a raffle, but the prizes were quite modest by today’s standards.

However, the emphasis was about chatting up each other’s gear, and listening to music. If memory serves, there were no vendors/retailers at the first Fest, though someone may correct me on that as well (at the most, one, if any). It was all about music, gear and camaraderie.

The Fest has evolved substantially over the years. Vendors now have an integral role in the success of the fest. However, the “AK member listening room” still plays a central role. No other similar audio show/venue that I’m aware of has members bringing in their systems for display and enjoyment. Since it is still, largely, “all about the music”, I think that the individual listening rooms are still the best solution. This set up simply could not be accommodated in a large meeting room venue. The competing sounds would clash and negatively impact the rather “intimate” atmosphere of the individual listening rooms.

Closed door? Yup, this was a limitation of the hotel. With the open atrium, and propagation of sound in that type of environment, we were asked to be cool with the volume controls and keep doors closed - propped open slightly to allow easy entrance for visitors - as much as possible.

Frankly, my observation is that the vendors really enjoy this set up versus a larger meeting room. They actually have folks come in, stay for as long as they like, listen to some great gear, build relationships with individuals who might actually become customers, all in a comparatively relaxing environment. And the cost of entry is darn cheap compared to C.E.S. or some similar large show.

We did have a fair number of “younger” visitors to the Fest. It would be interesting to compare their feedback to the comments of the original poster. No organization can become self sustaining unless newer, younger blood can be attracted and become interested enough to stick around. If the comments of the original poster are an aberration, than hopefully AK is on the right track. However, if the comments are shared by the “younger” attendees, it may be worth paying some significant attention to.
 
Sub Wolfer, thanks for starting this excellent thread.
You make many valid points. I too was a little nervous going into some of the rooms on Saturday. Yes, they are small, but I came to appreciate their intimicy as time went on. I originally was going to leave Sunday morning but decided to give the rooms (mostly member rooms BTW, one more listen). I'm glad I did. I became more comfortable as time went on and really had a ball. I post a lot and many members recognized my name so that helped. I agree that a DIY room might be a neat thing to experience. Maybe long time members (and vendors for that matter) could take hour long time slots and do seminars. Hey, but they are there to enjoy themselves as well. Just an idea. I did however, learn more in Squidward's room then I have in the last year. Between Ed and Dave and a guest by the name of Yvon (I think). I came away with enough ideas to carry me over until next year. You are also right about a lot of the high end gear. Much of it holds no interest to me; I can't now and probably never will be able to afford it. I did though get my first listen to McIntosh gear and am grateful for that. One of the best conversations of the two days I was there came in Classic Audio's room. A set of his speakers retails for more than the house I grew up in, but his knowledge and banter with particularely one visitor were priceless.
Driving home I too thought about a room with some more common items being played, after all most of what I have can probably be considered junk (but it's my junk and I do love it). I came to the conclusion, who would want to listen to my crap. Well, maybe you might and I would have a great time sitting and listening with you. Hey, maybe you and I could share a member's listening room next year.
To make a long story short (I know, it's way too late for that) keep posting and PLEASE think about coming again next year. You've made some good suggestions and I for one look forward to meeting you next year. :thmbsp:
 
One thought - I like the smaller rooms for the equipment manufactuers. At big shows like CES, the equipment is on display - it's for looking at, not listening to. And although sometimes it is not easy to listen critically even in the smaller rooms (when people are talking), it can be done. And for me, that's really what I want - to be able to hear the equipment.

I thought the rooms were remarkably quiet outside of them as well. Very little bleed-over from room to room, even with volumes up. Nice job on the hotel for that.
 
Is this the Complaint forum? :D


My only problem with the fest, was that "I" only had 4 hrs to spend there Saturday! So I missed the live music (dag nabb it!) and Sunday to boot!

I am Sorry subwoofer, that your experience wasn't the greatest, but I would hardly be able to call this show lame! I never opened a door to one of the rooms and got any thing but a satisfied smile from those folks sitting in it or those operating the systems and this was my first time attending the fest and they didn't know me from adam!

