Greetings from Southwest Audio Fest 2024 in Dallas

March 16, 2024 / By mobanmarket

An audio show is born: the inaugural Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF), taking place on March 15-17 in Dallas, Texas, at the Hilton Anatole hotel.

By audio show standards, it is small, with only about 50 rooms. It is possible to demo all the systems at the show over the course of its three-day run. The show is organized by the same team that puts on the Capital Audiofest and Pacific Audio Fest, meaning there’s experience and a proven track record behind this new show.

I attended Capital Audiofest in November 2023. There’s a lot in common in terms of the exhibitor list and the general layout, which includes pop-up record and accessory shopping in a huge, open atrium lobby. The main difference between Dallas and D.C. is that the hotel here is larger, even though the show itself is smaller.

Scouting the layout prior to the show opening, I noticed a welcome letter to attendees. It announced next year’s event, at the same location, March 21st–23rd. It promises more rooms and more lifestyle and home theater products. The letter also mentions a focus on bringing in families and friends of audiophiles, not just dedicated hard-core enthusiasts. Certainly this Texas-sized Hilton Hotel has room to grow if it succeeds.

I spoke briefly with Lou Hinkley, one of the show organizers. He confirmed that while this year’s show focuses on high-end stereo, the plan for expansion includes the incorporation of lifestyle and AV categories, although to what extent, Lou would not say.

Check back for room reports with photos and videos, coming soon from SWAF 2024.

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