North America’s premier high-end audio event returns to the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center near Chicago for its 17th edition. From April 10 to 12, 2026, AXPONA promises three days of immersive listening, cutting-edge technology, live music, and unparalleled industry networking.
With over 230 dedicated listening rooms, more than 750 brands, an expansive Expo Hall, and exciting new additions, AXPONA 2026 is the ultimate destination for audiophiles, music lovers, and audio professionals. Here are the Top 10 experiences you won’t want to miss.
1. Explore Over 230 Immersive Listening Rooms
At the heart of AXPONA lies its legendary collection of more than 230 private listening rooms spread across multiple floors. This is where attendees can sit back and critically evaluate complete high-performance audio systems from the world’s most respected manufacturers.
From flagship loudspeakers and powerful amplifiers to high-resolution streamers and premium analog setups, these carefully curated environments offer the perfect setting to experience reference-level sound in real-world conditions.
2. Shop the Expo Hall and Record Fair
The bustling Expo Hall serves as a vibrant marketplace for vinyl collectors and gear enthusiasts alike. Home to the popular Record Fair, visitors can browse thousands of new and used LPs while discovering the latest turntables, tonearms, cartridges, cables, racks, and accessories.
Brands such as Butcher Block Acoustics, Fern & Roby, Music on Reels, and SOTA Turntables will be on hand, making it one of the best places to find both rare records and essential audio upgrades.
3. Dive into the Ear Gear Experience
Personal audio enthusiasts will find heaven in the dedicated Ear Gear Experience the largest showcase of its kind at any North American show. This area highlights the latest headphones, in-ear monitors, DACs, headphone amplifiers, and portable players.
Leading names including 64 Audio, Beyerdynamic, Dan Clark Audio, Noble Audio, Sennheiser, and ZMF Headphones will demonstrate new products with hands-on listening opportunities.
4. Discover the New ALTI Pavilion
Making its debut in 2026, the ALTI Pavilion (presented by the Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International Association) brings a fresh B2B focus to the Expo Hall. This dedicated space connects loudspeaker and audio technology innovators, engineers, consultants, and manufacturers for collaboration, networking, and business development.
The Pavilion also anchors expanded trade programming, including targeted seminars, a networking mixer, and professional lounges.
5. Experience Premium Hi-Fi Car Audio
The returning Hi-Fi Car Audio Showcase lets visitors hear state-of-the-art automotive sound systems in dedicated demonstrations. Top manufacturers and specialist dealers will showcase the latest in-car audio technology, with the excitement peaking during the Car Audio Showcase Invitation Sound Quality (SQ) Competition.
6. Enjoy Live Concerts with Amber Rubarth and Caelan Cardello
When the exhibition rooms close, the music continues with two special evening concerts sponsored by Wireworld Cable Technology.
- Friday, April 10 at 8:00 p.m. — Rising jazz pianist Caelan Cardello, recipient of the BMI Future Jazz Master Award, blends classic jazz traditions with modern innovation.
- Saturday, April 11 at 8:00 p.m. — Award-winning singer-songwriter Amber Rubarth delivers an intimate, emotionally rich performance drawing from folk, Americana, and indie influences.
Seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
7. See New Product Launches from 750+ Global Brands
AXPONA remains the premier North American platform for major product debuts. More than 750 brands will showcase the latest high-end audio gear, including new speakers, turntables, streaming solutions, cables, amplifiers, and accessories from respected names such as ATC Loudspeakers, Bel Canto, Cambridge Audio, Devialet, Focal | Naim, Magico, Nordost, Pass Labs, Totem Acoustic, Vandersteen Audio, and YG Acoustics.
8. Attend Expert Seminars and Master Classes
AXPONA’s comprehensive seminar program features sessions led by industry engineers, designers, and musicians. Topics range from system building and immersive audio to analog playback and headphone technology.
This year introduces a new trade-focused seminar track with sessions on modern marketing strategies and evolving retail concepts perfect for brands, dealers, and industry partners.
9. Navigate with the New AI-Powered AXPONA Mobile App
The all-new AXPONA mobile app debuts in 2026 to make planning and navigating the show effortless. Powered by an AI help desk, the app helps attendees quickly locate exhibitors, discover brands (including those featuring turntables and analog gear), receive personalized recommendations, and access seminar schedules and messaging features.
10. Participate in the Passport Program
Make your visit even more rewarding with the interactive Passport Program, available through the AXPONA App. Collect ID numbers from participating exhibitors throughout the show. Completed passports are entered into daily drawings, with three lucky winners each receiving $100 cash prizes, awarded at the Master Class Theater.
Plan Your AXPONA 2026 Adventure
From critical listening sessions and vinyl hunting to live performances and industry networking, AXPONA 2026 delivers an unforgettable high-fidelity experience. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or discovering high-end audio for the first time, these ten highlights will help you make the most of North America’s largest audio event.
