INDUSTRY UPDATE
US AND CANADA (AND WORLDWIDE)
Julie Mullins
The novel coronavirus variants aren’t through with us yet. Most audio shows—and many concerts, festivals, and other in-person events—have been canceled again this year. Recent casualties include AXPONA and the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF)—the latter, perhaps, forever.
AXPONA canceled its 2021 show, which had already been rescheduled from the spring to October, announcing that the next show will take place April 22–24, 2022. “Exhibitors and attendees travel to AXPONA from throughout the United States and from more than 40 other countries,” the AXPONA announcement read. “Over the last few weeks, citing concerns over personal health, the unpredictability of international travel restrictions and reinstated companywide travel bans, many community members have told us they are unwilling or unable to commit to AXPONA in October.”
“Things were just so positive a few months ago,” Event Director Liz Miller Smith told Stereophile in a Skype call. “But I think things will be better in April when we can get back to full participation of around 200 listening rooms.”
People who already purchased AXPONA tickets can transfer them to next year’s event—they’ll receive a complimentary guest pass as a thank you—or receive a refund. Exhibitor contracts from the original 2020 show, which of course was also canceled, will be transferred to the 2022 show, and
