First Time Visitor Has Some Suggestions for AXPONA 2024 

[@screamallyouwant]

Very interesting interview. Thanks!

[@jonjoubert4734]

She was well spoken. This was a good perspective to include in your series.

[@audio_acoustic_engineering]

I thought there was lots of diversity and were lots of females present at Axpona 2024, was good to see

[@bradotoole7538]

I encourage dancing. That sounds fun.

[@jackprick9797]

There are some commenters that obviously did not, but I did enjoy your interview. I think the typical, basic difference comes down to men being nerds and interested in technical details in a hobby such as cars, watches, hi-fi, etc and women not so much caring about the technical details, but instead looking to enjoy the experience, to generalize a bit. I think if a company wants to target women, then they need to focus on the enjoyment aspect, then tie it to why certain technical details maybe key to the way they want to enjoy the product. As for getting younger people involved, maybe study markets such as Poland. They reportedly have a healthy amount of younger people that attend audio shows. The audio industry should figure out what is going on there and replicate it.

[@shuntachi]

I don't need movement. I want to sit in the sweet spot, relax and enjoy music. That's what I want.

[@tiffanyburke2785]

Totally a place for that as well. Makes sense. We all enjoy music differently. But the sweet spot is sweet for a reason. Fully agree.

[@gaborozorai3714]

Yes, that's the typical and obvious audiophile response, I listen in the same way. But this was about widening perspectives. If I was an exhibitor and were able to book 2 rooms, I'd consider doing a sitting-down room for classical and all sorts of less rhythm based music and another one for pop, rock, dance, electronic etc. where there'd be no chairs and the audience would be encouraged to respond to the sounds with air-guitar playing, dancing, whatever. Why not?

[@ajay55556]

It’s like asking men to go to jewelry shopping. Men like jewelry but would not spend hours shopping for it . I think women and men are different. I think the question is why older white men? Why not young all race man?

[@audiophoolz9413]

Seems like this guy is holding up his finger to see which way the wind is blowing, and trying to get more views by harping on about inclusivity and identity politics.

[@newdevilman1167]

More cultural music performances in multiple venues.

[@Error2username]

You can dance if you want to

[@tiffanyburke2785]

😂😂😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@tomwatson9062]

What is the women’s equivalent of AXPONA that men don’t go to but should try?😅

[@VictorEnnis-n1w]

This dude is a one trick pony with the no diversity and only older white males. There are no signs on the front doors saying no one allowed other than white males as far as I know. I’m all for diversity in all things but give it a rest. I wonder if he goes into senior communities and says hey why is there no young people here. Or goes into the nba and says I wonder why there aren’t more white players. Or goes into Japan and wonders why there isn’t more Danish people here. I’m pretty sure if women were really into audio they would show up. And I doubt they would be refused entrance. I know I’d love for my girlfriend to go. But I can tell you she would list a thousand places she would rather go than to an audio show.

[@tiffanyburke2785]

And my daughters and I volunteer regularly at a senior center, there are often many younger people there :)!

[@VictorEnnis-n1w]

@@tiffanyburke2785 And I visit my father regularly at his. And not a lot of young people there. So I guess it’s 50/50. :)

[@tiffanyburke2785]

@@VictorEnnis-n1w he’s lucky to have you

[@james-nz6do]

Hmmm…movement…to enjoy the music. Now that’s a 🤔. Go to a club or a concert, maybe??

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Join a local audio club 😮 Experience home systems

[@tiffanyburke2785]

Love that idea 💡

[@addyburke8774]

love this! well said ❤❤❤

[@5Antvin]

young like this as it's "cool" l but most can't afford . Unless they have startup money from their family many don't have a quality life in the US

[@tiffanyburke2785]

Probably accurate that the younger generation is still accumulating wealth that’s a bit more dispensable compared to those who are more established. I think it’s a fair assessment

[@tiffanyburke2785]

Also I should and will note. That even if not currently financially able, it’s always important to plant seeds for future buyers. Some people attend years of shows to decided what system they should ultimately invest in. So, it’s important to look years down the line. Just because they can’t now, doesn’t mean they can’t later.

[@5Antvin]

I introduced an Axpona (Atlanta) to a student of mine who a senior in high school ,fell in love with this stuff,and even helped YG acoustics tear down on the last day of a show . Unfortunately for the makers of this gear , the used market is where many of the newbies get their start .

[@FranklinBegley-f1x]

Young Michael Wilson Scott Harris Joseph

[@JKadison]

Your interview is absolutely ridiculous! This is a trade show, not a party! Trade shows are vendors displaying their products for tradespeople, journalists, and consumers, not a concert! Why are there few women at the shows is the same reason that most men would not want to go to a fashion show? Yes, there are women in the industry and there are also people of color at these types of shows however the hobby is not inexpensive and can also be technical excluding groups of people without interest or financial means. I think Tiffany should round up her girlfriends and get them involved in our hobby.

[@tiffanyburke2785]

All in good fun friend. Like I said I wouldn’t have gone in on my own. But as an invited guest wondered what I’d be in for. My comments came as a collective response from 2 others who were also there for the first time, younger with similar feedback. I don’t see a party as negative, so I’ll take your reply with a grain of salt and I respect the tradition and status quo. I learned a lot. The interview was geared towards what I would change to draw more women. I rolled with it. No need for negativity. Simply a fun take. I’m not here to womanize the industry. I was a guest approached for an interview while I was eating lunch. Nothing more, nothing less.

