If you’re into music, gear, or just love the idea of being surrounded by great sound, the Florida International Audio Expo (FIAE) is back and ready to welcome you. The 2026 show is happening February 20–22 at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most well-rounded audio events on the calendar.

This year marks the eighth edition of the expo, and organizers are expecting visitors from all over the world to check out more than 100 exhibit rooms, listen in on expert-led seminars, and enjoy live music all weekend long.

The expo is bringing back some familiar names that audio fans will recognize right away. Brands like Focal Naim, SVS Audio, ATC Loudspeakers, AudioNote UK, Pass Labs, Playback Distribution, and VAC will be showcasing everything from compact speakers to full-blown two-channel systems. If you’re looking to upgrade your living room setup or just want to hear what’s out there, the expo offers plenty of opportunities to do some hands-on listening.

You won’t need to be an audiophile to enjoy the show, either. Many exhibitors will be more than happy to walk you through the gear and answer questions—even if you’re just getting started with hi-fi or home theater.

“The opportunity to audition your favorite brands and engage directly with company representatives remains a vital part of the buying and showgoing experience,” said Bart Andeer, FIAE’s Director of Show Operations. “It’s no surprise that we’ve seen over 40% growth in the past two years. Our show continues to attract leading brands from around the globe, and the addition of the car-audio community brings even more opportunities for music lovers to connect and experience high-performance sound here in the sunshine state.”

One of the highlights of the 2025 show was the dedicated car audio section, and it’s making a return for 2026. The invitational sound-quality competition will bring together some of the top mobile audio systems in the country—think decked-out vehicles tuned for crystal-clear sound rather than window-rattling bass.

This part of the show is organized in partnership with Florida Sound Quality, IASCA Worldwide, and SQology—three organizations that know their way around car audio. Visitors will be able to hop into these vehicles, hear how they sound, and even attend educational talks on car system design and tuning.

It’s a fun way to explore the overlap between home and mobile audio, especially with more people investing in higher-quality sound on the go.

As in previous years, the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel will host the event. Parking is free on-site, with additional space available nearby if things get crowded. The hotel has also had a bit of a facelift—new seating areas in the lobby and a Starbucks opening soon for anyone who needs a caffeine fix between demos.

There’s a free shuttle service available to take attendees to nearby spots, including restaurants and even the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, which is just a short ride away. If you’re traveling in from out of town, it’s worth booking your room early—hotel space tends to go quickly once the show gets closer.

The show runs across three days:

• Friday, February 20: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, February 21: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, February 22: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

You can grab tickets in advance online or buy them at the door during the show. For full details, including exhibitor lists, directions, and travel info, head over to floridaaudioexpo.com.