The Florida International Audio Expo just announced the dates for its fifth show, taking place Friday–Sunday, February 16–18, 2024, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore hotel. Tickets and hotel reservations are now available.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore over 12 floors of audio systems from the industry’s most coveted brands from all over the world— stereo preamps, stereo power amps, high end loudspeakers, high performance turntables, wired headphones, and more. The event will provide attendees with the incredible opportunity to meet industry influencers, icons, and product designers as they roam the halls, enjoying music together. “We’re excited to be returning for our fifth year with almost all of our exhibit rooms already sold out,” said Managing Partner Bart Andeer. “It’s a testament to the atmosphere we’ve created here that so many of our 2023 exhibitors are returning, and we’re also welcoming some established brands for the first time.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of products on display, making it easier to find the best option for their music-reproduction needs. We welcome everyone to the Sunshine State to celebrate our passion for music—it’s the reason we created this show!”
Tickets are on sale now: Single-day admission, $25; admission for all three days, $35; free admission for students, children, and spouses. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore, originally built as condominiums, has acoustically isolated suites and offers a feeling of comfort and luxury to attendees and exhibitors alike. The hotel is conveniently located just minutes away from Tampa International Airport. Additional benefits for attendees and exhibitors staying at the Embassy Suites include a free airport shuttle, complimentary breakfast and happy hour.
Hotel reservations are open now but will go quickly, so don’t hesitate. Founded in 2018, the Florida International Audio Expo was developed by an experienced team of successful, professional, and motivated individuals with the mission to present a strong show that welcomes to the Southeast market dealers and manufacturers from around the world, and offers a fun atmosphere for enjoying music. They’ve also reportedly partnered with local Florida Newspaper Florida Gulf Coast as a Tampa-based media partner to drive new, high net worth attendees to the show.
All About The Florida International Audiophile Show
The Florida International Audio Expo, often referred to more casually as the Florida Audio Show, has rapidly grown into one of the most important annual events in the American high-end audio scene. Hosted in Tampa, typically in February, this relatively new show has filled a void left by the shifting priorities of CES and other legacy audio shows. For both manufacturers and audiophiles, it’s become a welcome opportunity to connect in a more focused, music-first environment that blends classic audiophile energy with a warm, Floridian atmosphere.
The show is held at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel, which offers spacious rooms that can be adapted into proper demo suites. The layout is manageable and walkable, and the venue’s size hits a sweet spot—not too big to feel overwhelming, not too small to feel limited. You can take in most of the show in a weekend without feeling rushed. This accessibility has made the event increasingly popular for regional audiophiles, especially those in the Southeastern U.S. who previously had to travel long distances to experience major audio expos in person.
Founded by a group of audio veterans and enthusiasts, the Florida show’s mission has remained refreshingly straightforward: provide a space for serious two-channel audio demonstrations in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. There’s no tech sprawl, no smart home gimmicks, and no lifestyle distractions—it’s pure audio. From towering reference-level speakers to compact streaming rigs, the show floor offers a wide spectrum of gear aimed at music lovers and hobbyists alike.
Since its debut in 2019, the Florida Audio Show has steadily expanded its exhibitor list and audience. The timing was uncanny—it launched just before the pandemic disrupted live events, but thanks to careful planning and a loyal base of returning vendors, it has bounced back stronger than many older shows. Exhibitors range from boutique analog brands to established digital heavyweights. You’ll find tube amps, turntables, cables, DACs, streaming solutions, room treatments, and just about every other category relevant to high-end audio.
One of the show’s most appealing traits is the quality of the sound demonstrations. Unlike some larger shows where poor hotel acoustics or overstuffed rooms can undermine even the best gear, the Florida event manages to produce genuinely satisfying listening conditions in many of its rooms. Exhibitors take the setup seriously, and because the environment is less chaotic, they have more time to dial in their systems. That means visitors are often getting a clearer picture of what the equipment can actually do in a well-balanced room.
Another standout feature of the Florida show is the sense of community it fosters. The tone is friendly, approachable, and inclusive—less of a sales-driven pitch and more of a shared musical experience. Show organizers and room hosts often go out of their way to answer questions, play listener-provided tracks, and talk gear without condescension. It’s not just a trade show—it’s a gathering of people who genuinely care about music reproduction.
Live music is also part of the program, helping to connect the dots between recorded and live sound. Guest speakers and presentations add another layer, with names like David Solomon from Qobuz leading high-resolution audio demonstrations and informal “flash DJ” sessions. These moments help make the event feel less like an industry showcase and more like a celebration of listening.
The location in Tampa adds to the appeal. While some audio shows are tucked away in expensive urban centers or hard-to-reach suburbs, the Florida show benefits from being in a sunny, travel-friendly city that’s easy to navigate and affordable to visit. For snow-weary audiophiles from northern climates, it’s a good excuse to escape winter and spend a weekend soaking in both sunshine and sound.
Importantly, the show draws a cross-section of the audio market. Yes, there are six-figure speakers and tube amps glowing behind velvet ropes—but there’s also a solid showing of real-world systems aimed at listeners with modest budgets. Brands know they’re playing to a crowd that values performance and practicality, not just prestige, and the show’s scale allows smaller companies to get noticed in a way that’s harder to achieve at larger, more corporate events.
In just a few short years, the Florida International Audio Expo has carved out a real niche in the crowded calendar of audio events. It combines the intimacy of a regional gathering with the professionalism and variety of a national show. For exhibitors, it’s a cost-effective way to connect with serious customers. For attendees, it’s a rare chance to hear great systems, discover new music, and meet the people behind the products—all in a laid-back, music-loving environment.