I must admit, I looked at it as a sort of ham fest for stereo nuts. (you may be too young to know anything about those or care for that fact)

If you really want to see the things you where talking about, go to Las Vegas in January to the consumer electronics show.

"There you will find a big "party" atmosphere, thousands of people looking at all kinds of games, stereo's Plasma's and most any thing electronic, with plenty of scantily clad women! (sorry, had to throw that in!)

This show was a breath of fresh aire! People who I can relate to, are easy to talk to and dare I say it, As passionate about audio as I am.

I commend Grumpy and his family and all the fine members who are involved in putting on such an enjoyable show.

Next year I will make sure I have more time to spend there! :thmbsp:

Thanks Guys !

Boxoboom
 
For the record, I can relate to the experience that the OP had when I attended my first fest. I didnt know what to expect and I wandered around feeling a bit uncomfortable. I knew a couple of people through the forum and ran into them which helped things out and when i found them, they were very welcoming. Kegger and Wiggy offered to bring me to the VIP room for some private dances. As tempting as it was, I stuck with meekly barging my way into rooms checking out gear. Talking to the reps of equipment I liked and being driven away from others that I found to be obnoxious sales types.

I guess one thing I did differently than you is went in without expectations and came away knowing I'd come back. One of the members I had talked to for a while via email was squidward and that was the first time I met him in person. Since then, we have developed into very good friends and even shared a demo room this year and have collaborated on some projects together.

As you get to know the other members and familiarize yourself with them and their personalities, the AKfest and even the local SMAC meets become about more than just the audio, it's an opportunity to meet some virtual friends and virtual assholes (like me) and realize that everyone has similar interests. Some of the people there just peaked into our window and moved on, other just sat and didn't say much, others talked about their porsche and hovercraft. Some wanted technical details on the components/gear, others just wanted us to play their CD or record.

I didn't know 80% of the people that popped in and I hope we didn't drive them away or act uninviting.
 
1968jatorocket said:
MrGee, I totally think that you are a bit out of line. You have to remember that his experience is different than yours. Everybody will have a different take on a situation...John
Click to expand...


You have a right to that opinion.
Please re-read the opening post, then read post #34.
#34 is constructive criticism.
#1 was a little over the top, which my reply...influenced by hours of "road head" at 2AM...admittedly may have been.

<I bow in humble sorrow, begging forgiveness>
(said in jest to make one smile, not sarcasm to make a frown :) )
 
AK Fest 07 was my first and unfortunately my last, not because I was disappointed in the show but simply that the days are past for putting this warm body on airplanes.

My first audio show was in the 50s - everything was mono except for one exhibit of something called binaural. Apart from my brother neither of us knew a soul. Affordable equipment? Surely you jest, I did not see my modest Bogen DB-10 at the show. Subsequent audio shows were much the same, lovely sounding equipment at prices well outside my budget, in a hotel full of strangers.

Surprise! I now have four of the systems that I then could not afford. Better still I have many friends here at AK. A word to the wise, friends are not given to you, hence the expression "make friends". I once had a supervisor who, when we were flying to Europe, said to me after the flight - "I wish I could talk to strangers the way you can". This was in reference to the passenger sitting next to me. As I told him, you can talk to strangers and some will enter into conversation, but some will not - hey, you can't turn on everyone in this world, it is nothing personnal.

Sometimes I would have preferred to turn it off as I used to think my collar was on backwards - I have had more confessions than the average priest.:yes:
 
This was my first AKFEST as well and I went with 4 other guys and all 5 of us were thrilled with the experience, have no regrets and would go again.
 
I didn't make the fest unfortunately. Timing was not too good, and my wheel barrow full of cash is running way low LOL.

I understand your situation, but its like that in almost any event put on by a long standing site. I meet up south of ATL every year for a car show that originated from www.hybridz.com . We all have nissans. Some of my closest car buddies attend, and that is the only time of year we meet.

