AXPONA 2026 AUDIO EXPO NORTH AMERICA RETURNS WITH NEW ALTI PAVILION AND 220+ LISTENING ROOMS
AXPONA 2026 (Audio Expo North America) takes place from 10–12 April at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Illinois, marking the event’s 17th edition.
The show brings together audiophiles, industry professionals and manufacturers for three days of product demonstrations, seminars and live music. More than 750 brands are expected to participate across a wide range of categories including loudspeakers, amplification, digital sources and analogue equipment.
AXPONA 2026 AUDIO EXPO NORTH AMERICA LISTENING ROOMS AND SYSTEMS
At the core of AXPONA 2026 Audio Expo North America are over 220 dedicated listening rooms spread across multiple floors. These spaces allow visitors to hear complete HiFi systems in controlled environments, with demonstrations covering everything from high-end loudspeakers and amplifiers to streamers and turntables.
EXPO HALL AND RECORD FAIR
The Expo Hall will again host a large Record Fair alongside manufacturers and distributors. Attendees can browse vinyl alongside hardware including turntables, cartridges, cables and accessories. Exhibitors include companies such as Butcher Block Acoustics, Fern & Roby, Music on Reels and SOTA Turntables.
AXPONA 2026 EAR GEAR EXPERIENCE
Personal audio remains a key part of the show with the dedicated Ear Gear Experience. This section focuses on headphones, in-ear monitors, DACs and portable players, with brands such as 64 Audio, Beyerdynamic, Dan Clark Audio, Noble Audio, Sennheiser and ZMF Headphones offering demonstrations and new product launches.
AXPONA 2026 INTRODUCES ALTI PAVILION
New for this year is the ALTI Pavilion, a trade-focused area organised with the ALTI Association (Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International). The space is designed for industry networking and collaboration, supported by a programme of seminars and dedicated meeting areas.
HIFI CAR AUDIO SHOWCASE
The HiFi Car Audio Showcase returns, featuring demonstrations of in-car sound systems alongside a sound quality competition. The showcase highlights developments in automotive audio and system integration.
AXPONA 2026 LIVE MUSIC PROGRAMME
Live performances form part of the evening programme. Jazz pianist Caelan Cardello is scheduled to perform on Friday, while singer-songwriter Amber Rubarth will appear on Saturday. Both concerts take place after show hours.
SEMINARS AND TRADE SESSIONS
A series of seminars and masterclasses will cover topics including system building, analogue playback and headphone technology. A new trade-focused seminar track has been added for 2026, addressing retail and marketing within the audio sector.
AXPONA 2026 APP AND PASSPORT PROGRAMME
A new mobile app will be introduced to help visitors navigate the event, offering exhibitor listings, seminar schedules and personalised recommendations. The app also supports the Passport Programme, where attendees can collect exhibitor entries for prize draws held during the show.
AXPONA 2026 LOCATION DETAILS
AXPONA 2026 Audio Expo North America takes place at the Schaumburg Convention Center, with exhibits and listening rooms located throughout the venue, including the Expo Hall and multiple hotel floors.
AXPONA 2026 TICKETS & OPENING TIMES
AXPONA 2026 takes place from April 10 – 12 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, IL
1 Day – $32 online, $40 onsite
Multi-Day – $60 online, $75 onsite
Gen Z Pass – $15 online, $20 onsite
All general admission tickets grant access to exhibits including Listening Rooms and the Expo Hall, as well as educational seminars, live music and special events.
AXPONA opens Friday, April 10 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), Saturday, April 11 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), and Sunday, April 12 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).