[@JKadison]

@@tiffanyburke2785 I apologize and I hope my comments did not appear to be derogatory. I hope that you and many other women join with us and enjoy the music and the chase for the next best thing. It is and has been a fun journey over the decades for me and I hope you had a great time learning why people enjoy this frustrating hobby so much. Thanks for responding and giving me the opportunity to reply. Hope you're there next year!

[@tiffanyburke2785]

@@JKadisonThank you for the kind reply :)! It’s a fun niche and yes while out of my wheelhouse, I really enjoyed learning. I’d love to return in the future.

[@David-ik8wj]

i dont think you have to be wealthy to enjoy this hobby, There are a multitude of equipment options for every budget.

[@bertroost1675]

@@tiffanyburke2785 It doesn't need to draw more anything. Anyone is welcome to come. If they don't want to come fine, if they do also fine. This need for total equal balance and inclusion is insanity. If it's white and male then there MUST be change?? I am not really saying this to you Tiffany. I just wanted to comment on this thread.

[@VanillaIceCoffee]

I have one: stop playing 💩instrumental music, every f'ing system can do that! play EDM so we can figure out very quickly your system is trash and we can move to the next room. attract a younger generation!

[@tiffanyburke2785]

I wish there was a way to have a side by side comparison of the same song. Would certainly help me to understand it more. But yes different music attracts different audiences

[@David-ik8wj]

I got in trouble at x23. I grabbed the iPAD and started playing music i was familiar with. The vendor came into the room picked up the tablet and politely said we only really demonstrate jazz music. ......OK

[@VanillaIceCoffee]

@@David-ik8wjexactly, because it doesn’t perform outside jazz/noise

[@David-ik8wj]

i kep my mouth shut but was thinking no problem your system sucks anyway.

[@vincebagusauskas278]

Older white males have the money and the ear to listen to HIFI?

[@tiffanyburke2785]

Maybe :) I do know women also have the money and also have influences in the buying power in the home certainly. The ear? I’m not an ENT or aware of a side by side listening comparison of a scientific study to know if we’re anatomically different enough for it to be relevant. But that’s an interesting worm hole to explore. I found it fascinating nonetheless 😊!

[@mormodog]

She wants live music omg. This is probably the worst interview.

[@greggb681]

Did you ask them their pronouns or did you just presume that they use She/Her pronouns??

[@tiffanyburke2785]

I’m most definitely she 💕

[@pennfootball71]

Don't pitch....was a line from boiler room...It is just not worth it. they will never understand audio. they want to feel the experience and dance around and look good and be the center of attention. This hobby is not for them unless they have a relative in the industry. They don't like complicated wires or setting up things. They want turn key easy to listen to or go out to a club.

[@tiffanyburke2785]

I would argue that’s a broad generalization…no pun intended. I’m in a technical trade full of gear and I’m certainly not the center of attention being behind a camera and computer and not in front of them 98% of my career. I understand audio is different being that it’s much more niche and not as readily sold or understood. I grew up with an audiophile father and I have a high nice systems in my car and home, I’m grateful for both. You’re also right to assume we like to feel the experience, not unlike our male counterparts. The questions presented to me weren’t why it has to be one or the other, just how can it be more inclusive to reach different audiences.

[@pennfootball71]

@@tiffanyburke2785 it is inclusive that is why they have car stereo, Bluetooth speakers, Bose headphones and ear buds to make it easier for the masses. The ultra high end is in another galaxy and most people would rather spend money on vacations, lifestyle products, jewelry or fix up their house.

[@pennfootball71]

@@tiffanyburke2785 if it is not coming from the iPhone it gets too hard to figure out. High end wireless products are still a niche and most people use ear buds and sound bars.

[@tiffanyburke2785]

@@pennfootball71 that’s fair. I was there with my boyfriend who has an amazing system. I’ve asked multiple questions, had diagrams drawn lol to understand what each piece of equipment actually does. We’ve been to listening events at local dealers and spent hours listening and appreciating at home. I understand your point but there are many options at the show for what you mention as well. Here’s my point though. There may be more women who would understand and appreciate and invest if they were educated like I’ve had the chance to be. Everyone was so kind and answered my questions and treated me like both a potential buyer and someone just there to appreciate the sound. I do see your point, it may never attract more women but it’s slightly unfair to assume it wouldn’t or couldn’t. Or that the women in the household of purchasing males aren’t influential in the buying process.

[@pennfootball71]

@@tiffanyburke2785 the “Wife Acceptance Factor” has made more deals go sideways in the industry than anything else. I just had a deal fall through on a pass labs piece I was selling because his wife got angry he purchased such an expensive “2000 dollar” headphone amp and preamp! There is also the real price and the “wife price” told to wives because of this. It is why own dealer in New York slams every Wilson against the wall seriously setting them up incorrectly to increase sales because wives killed hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales in the past. They will not stand to have a big speaker out in their small apartment living room! It has destroyed many sales and stunted growth from younger people trying to get into the hobby. Why do you see so many old men? They were a different generation that can still buy first and beg forgiveness later. A guy in the 30’s or 40’s or 50’s literally risks divorce if he does that! So educating someone who hates the look of big expensive boxes is hard! Sports car sales have also gone down in favor of SUV’s because of this. Even Lamborghini and Ferrari now make an suv because wives hate cars not for them or the family.