AXPONA Show Sold!

Just two weeks after the end of a successful AXPONA 2026 comes the surprise announcement that AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), the largest high-end audio event in North America, has been acquired by Sound & Fury LLC, an organization about which we know very little at this time. The business appears to be new, having been filed in the state of Nevada on March 25, 2026. In addition to owner Henry Wu, the company’s managers on file are Brian Ring and Wayne L Prim Jr., according to Bizapedia.

I had my first audiophile experience in sixth grade at my best friend’s house — and it changed the course of my life. Decades later, I am honored to serve as the next steward of what I believe is the greatest audio event in the world, alongside one of the best teams in the industry.

— Henry Wu, Owner of Sound & Fury LLC

Since the first AXPONA in 2009, the show has served countless audiophiles, music enthusiasts, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers as a premier destination to experience high-fidelity sound and cutting-edge audio equipment from around the world. In 2013, AXPONA was acquired by JD Events, a veteran organization in the trade-show and conference industry. JD Events helped to grow AXPONA into what is now the largest show of its kind on this side of the Atlantic. Now the show has changed hands again, with Sound & Fury’s “forward-looking vision for the evolving high-end audio market” taking control of AXPONA’s future, according to a press release announcing the acquisition.

This acquisition comes at a pivotal moment, both for AXPONA and for the high-end audio industry as a whole. While some audio companies fared well during the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person events like AXPONA obviously struggled, and some competitors did not survive. Notably, the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF) officially ended in 2021, after 17 years. Now, however, the shows that managed to stick around — including AXPONA and T.H.E. Show — are reporting growing interest from new listeners who are turning up in record numbers. At the same time, the audio industry as a whole is coping with ongoing tariffs, new and ongoing wars, and a period of significant economic uncertainty. Now more than ever, it is important for the audio industry to expand its reach while continuing to serve its core enthusiast audience, and shows like AXPONA play a significant role in making these goals achievable.

AXPONA 2026 set a new benchmark for energy, engagement and scale. The growth we’re seeing reflects a community that is evolving in exciting ways. We’re excited to build on that momentum as we expand the show for 2027 and beyond.

— Liz Smith, VP, Event Director for AXPONA

The 2027 show will proceed as planned at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center. Crucially, the existing AXPONA event team will remain in place under the show’s new ownership, so exhibitors, partners, and attendees can expect a seamless transition. In the coming months, the team will reportedly announce “enhanced programming and new features” for the 2027 show. AXPONA 2026 was officially the largest in the show’s 17-year history, drawing a reported 12,546 people — a 15% increase over the previous year. According to the AXPONA team, the 2026 crowd was “characterized by a distinct shift in energy, fueled by a 52% increase in Gen Z passes.” A younger and more diverse crowd represented a “growing mainstream appetite for high-fidelity audio,” according to the folks at AXPONA.

The 2026 show also featured a new ALTI Pavilion, a dedicated B2B environment within the Expo Hall where the ALTI Association (Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International) held a “groundbreaking hybrid industry event.” This reportedly allowed professionals from the audio and loudspeaker technologies side of the industry to “connect, collaborate, and explore new business opportunities” with HiFi manufacturers, innovators, and consultants. Meanwhile, show-goers enjoyed the fan-favorite Hi-Fi Car Audio showcase, the Record Fair showcase featuring new and vintage vinyl (alongside a vast array of analog gear), and the Ear Gear Experience, where fans of headphones and all things personal audio gathered to test the latest and greatest equipment. Of course, there were also 235 dedicated listening rooms spread across 12 floors, representing 750 global manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and brands.

AXPONA 2026 exceeded all expectations — from record attendance to the incredible energy across the Listening Rooms, Expo Hall, Ear Gear Experience, Car Audio Showcase, and new ALTI Pavilion. It’s exciting to see the passion for high-end audio continue to grow, bringing together music lovers, industry leaders, and young enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience. It was incredible to see our exhibitors joined by dealers, distributors, and press from over 50 countries, all while welcoming a new generation of enthusiasts to the show. The record-breaking attendance and the influx of younger, more diverse listeners prove that AXPONA is not just the premier B2B gathering for the industry in North America, but a growing, vibrant destination for all music lovers. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming everyone back next year.

— Liz Smith

AXPONA will return April 9-11, 2027

More information: www.axpona.com