JD Events Buys Audio Expo North America

October 8, 2013

With four trade shows already in its portfolio, Trumbull, Conn.-based JD Events added another feather in its cap, purchasing Audio Expo North America (AXPONA).

AXPONA is a high-end audio and music technology event that was launched five years ago.

The most recent AXPONA show was sold out at Chicago’s Doubletree by Hilton O'Hare in March, attracting manufacturers, retailers, and consumers with a dedicated focus on high-end playback equipment, products and supporting media, according to show organizers.

“It is a great day for high-end audio and music technology, now and in the future, as it pertains to visibility and professionally-produced events,” said Steve Davis of AXPONA.

He added, “When we founded AXPONA five years ago, our goal was to produce a show the caliber of the event in Munich, now considered the world standard. This acquisition provides AXPONA with the personnel and experience necessary to achieve this goal."

As part of the JD Events portfolio, AXPONA joins four existing shows, including Content and Communications World, SATCON, Customer Engagement Technology World and Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with Steve Davis to help him achieve his long-term vision for AXPONA,” said Joel Davis, founder and CEO of JD Events. “Steve has done a remarkable job of creating a first-class forum for the manufacturers of high-end audio equipment to meet thousands of passionate consumers and audiophiles in a professional, high-energy environment.”

He added, “We look forward to bringing the event expertise and resources of JD Events together with Steve’s industry knowledge, customer relationships and creativity to establish AXPONA as the premier audio event in the U.S.”

Joel Davis said, for now, no changes would be made to the show, since Steve Davis recently implemented several in an effort to attract a younger audience.

Some of those enhancements include a "dealer day" event to attract more trade to the show and business-to-business networking, as well as a new pavilion - Ear Gear Expo - to focus on the fast-growing market of ear buds, head phones and other personal listening device technology.

With Joel Davis' 8-year background running consumer events for Reed Exhibitions, AXPONA was a natural fit.

"I’ve been seeking opportunities within the music industry, and I believe that well-niched consumer events have a bright future … especially those with a broad and passionate enthusiast following," Joel Davis said. "And who isn’t interested in music?

Overall, the show fits into company's business model, he added.

"The JDE business model is based on finding unique early stage business opportunities with significant upside growth potential, and AXPONA fit that criteria beautifully for us," Joel Davis said.

AXPONA previously held shows in New York City, Atlanta and Jacksonville, Fla., and next year's show is on tap April 25-27 at the Westin O'Hare - Chicago.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact