What does AK Fest mean to you

[grumpy]

Even if you have not attended I am curious what the fest means to you.

[SPL db]

Means auditioning some great audio and meeting even greater people*! :beerchug:

*(Unless your talking to Eric about Sliceless Sally! :) )

Scott

[Sandy G]

What Scott said.

[sauuuuuce]

Means learning listening and fun....

[DaWoofer]

First the people from this group, meeting all the great gents and their audio experiences and building friendships. Second, the DIY equipment these fine people have put together. Third, all the great vintage speakers. Fourth, the new tube equipment just to see what the industry is up to. Fifth, revert back to one and add commradary(sp).

[gigidy5]

like sandy said. Plus a TT

[Snade]

I would expect the Fest to be like my experience with the AK forums:

- Meet great people - laugh, exchange stories about gear, music and life.

- Learn new ideas about setup, rehab and combinations of gear (practical ideas I could take home and try).

- See a lot of great demos of vintage gear and discussions with the many AK experts of vintage gear

- See and hear some great modern gear (open my mind to new ideas, breakdown old misconceptions).

- I also would like a room with old radios and TVs (that would be cool).

Thanks for asking. Snade

[birddog]

As a Non-Attendee, I can tell you what I feel it means to me...

First and foremost, I see the fest as an irreplaceable resource for all aficionados of all levels of audio equipment and enjoyment. No where else will you find such an experienced and knowledgeable bunch of guys, who are willing to reach out and share their joy and wisdom of this hobby, with everyone from the total newb, to some one with a world class system like Masterlu.

This spirit of camaraderie and passion for the shared interest in all things audio, is what it means most to me. There are so many members who best demonstrate these qualities, it is impossible to begin to name them all here. To have the opportunity to have all of these folks, as well as the many members of the general public who attend the fest, gathered together in one place, is beyond priceless.

Someday, I hope to be able to attend, and expand not only on my love of the hobby, but to be able to finally shake the hands and thank the numerous members who have made me welcome here on AudioKarma.

This forum transcends just being a place for us to gather and discuss a hobby, it is like a family to many of us, and the fest is like our "Family Reunion", and family reunions are our chance to honor and examine our past, and to strengthen the bonds that have been made, and to nurture the future generation of audio enthusiasts that will take our place when our time has past.

To all involved with running this forum, and organizing the Fest, my heartfelt thanks to every one of you!

:pawprint::pawprint::pawprint::pawprint:

[NOSValves]

It means having a chance to allow Grumpy to give me a can of " Nag B Gone" only to turn around and use it on him later when he nagged me about my system....... I'm sure seeing Grumpy run and me chasing him was the sight for those lucky few that were present to witness it......

But seriously the fest is many things to me.

To me the fest is a vacation away from the dungeon I call my shop.

The fest gives me a chance relax and enjoy music with like minded folks.

Although I'm considered an exhibitor the fest is more of a chance for me to get back the roots of what used to be just a hobby for me.

Of course it also allows me to touch base with my customers and introduce myself to possible new customers.

I usually leave the fest very tired but also rejuvinated...

[shelby1420]

A chance to audition great gear, meet great people and catch up with old friends.

[botrytis]

Being at the first 2 fests - I can say - meeting people and making new friends. Chatting about equipment both new and old. And a general laid back affair where everyone has fun - even 'Toze!!

[Erkenbrand42]

As my first AKFest, it meant checking out the exhibitors and seeing what's new on the market, and finally getting to see some stuff that I've only read about. It also meant seeing the members' systems and finding out what's going on in the DIY land. That second bit was the more important - we all get to share our love of audio gear. Not to mention it's great talking with other people who understand the addiction and don't just go blank when I start prattling on about T/S parameters, crossover points and all of the good stuff that makes this so much fun. :-)

[Mike Gibson]

As a first time visitor I enjoyed the great sounding equipment a lot. However, since most of my AK time is spent in chat I was really looking forward to meeting as many of the people I have annoyed in chat in person.