It was awkward at first, these guys had big badass cars. Tons of $$ in them, and super fast. Turns out they were also down to earth and turned out to be great friends.

I say for $15 bucks, you can't go wrong trying it again.

Evan

BTW; Sitting down to listen to 10k speakers may teach you something about how equipment should sound. I had a chance to listen to 21k dollar speakers at one point, and it was worth every minute spent in front of them.
 
SubWolfer said:
For never being to one of these events you hit it right on the head. What I quoted from you above describes my experience to the T. Add in in expensive gear (which was way out of my league) and I think you get the picture.

I'm sure a lota folks had a great time. I just have to be honest though and express I wasn't one of them. But hey, it's OK. Me and my buddy had a couple beers and a burger and talked about the gear i recently acquired. Still had an enjoyable day. Oh, and by the way, my buddy did buy several used LP's in the Vinyl Swap room and I got a really cool old Ian Hunter LP.
Click to expand...

Honestly young man you wasted your own time and money. You spent one hour at the fest? It was absolutely impossible to check out reasonable number of rooms at the fest in that amount of time, It sounds to me like you only visited the vendor rooms that happened to be empty or near empty at the time because of your own lack of social skills.

As far as the swap room gear goes never expect to find treasures the second day of the swap meet. The treasues are long gone 1 hour after the swap meet begins. The rule of swap meets, garage sales or flee markets has and always will be "the early bird gets the worm".

Craig

PS one complaint in your post that I absolutely agree with and for the life of me could not figure out was why many vendors #1 had there door locked so you had to knock to gain entrance and #2 had drapes pull shut so folks could not glance in and see something interesting and want to come in. My drapes were wide open and the door was always cracked open. If someone peered in and I noticed I would actually wave them in and welcome them. I would often ask if they had a disc they wanted to play. In my listening room I almost never used my own source material most of what was played was almost always something a visitor brought with them.
 
As a relative newb to the board also, I think I can appreciate what you're saying, SubWolfer. I'm not usually the first guy to start a conversation or to give things a chance if I'm a little apprehensive. I'm not a fan of big crowds or situations/people/places I'm unfamiliar with. Having a friend with you that isn't as interested as you are may have made it more difficult to stay longer and give it more of a chance, also.

The thing is that sometimes you have to forget all that and really do what you can to butt in (not being rude, of course) and introduce yourself. Tell people you're new. Tell them what gear you have/like and what you listen to. You might not meet everyone with the same interests or attitude, but that's how it is everywhere, with just about everything. And with any kind of show/fest you might have to wait to get into a room or exhibition.

That being said, I wasn't there and can't say how it was or wasn't in this particular case. I'm making a generalization and am only posting about it because I think I can appreciate where you're coming from, but do this: stick around the board and participate. I don't often have a lot to say but I read a lot, and the people I have met locally are great folks and I hope to meet more.

I'd like to go to the fest next year and it will probably be a little tough for me to just say "hey, I'm here" but if that's what I need to do, I'll do it. I expect that it'll be worth it.

Also... it's true that this is hobby is an overwhelming picklefest. It's no secret. Maybe we can get a Budweiser sponsorship next year and get some Bud girls to walk around? It's just a thought. :D
 
i hearby nominate Wiggy as the official AK Spokesperson, i am also calling my attorney to have draw up a personal services contract for wiggy to be my personal spokesperson, for when i read i post i dont agree with , i could then have wiggy respond for me in his informed reasonable style...

Wiggy i do not know your vocation but unless its journelism you may have missed your mark.

good show and to the OP, what he said....
 
Regrettably (for me), I have yet to make it to an AKFest. :tears: I hope to next year or the year after.

