Frequently Asked

NAESE, the North American Electronic Sound Expo, is a multi-day gathering focused on electronic musical instruments, sound technology, and the people who build, perform, teach, and explore them.

It brings together hardware and software creators, artists, educators, engineers, students, and enthusiasts in a space designed for hands-on discovery, learning, and real conversation. Less trade-show sprint, more intentional weekend for people who care deeply about electronic sound.

Musicians, producers, builders, engineers, educators, students, and anyone with a serious interest in electronic sound and music technology. If you enjoy learning how things work, talking shop with people who make tools, or spending time in rooms where electronic music is treated thoughtfully, you're the target audience.

NAESE is designed around the community, not around the floor plan. Most trade shows treat exhibitors as inventory and attendees as throughput. We start from the opposite premise: the people carrying this culture forward deserve a room engineered for real conversation, genuine discovery, and continuity across days.

Software is treated as a full citizen alongside hardware. Smaller and emerging builders have a real lane through the Micro-Maker Scholarship. And Cleveland is a deliberate choice: central location and lower costs mean lower badge prices than a typical flagship expo, which keeps the room accessible to independent makers and educators who couldn't make the trip to other flagship events.

Yes. NAESE is a public event. Anyone may attend by purchasing a badge while badges are available.

No. NAESE offers multi-day badges only. This is intentional. The event is designed around depth, repeat interactions, and a sense of continuity across days. Multi-day badges help create a more relaxed, community-forward atmosphere for everyone involved.

April 9–11, 2027 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland (with Thursday April 8 as a vendor-only welcome reception and early arrival window). Evening performances and special events take place at the venue and at nearby partner spaces.

Cleveland offers a rare mix of a modern, centrally-located convention center and significantly lower costs than many international music-tech expos. That affordability helps keep NAESE accessible to independent builders, educators, artists, and attendees, while still supporting a high-quality, professionally-run flagship event. It also makes travel easier for a large portion of North America: you can drive in from NYC, Philly, Chicago, Toronto, and most of the Midwest in a single day.

Yes. The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is fully ADA accessible. If you have specific access needs, contact us before the event so we can plan with you, not just for you.

Yes, explicitly. Software instruments, plugins, creative tools, and hybrid systems are treated as first-class citizens at NAESE, not an afterthought. This is a deliberate choice and one of the ways the event differs from many synth-focused shows.

Yes. Year 1 of NAESE is titled First Signal and marks the inaugural edition of the event.

In electronic systems, the first signal is the moment something becomes active. it's when communication begins.

"First Signal" reflects the intent behind Year 1 of NAESE: establishing tone, trust, and community in a way that can grow over time. It's not just about launching an event. It's about starting something meant to last.

The First Signal program recognizes the individuals and organizations who helped make NAESE Year 1 possible by committing early, before the event had a track record. First Signal members are formally acknowledged as part of NAESE's origin story. First Signal status is not about perks alone — it's about lineage.

Yes. First Signal status is strictly limited. There is a finite number of First Signal Attendee & Exhibitor slots. Once they are filled, the First Signal program closes permanently and will never reopen.

Yes. First Signal Attendees and Exhibitors are always recognized as Year-1 First Signal members in NAESE history and records. While some benefits are specific to Year 1 (pricing advantages, Year-1-only swag, early-access opportunities), the recognition itself does not expire.

No. First Signal status does not affect booth placement, programming decisions, or awards. First Signal recognition is about acknowledgement and appreciation for early commitment, not preferential treatment.

First Signal status is not a sponsorship product and should not be confused with sponsorship. First Signal members are recognized for early belief in the event. Sponsors participate through promotional or support agreements tied to specific initiatives or years.

Three Year-1 attendee tiers: First Signal ($55, capped at 150), Early Bird ($70), and Regular ($85). All are full three-day expo badges. See the badges page for the full breakdown.

Access to the expo floor during all public hours. Access to scheduled talks, panels, demos, and sessions. Access to performances included with admission. Re-entry privileges during the day. Some limited-capacity sessions or evening events may require RSVP or have separate policies.

Bring yourself, your confirmation email, and a valid government-issued photo ID to the registration area. Badges must be picked up by the badgeholder — no proxy pickups.

Yes. Re-entry is permitted during public event hours with a valid badge.

Backpacks and totes are permitted. Be considerate of other attendees in tight spaces. The Huntington Convention Center has security screening and metal detectors at entry.

Daytime expo hours are generally all-ages. Attendees under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Some evening performances may have age restrictions depending on venue policies; those will be marked clearly in the schedule.

Encouraged. Especially for the jam spaces.

Year-1 badges are non-refundable and non-transferable. The full Refund / Transfer Policy will be published with the Attendee Terms before badge sales open.

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is the nearest major airport, about 12 miles from the venue. RTA bus and rail service downtown directly. The 1,200-spot Huntington Park Garage has a direct enclosed walkway to the convention center. See travel details.

NAESE partners with four downtown Cleveland hotels: the Hilton Cleveland Downtown (HQ, directly connected to the venue), The Westin Cleveland Downtown, Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown, and Marriott Cleveland. Booking links and rates open with badge sales.

NAESE is open to manufacturers, builders, designers, developers, publishers, and organizations working in electronic sound and music technology. Hardware makers, software developers, hybrid tool creators, educational organizations, accessory makers, and any related companies whose work aligns with the spirit of the event.

Six packages: Micro-maker (3' table), Standard table (6'), Corner / Endcap table (6'), Inline booth (10'), Premium booth (20'), and Anchor Partner (custom). Pricing scales with company size (S/M and L). See the full pricing matrix.

Each package includes designated floor space, power, draped backdrop, table and chairs (count varies by package), and exhibitor badges (count also varies). Larger footprints get more space and more badges.

Yes. On-site sales are permitted during published exhibit hours, subject to venue rules and local regulations. Exhibitors are responsible for their own sales tax compliance, payment processing, and consumer obligations.

Bring your own stands, risers, standees, and signage. Larger total booth "builds" would require Center-approved vendors per Huntington Convention Center policy, so we're keeping it simple & skipping that for v1.0.

Booth placement is determined through a curated floor-plan process that prioritizes flow, listening comfort, fairness, and discovery. Placement requests are welcome, but final assignments are made to support the overall experience of the floor.

March 1, 2027, or until all available tables are reserved. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

A curated program designed to support a limited number of independent and emerging builders who might not otherwise be able to exhibit at NAESE in Year 1. It exists to make sure the show floor reflects the full ecosystem, not just the biggest or best-funded companies.

Solo builders, very small teams, first-time exhibitors, and makers launching their first or second product. Early-stage, small-run, or otherwise capacity-constrained operations.

Reduced-cost access to exhibit at NAESE, paired with mandatory participation in the Community Underwriter mentorship program. The intent isn't just to make exhibiting cheaper — it's to make it more successful by pairing access with guidance and support.

An experienced exhibitor who serves as a mentor to a Micro-Maker Scholarship recipient. Underwriters help scholarship recipients navigate the realities of exhibiting — booth setup, presentation, pacing conversations, and following up after the event.

Three touchpoints: one pre-event call or async review, one on-site session during the event, and one post-event follow-up. Light, structured, and useful without being burdensome.

Artists, educators, builders, engineers, software creators, researchers, and community organizers are all welcome. You don't need to be famous — you do need to be thoughtful and prepared.

Intimate listening sets, instrument-forward performances, hybrid hardware and software setups, audiovisual work, and evening performances designed for larger rooms. Emphasis on intentional sound and strong presentation, not genre purity.

Yes. You may apply to perform or speak and also apply to exhibit. Programming and exhibitor selection are evaluated separately. Being accepted for one does not guarantee acceptance for the other, and neither disqualifies you.

This will be up to each individual presenter and venue policy. We hope to record and / or stream as many sessions as we can.

Yes. The awards are intended to recognize meaningful contributions to electronic sound, music technology, education, and community. They are designed to feel thoughtful and earned, not performative or hype-driven. See the categories.

Public nominations open through a form on the NAESE website. A small advisory committee selects shortlists and most winners to keep the awards credible. Only one award (People's Choice / Best in Show) is determined by public vote.

Journalists, editors, reviewers, photographers, videographers, podcasters, and media creators who actively cover music technology, electronic music, sound design, performance, or related creative fields. Traditional outlets, independent publications, newsletters, podcasts, and established online channels all qualify. Audience size matters less than demonstrated editorial intent and quality.

Yes — press credentials are complimentary for approved applicants. Approval is based on demonstrated editorial coverage in relevant fields. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Expo floor access, talks, panels, demos, and performances included with general admission. Access to rehearsals, backstage areas, or private events is not automatic and may require separate approval.

Generally permitted on the expo floor and during public programming. Some performances, sessions, or booths may have restrictions. Posted signage and staff guidance must be respected. Flash photography, tripods, or large rigs may be limited in certain areas. Large or professional rigs require prior approval.

Two lanes. Lane A is four tiers of straightforward sponsorships (Presenting, Major, Supporting, Community). Lane B is a small set of "feature" sponsorships tied to specific moments and spaces (Welcome Reception, Lanyards, Charging Lounge, Hydration, Program / Floor Map, Creator Corner, Workshop Room, Afterhours). See sponsor packages.

Brands that value creativity, education, craft, and long-term community building. Companies working in music technology, software, hardware, tools, education, publishing, and adjacent creative fields. Sponsorship that wants to support electronic sound thoughtfully rather than dominate attention.

Yes, within reason and values alignment. Customization works best when it enhances the attendee experience rather than interrupting it.

Yes. Sponsors may apply to exhibit, subject to availability and fit. Sponsorship and exhibiting are related but separate — one does not automatically include the other unless explicitly stated.

Yes. NAESE has a published Code of Conduct. The goal is to ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for attendees, exhibitors, performers, staff, and volunteers. Violations may result in removal without refund and loss of First Signal status / benefits.

Yes. Professional security will be present throughout the event, including during expo hours and evening programming, as required by the venues.

Yes. NAESE welcomes international attendees, exhibitors, performers, and speakers. International participants are responsible for securing appropriate visas and meeting customs requirements. We can provide letters of invitation when needed.

If anything material changes (dates, venue, schedule, pricing, or program), registered attendees and exhibitors will be notified directly by email as quickly as possible. The NAESE website is always the authoritative source for current information.

Under consideration for Year 1. Whether it's produced depends on overall participation. If produced, it'll be included at no additional cost. If not, all program information will be provided digitally via NAESE HQ, our online portal.

Yes. Food and beverage options are available on-site at the convention center via Levy Restaurants' farm-to-table program, with many additional options nearby. Some evening events may also include catering depending on the program.

Email hello@naese.co or call 216.877.2027. Or use the contact page.