I succeeded for the most part and met almost everyone I regularly chat with. My expectations of the fest were exceeded.

One thing became very apparent and that is even though we sometimes have our moments online with someone when they need a hand or some gear all that fades and folks true nature shines through.


Mike

[WhiteSE]

To me, many things:

1. I get to insult AK friends in person.
2. To get insulted in person by AK friends.
3. I would insult Craig NOS Vulvas but i think he would throw off a balcony.
4. DIY stuff...that is cool...and vintage stuff (kinda lacking in this show).

But in seriousness, its like a family reunion to me...its really that comfortable.

[BajaGringo]

Not having attended my perception had much to do with the name - "Fest". I saw it as being a festive celebration of what draws so many of us here together online from distance parts of the globe. So I would have imagined that it would include camaraderie, mixers, new equipment/technology from vendors, vintage, HT, DIY, swap/sell, entertainment event(s) and some mini seminars on some of the subjects that have already been mentioned in other threads...

:music:

[roadie1]

Great question, Grumpy. I've been here since '05 and for the first year or so I just took time to get to know my way around and get a feel for people. After I figured out what a great place this is with tons of great people I'd promised myself I'd make it to a Fest but for the last 2 years it just wasn't in the cards so hopefully next year. I'm going to do all I can to set money and vacation time aside to do it.

Why?

1. I want to meet and greet some of the wonderful people here and that's saying a lot for being the introvert that I am. I want to put faces with names and say Thanks for tutoring me in the ways of all things audio. And what the hell, maybe even have a beer or two with the infamous 'Toze and you too:yes:

2. I want to be able to hear equipment that otherwise I probably wouldn't be able to.:music:

3. I'd like to bring some of my stuff with me to get some opinions on how it sounds. Maybe to find out what I could do to improve things or hope beyond hope that there may be a few that say "Hey, that sound's pretty good". Just so I know that I'm on the right path.:scratch2:

Thanks to you for all that you do!:thmbsp:..............R1

[merrylander]

Attending last years Fest was to me, all of the things that have been posted ahead of mine. It is meeting friends face to face, seeing what others have accomplished, and just plain old fashioned good fun.

[pustelniakr]

Pure and simple: AK in person

Enjoy,
Rich P

[tentoze]

No pizza.

[KeninDC]

Inside jokes.

[WhiteSE]

No pizza.

Pizza has loads of gluten...lol

[sleddogman]

I haven't attended a major AK Fest yet, but I'll echo the reasons that Snade and roadie1 have mentioned, as I imagine it would be akin to the local event held locally here a while ago, only on a much grander scale. More faces, more gear, more fun. :thmbsp:

Not to fly in the face of tradition, but it's a shame that it's always held in Detroit. Unlike HoJos, Embassy Suites is a well-established nationwide chain and if they've already seen the value in wooing the repeat business, then be aware that they have folks available that are more than willing to help organize and coordinate the annual AK fest in other major cites, and thus lighten the burden on the AK staff.

In addition to Detroit, perhaps every 2 or 3 years it could be hosted in areas near Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, etc. with the gala 10th Annual event centrally located in, say, Kansas City to make it a fairly equal distance/drive for most everyone to get into.

[roadie1]

No pizza.

Gumbo?...............R1:music::yes:

[Strawman]

Inside jokes.

Getting in on inside jokes.

[sauuuuuce]

Getting in on inside jokes.

Being the butt of inside jokes

[Strawman]

:withstpd:

[similost]

I haven't attended this fest, but I have other types of fests, plus had a small AK get together for local area people here at my place.

For me, it means getting a chance to share some common interests with others.

It means I'll get a chance to hear some new ideas, and new music.

It means I'll get to find out what other systems, amps, speakers, etc sounds like..

It means I'll find out who can hang after a few beers, and I'll have others I can harass that can't, because either way, once I meet them, I'll probably have some new friends...

an AK fest to me, means I can finally put faces to names, and maybe others might figure out I'm not quite as whacked as my writings :D

[MrGee]

My idea of the perfect AKFest would be a violation of United States law.

[Wigwam Jones]

Annoying people with the huge honking flash unit on my camera and wearin' the thong.

[Wigwam Jones]

My idea of the perfect AKFest would be a violation of United States law.

Name anything fun that isn't.


If done right.

[Justen]

A fine pizza lunch.

Endless abuse.



Oh yeah, all that stuff about meeting people I knew, but didn't really know; checking out some fine new gear, listening to member systems, etc.

[bigstereo]

:music::beerchug::beer::deal::music:


yep

[piece-it pete]

Pure and simple: AK in person

Enjoy,
Rich P

:yes:

Pete

[ozmoid]

I started out to quote Snade's post here, but the Rabbi got it down to a much more succinct line that encompasses the experience:
Pure and simple: AK in person

Enjoy,
Rich P
This year was my first Fest, and I will make every effort never to miss another one. :music:

[Billfort]

Good people and good music.

What elevates AKfest above all the other audio shows I've attended is the presence of so many friends and it's unique 'music' mix of live entertainment, vintage, DIY and new equipment.

It's great to see what people can build themselves or pick from the used market but the presence of vendors demoing the latest offerings from the audio industry is all important to me too - knowing what is possible at the cutting-edge of audio keeps me focused. DIY, vintage and new equipment all play a role in my home and AKfest serves up all approaches nicely.

[AlleyKat]

Good people and good music.

What elevates AKfest above all the other audio shows I've attended is the presence of so many friends and it's unique 'music' mix of live entertainment, vintage, DIY and new equipment.

It's great to see what people can build themselves or pick from the used market but the presence of vendors demoing the latest offerings from the audio industry is all important to me too - knowing what is possible at the cutting-edge of audio keeps me focused. DIY, vintage and new equipment all play a role in my home and AKfest serves up all approaches nicely.

Can't say it any better than that!:thmbsp:

[RussinOhio]

Although I've never attended a fest, I'd like to someday.
Looks like fun being able to sample some sound from all those wonderful systems. Even though I've never went I still like reading the all the fest-threads and looking at the pics!

I've only met in person two AK members, Dr*audio and Dgwojo, both extremely freindly and helpful with knowledge & advice. I'm sure the fest is packed with lots more great folks as these two gentlemen:thmbsp:

Audio gear plus a hotel full of guys sharing the passion! What more could one ask? Hell, it's fun just READING about even if you can't be there!


Thanks guys!
Russ

[JB5pro]

and feeling pretty sad that I did not live way back then as I miss my relatives and dear friends from the past that seem more like those I see on such incredible TV shows. I know there are outstanding people everywhere but sometimes they are very hard to find. So, I read this gentleman's quote and I agree completely with his sentiments.
I feel very privelaged to be in such company and I will attend the fest sometime.
Sincerely,
John

As a Non-Attendee, I can tell you what I feel it means to me...

First and foremost, I see the fest as an irreplaceable resource for all aficionados of all levels of audio equipment and enjoyment. No where else will you find such an experienced and knowledgeable bunch of guys, who are willing to reach out and share their joy and wisdom of this hobby, with everyone from the total newb, to some one with a world class system like Masterlu.

This spirit of camaraderie and passion for the shared interest in all things audio, is what it means most to me. There are so many members who best demonstrate these qualities, it is impossible to begin to name them all here. To have the opportunity to have all of these folks, as well as the many members of the general public who attend the fest, gathered together in one place, is beyond priceless.

Someday, I hope to be able to attend, and expand not only on my love of the hobby, but to be able to finally shake the hands and thank the numerous members who have made me welcome here on AudioKarma.

This forum transcends just being a place for us to gather and discuss a hobby, it is like a family to many of us, and the fest is like our "Family Reunion", and family reunions are our chance to honor and examine our past, and to strengthen the bonds that have been made, and to nurture the future generation of audio enthusiasts that will take our place when our time has past.

To all involved with running this forum, and organizing the Fest, my heartfelt thanks to every one of you!

:pawprint::pawprint::pawprint::pawprint: