RMAF 2019 Gaylord Rockies Convention Center

[2fastdriving]

This is really alarming, i'll pull the plug if there's nothing to see.

[Masterlu]

Not for nothing, but if the Big Players won’t display at this venue, what chance do the smaller Companies have in affording it?

Really a shame.

[W9TR]

One of the major, long-standing problems with RMAF's previous venue—its lack of large spaces to satisfy exhibitor demand—will no longer be an issue. The Gaylord adds 114 larger suites, 550-650 sq. ft. This is about double the size of the King Suites in the Tech Center. And guess what, they cost about double what the old tech center 225 sq. ft. suites cost. The sq. ft. cost has gone up 10% like for like.

I missed last year, but in 2017 I'd say 80% of the rooms sounded like ass. Some of it was the gear and setup, but I think most of it was the rooms themselves. The best sounding rooms were the few larger rooms and larger suites.

At the end of the day the exhibitors will have to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze. Given the price of a lot of the gear sold, one more purchase of anything will swamp the incremental y/y room cost.

The 'like-for-like' room rents have not doubled, and I'm hoping the sound will be much better after all.

[W9TR]

Here are the room rates:

https://audiofest.net/media/images/d...AF19Prices.pdf

Rooms start at $5500.

[audioguy3107]

Is there any chance that we're jumping to conclusions about this whole matter? I know Ivan said that he has heard some negative feedback from some manufacturers but I just find it incredibly hard to believe that the show and industry was so clueless that they moved venues and now the big names will say, no forget that, not going and the result would be an empty show and the end of RMAF. When I saw the Gaylord Center, all I could think was that this should bring way MORE attendees and exhibitors since it would be a win win for everyone. Heck, I'm bringing the whole family for a nice weekend since it's a nice place and would assume that others may have the same feeling. Like Tom said, if the larger rooms will help the sound and it's only a small increase (percentage) then they should try it at least for 1 year and then go from there.

- Buck

[Masterlu]

I certainly hope that I’m wrong; but as of right now, every major manufacturer that I sell for won’t be there.

[For The Love of Music]

It’s still a bit too early to give up hope. I didn’t decide to display my show earlier this year until literally the last minute unsure of many facets, but ponied up $30K and did it right.

The economy is a little goofy right now IMO, despite the Indicators showing positive.

[SCAudiophile]

Looks like 1 or 2 new names have surfaced but the list is still a bit thin. Anybody hear of other exhibitors likely to register?

Shunyata, Esoteric, DCS, Accuphase, other high end names?

[2fastdriving]

I wrote an email to one of my favorite vendors that is an RMAF regular... He said his cost doubled and he's not sure what he's going to do.

[audioguy3107]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

I wrote an email to one of my favorite vendors that is an RMAF regular... He said his cost doubled and he's not sure what he's going to do.

I just can’t believe whoever runs this thing picked a place that will drive all the vendors away and kill the show. It just doesn’t make any sense.

- Buck