Hi Fi Show article in Smarthouse - have you seen it?

[Jventer]

Any opinions on this article about the two Hi Fi shows this year in Melbourne?

http://www.smarthouse.com.au/sound/industry/969OHU5Z-hi-fi-event-war-breaks-out.aspx

[Saxon Hall]

Interesting.

The last show in Melbourne was definitely down on exhibitors but purely as a member of the public I still enjoyed it.

I am looking forward to the new one in July but I will still be attending both.

Why not?

[New Sensations]

"War"? That's a bit strong, isn't it?

[sir sanders zingmore]

"War"? That's a bit strong, isn't it?

Indeed. I was struggling to find even the slightest hint of any animosity.

[Guest thathifiguy]

Good publicity!

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[Guest Sime]

Just how well is the original show publicized, and how well will Marc's?

[Jventer]

The more publicity the better.

The "war" bit is typical Smarthouse.

I hope to do Marc's

[New Sensations]

Just how well is the original show publicized, and how well will Marc's?

Iirc, the Chester Show was largely promoted via local 'media partner' Next Media whose advertising sales guy Jim Preece also wears a second hat as the Chester show's exhibition space salesperson.

Chester also did a fair few street furniture banners in and around the hotel.

Obviously, Marc's show is getting some serious promo on this forum. After all, he'd be crazy not to use one business venture to promote another.

And then there's local media coverage like this 'ere Smarthouse piece. Although, its headline alludes to tensions between the two show parties that remain unsubstantiated in the article itself. Most bizarre.

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Edited February 4, 2016 by J_o_h_n

[atavid]

Just my two cents worth but if either or both shows are just full of distributors then I think it makes for a very dull exhibition.Most,but not all just want to demo their high end super prestigious,insanely expensive stuff.Great for them if they make just one sale I suppose they cover their exhibition costs.

What I would like to see happen would be rooms set aside for smaller retail shops ,rent the rooms to them at a much more affordable rate than the big distributors.Encourage these retailers to set up systems that the masses might find attractively priced.AND be prepared to give people a price.Have hi fi goodies there for sale on the spot.

[New Sensations]

Great for them if they make just one sale I suppose they cover their exhibition costs.

 

 

Sure - but how else do distributors cover costs? We'd (probably) all like to see more affordable gear at shows but how many $500 DACs or $1000 amps must be sold as a result for exhibitors to see a return on their investment? Contrast that with a $10,000 turntable - one, maybe two sales, and the exhibitor is home and dry. 

[atavid]

That's exactly my point....exhibition is great for those in the high end market...but average joe....well why would he bother attending after seeing the cost of stuff at all the previous exhibitions .

I was standing behind a couple in their mid thirties at the first Sydney show ,it was the room with all those big fat silver cables running everywhere,some pricing was mentioned,the woman turned to her hubby,and said,"all this stuff is ridiculous ,let's get out of here and go have coffee".Hubby trailed dutifully behind as I saw them walk back out.

Just one example,but I think it's indicative of the reaction most " ordinary non hi fi minded " people feel when they visit "those " rooms.

They want people to attend but won't make changes to the format to encourage it.

[alistairm]

The Homebush show wasn't an audio show. There were more people selling remote control drones and security equipment than hifi gear. Tesla was there too. It was totally different to what I expect Marc's show will be like. 

[atavid]

The Homebush show wasn't an audio show. There were more people selling remote control drones and security equipment than hifi gear. Tesla was there too. It was totally different to what I expect Marc's show will be like.

Al ,I was referring to the 2nd Hi Fi show in Sydney in 2012 I think that was the year.i didn't bother going to the Homebush one.

I'm considering going to the one in July this year but want to keep checking on who is exhibiting,

If it's the same old same old,I may pass.

[Luc]

I'm going to the show to see friends, to see high end bling in motion and I hope there is some average stuff and some midrange gear that I can aspire too.

I don't want to see 1k gear or lower priced stuff ad nauseam. I can see that any time.

I don't go to a car show to see Toyotas. I want to perv on the bling.

I think our salami guzzling leader will put up a show that's going to be a much more engaging experience than other shows. If he doesn't then we'll just unfriend him until he gets it right.

[Guest 322]

For a long time we've never had a show, I for one will go to every one in Melbourne, I'll support them as I'd really like them to continue.

[Guest Sime]

No pressure Marc, non at all...........

[Guest]

Just my two cents worth but if either or both shows are just full of distributors then I think it makes for a very dull exhibition.Most,but not all just want to demo their high end super prestigious,insanely expensive stuff.Great for them if they make just one sale I suppose they cover their exhibition costs.

What I would like to see happen would be rooms set aside for smaller retail shops ,rent the rooms to them at a much more affordable rate than the big distributors.Encourage these retailers to set up systems that the masses might find attractively priced.AND be prepared to give people a price.Have hi fi goodies there for sale on the spot.

 

We have at present, 5 retailers taking rooms. More are still in discussion. And I agree, a retailer can piece together a system comprising many brands, if they choose. A distributor tends to showcase single brand systems.