Perhaps I shouldn't comment since I haven't been there, but I can imagine well what the OP is talking about, from experience at other events (both good and bad). Having organized many functions over the years (including some much larger than the Fest), perhaps I can offer a few ideas/suggestions. Many of these may already have been implemented, or may not be entirely suited to the AK Fest, but perhaps something here may help for next year:

(1) Have a map given to each person on arrival (in their "kit" - a folder with schedules, vendor's ad stuff, etc...) that clearly shows the different areas (color-coded for "vendors' rooms", "member's rooms", "communal space" or "swap-meet", etc...), so if someone like the OP comes, they can quickly and easily find what they are looking for: in this case, member's rooms with less-expensive and/or more vintage gear than the vendors' rooms.

(2) Have a "social" or "rest" area where people can go just to relax and shoot the breeze (not that they aren't doing this anyway within the rooms, but this area would be specifically for meet-and-greet type socializing with people you don't already know). This should be a more open/accessable area, with refreshments. Even just putting table signs on a couple tables or a marked-off area in the lobby or coffee shop (or a large room very close to the entrance) with a coffee/tea/smacks buffet on the side would do.

(3) I know you have name badges: are they big enough to be easily read? Do they have members' user names, real names, and place of origin? (and perhaps room for one more comment/statement by the wearer?). Makes it easier for people to approach each other.

(4) Mention was made of a live concert on Saturday evening. Excellent idea. Are there other planned events? Things like cocktail parties, maybe with some silly "mixer" games at the start, the raffle, organized meals, perhaps with guest speakers, presentations, awards (some serious, some silly), etc...

(5) How about a "college bowl" type quiz-show covering audio knowledge/audio trivia, perhaps with different categories? This could be by individuals or teams, and might be divided somehow (professionals vs. amateurs, or by number of years in the hobby/business). To make it a little more fun and less intimidating, some of the questions could be about past posts/topics/revelations on AK. It would be fun for participants, and educational for all, and give people more to talk about during and afterwards.

(6) How about having a bulletin board near the entrance, where people with rooms could post a one-page "ad" showing their picture (of themselves and/or their gear) and a blurb about what was in their room? At higher cost, the pages could be reproduced and put into a "guide book" or "program". A new (or late) arrival could look these over, and decide where they'd like to start from those descriptions and pics.

(7) Have some volunteers with experience and knowledge of the Fest --wearing something distinctive like a brightly-colored sash or cap or vest to identify them-- who could act as ushers/hosts/"introducers" to help people find things, make introductions, etc... Newbies could be pointed in the right directions by them upon arrival, and they could be told to approach anyone else dressed that way at any time, if they had questions or needed help.

(8) You could organize a "scavenger hunt" type of game to run during the Fest, with a list of things to be "found" --mostly actually puzzles or questions, the answers to which would be found scattered in the various rooms. Some of the answers might be written somewhere, but for many other answers, you'd have to ask the people in the rooms. Some could be cryptic or "hidden", within reason. Have a prize for the first person to get all the answers, and another prize to be drawn from all the entrants who get all the correct answers after that. This way, people are encouraged (and have a good excuse!) to approach people in the rooms and start speaking to them, if only to ask the questions and get the answers, in the hope of winning the prize.

(9) You could have "secret friends". The people who participate in this get a gift ready before arrival, and leave it at a designated place when they arrive. At that time, they are given the name of the person whose secret friend they are, but not the person who is their own secret friend (these friendships are "one way"). If you participate, you have to approach people and introduce yourself, in order to find out who your "secret friend" is, and only once you find them, can you both go to verify that you've found them, and claim the gift. This encourages everyone to go around and introduce themselves to others, at least until they find who their own secret friend is. Guaranteed to get more people approaching the others they don't already know/haven't already met.

Hope something amidst that lengthy drivel helps improve what I'm sure is already a great event for most attendees, and hope one day to make it to a Fest, myself (being one of those married middle-agers who really don't need the bathing beauties any more to enjoy audio ...not that I don't appreciate beauty of any kind!) :D
 
I didn't have time to read the whole post but I'm from Lincoln Park, can't afford any of that stuff and still had a blast.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom