Of all the things you can’t change the most important one you can is also the simplest—one’s attitude.
While there’s always that sense of dread scurrying around the edges of travel, even travel for pleasure, shows come with their own set of anxieties and I had my routine pre-show dreams—I lost my camera, brought some shitty toy version, or found myself wearing cargo shorts and an ill-fitting t-shirt in public—weeks before my departure to Schaumberg. But as the song goes, I shall survive. My travel mantra.
The fact of the attitude matter is I’ve been working on mine for some time in an effort to have a good one and become a more pleasant and open person. I mean, why the hell not? The funny thing is I didn’t even need my new and hopefully improved attitude for Axpona 2026 because it already had its own!
The place, the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, was packed from first thing Friday with happy showgoers of all ages looking to have a good time (not that kind). The vibe was positive and upbeat to the point where even the sleepy elevators at the Renaissance Schaumburg couldn’t dampen the mood. I had a few nice conversations with attendees while waiting in line that made time pass pleasantly. Of course there are always the unhappy and the grumpy who I imagine even Bobby McFerrin or Bob Marley would piss off (they haven’t had their change in attitude enlightenment yet).
The show was bigger than ever with 235 listening rooms, 750 global manufacturers, and 12,546 attendees (according to the show) ready to consume the sights and sounds of sweet, sweet music and the things responsible for making it and for making it all such an important part of our lives. The vibe, the energy, and the sheer pleasure that comes from spending time with like-minded souls who share in what is often a solitary pleasure are some of the things that make shows worth the effort and Axpona 2026 had more good to great sounding rooms than any Axpona I’ve attended (this was my 6th). I am inspired.
So a very big Bravo! to all the fine folks working behind the scenes and in front of the crowds to make Axpona the event it has become. It takes real work by all involved, real hard work to pull this off, and we enthusiasts owe them all a great big thank you.
So thank you! Till next year…