Pros and cons of each.

[beeclam]

"War"? That's a bit strong, isn't it?

 

These two shows that are literally months apart? They're clearly both out for blood

[atavid]

I'm going to the show to see friends, to see high end bling in motion and I hope there is some average stuff and some midrange gear that I can aspire too.

I don't want to see 1k gear or lower priced stuff ad nauseam. I can see that any time.

I don't go to a car show to see Toyotas. I want to perv on the bling.

I think our salami guzzling leader will put up a show that's going to be a much more engaging experience than other shows. If he doesn't then we'll just unfriend him until he gets it right.

Hey Luc,don't get me wrong I love to look and listen to the bling too,but that's you,me and all the other hi fi converts,it's not necessarily your average punter.When I go to the car shows I love to drool over Lambos and Ferrarri's etc but if I'm possibly in the market for a new car I AM looking at Toyotas too,and I would argue a majority of car show attendees are as well.

I'll say it again,if the show organisers want more than Stereonet devotees and the odd enthusiast outside the fold to attend to boost their numbers,they have to make it more appealing to those average people who MAY be thinking about buying a hi fi system IF they don't get scared off by the outrageous prices for top end gear the distributors usually push.

Edited February 4, 2016 by atavid

[gcgreg]

I'm with @@Luc on this. Harvey Norman is around the corner from me, I can go there and look at the mediocre with discounts applied. Good distributors know shows are about branding, not over-the-counter sales. If you're looking to recoup exhibition costs at the event, you're doing it wrong. For many punters, shows are the peek over the pail, a glimpse of what could be. Mainstream wares are uninspiring.

Edit: Repaired broken English.

Edited February 5, 2016 by gcgreg

[Jventer]

I have started this for several reasons, including to raise awareness here of what is said on the net. Smarthouse IME likes using headlines to grab attention.

I don't like the fact that they are using the word "war".

Do like the fact that both shows are now getting some exposure/publicity. 

[New Sensations]

I'm with @@Luc on this. Harvey Norman is around the corner from me, I can go there and look at the mediocre with discounts applied. Good distributors know shows are about branding, not over-the-counter sales. If you're looking to recoup exhibition costs at the event, you're doing it wrong. For many punters, shows are the peek over the pail, a glimpse of what could be. Mainstream wares uninspiring.

 

Yes - agreed. But a branding exercise must still pay its way (through sales) in the long-run.

As for Harvey Norman. Do they now sell entry-level Rega, Cambridge Audio of NAD? I think what others are getting at here is that BETWEEN the high end and the high street big boxers sit entry-level gear not represented by HN, BL and JB.

[gcgreg]

As for Harvey Norman. Do they now sell entry-level Rega, Cambridge Audio of NAD? I think what others are getting at here is that BETWEEN the high end and the high street big boxers sit entry-level gear not represented by HN, BL and JB.

I hadn't considered it from that perspective, but HN was only an example. There are other chain and franchise retailers that sell those brands you mentioned.

At the risk of using an analogy that may well fall flat on its face, automakers don't generally exhibit base models at shows. They show off the up-spec stuff, then inspired punters trundle off to the local dealers and buy the model the can nearly afford.

My experience is based in a different industry, but our distributors that used shows to build relationships and maybe pick up a few sales along the way always came away feeling the event was a success. They spend the rest of the year collecting orders. Those who focus on merchandising and retail at the event consistently report that the show was a waste of money, their site was in a bad position, the weather was too hot/cold/wet/windy and the punters were all tyre kickers. Same products, same type of shows, same punters, two very different outcomes.

All of this is of course my own opinion but it is rooted in real-world experience.

[New Sensations]

I hadn't considered it from that perspective, but HN was only an example. There are other chain and franchise retailers that sell those brands you mentioned.

At the risk of using an analogy that may well fall flat on its face, automakers don't generally exhibit base models at shows. They show off the up-spec stuff, then inspired punters trundle off to the local dealers and buy the model the can nearly afford.

My experience is based in a different industry, but our distributors that used shows to build relationships and maybe pick up a few sales along the way always came away feeling the event was a success. They spend the rest of the year collecting orders. Those who focus on merchandising and retail at the event consistently report that the show was a waste of money, their site was in a bad position, the weather was too hot/cold/wet/windy and the punters were all tyre kickers. Same products, same type of shows, same punters, two very different outcomes.

All of this is of course my own opinion but it is rooted in real-world experience.

 

You make some very interesting points here, Greg. However, dropping $20K+ on a car is a societal norm. Spending the same on hifi is not.

[gcgreg]

You make some very interesting points here, Greg. However, dropping $20K+ on a car is a societal norm. Spending the same on hifi is not.

No, it isn't nor will it likely ever be. My example though was to demonstrate why I feel it's important to put your best foot forward at these events. If I haven't heard of NAD, am I going to be blown away by their entry level and become a brand devotee and subsequently purchase? I concede some may.

Hopefully I can schedule things such that I can actually attend this show and see how it does all pan out either way.