The New York Audio Show is renowned for the quality of its show visitors and for being the only city-based show in America. In fact, as it is located in the greatest city in the world, it has to have the best of everything!
MAX TOWNSHEND – TOWNSHEND AUDIO
It is with great sadness that we heard about the passing of Max Townshend.
There are many who will have known Max a great deal longer than we have, but for us at least he was a true business friend who supported all our UK shows since we started out, and we were always very grateful for that loyal support and encouragement.
He was, to put it simply, the fount of all knowledge when it came to high end Audio engineering, not only in the UK but worldwide, and always available to talk and advise others in the industry.
He was a devoted family man, and Townshend Audio also a genuine family business, and we send our sincere condolences to Sue and Family at this most sad time
With his family’s agreement we will arrange a special tribute to him and his achievements at this years UK Audio Show 2022.
The Chester Group
Chester Group celebrates its 25th year
Is it behind us, or before us?
THE CHESTER GROUP – INDUSTRY COOPERATION
We are constantly being reminded by our Exhibitors that press coverage for Audio/Hi-Fi Shows can be equal to the sales rewards from show attendance.
It’s true to say that the Audio/Hi-Fi industry probably has more specialist media ( both printed and online ) than any other consumer industry, so for us at least there importance is now under review.
Starting with our next show all Media who make a commitment* to attend our shows in person will be offered DB&B for one night, this can be the Friday or Saturday.
We will also set up a Panel which will include selected Exhibitors, Trade Visitors and ourselves; there objective being to vet and judge the quality and extent of coverage for our shows, both before and post show.
Each will also be offered the chance to play a part in ‘Clinics’ so that Visitors can get some of their questions answered by the professionals.
The role of the Press is vital to the health, product announcements and also sustaining appeal for the High End entertainment market that we are all involved in, and there will be a number of categories based on the organisations size and business model.
Prizes will include all expenses paid trips to selected shows, cash sums, recognition in all our marketing and joint marketing deals.
This year we saw a substantial increase in Press attendance at the UK Audio Show, and having spoken with a number of Exhibitors after the show, the above proposal was met with universal approval; in a word we need to reward and nurture this important player in our market.
THE CHESTER GROUP – INDUSTRY COOPERATION
We are experiencing growing concerns that Organisers do not appear to be working together in the best interest of the industry when choosing dates for their shows each year. Well before COVID-19 decimated our industry, and for various reasons, shows would overlap or in some cases conflict directly with each other. Now in the organisers defence, this can be circumstantial; the availability of Venues that can or will accommodate such shows has diminished; the increase in such shows worldwide, the disruption due to COVID-19 and finally the seasons in each year that are viable. Our view remains that this industry ‘needs’ shows but there is real danger that organisers will appear not to be working together in the industries best interests and that can lead to the division of support or even non-attendance. Of course, mistakes can happen as without a collective organisation to represent us how dates are arrived at or are ultimately advertised can vary. The Chester Group has always gone out of their way to avoid conflictions with other organisers but even this year we found ourselves choosing the same date as another show after we had to reschedule from 2021; but that was quickly put right.
So, and in order to help we have made the decision to announce the dates for our three existing shows for the next 3 years.
The New York Audio Show 2022/23rd-24th September
The New York Audio Show 2023/22nd– 23rd September
The New York Audio Show 2024/20th – 21st September
The UK Audio Show 2022/8th – 9th October
The UK Audio Show 2023/7th – 8th October
The UK Audio Show 2024/5th – 6th October
The Australian Hi-Fi & AV Show 2022/21st – 23rd October
The Australian Hi-Fi & AV Show 2023/20th – 22nd October
The Australian Hi-Fi & AV Show 2024/18th – 20th October
Two of the dates above are the traditional dates for our shows and one is because of a conflicting date. Of course, other Organisers will make their own decisions and we are ‘not’ in any way trying to gain any advantage here . . . we are doing what we have been doing for the last 25 years acting in the best interests of the industry that we represent and ensure our shows aren’t compromised. Of course we have plans for new events but before we even consider them further we will take account of the existing calendar and also any competition.
The Chester Group