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Hi-Fi+ Interviews Marjorie Baumert of the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest

Hi-Fi+ Interviews Marjorie Baumert of the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest

The 13th annual Rocky Mountain Audio Fest at the Marriott Tech Center in Denver, CO is almost upon us. It runs from October 6 to October 8 (October 6 is a press/trade day). In the run-up to the event, we spoke to the organiser, Marjorie Baumert, about how the show began, how it grew both before and after the passing of RMAF founder (and Marjorie’s husband) Al Stiefel, how the show continues to evolve and change, and the future of the event.

Hi-Fi+: How did RMAF get its start?

The story is now told best by the founder of the Colorado Audio Society, Art Tedeschi:

“Rocky Mountain Audio Fest’s first show appeared in October, 2004. Members of the Colorado Audio Society had for many years thought about a local audio show as an extension of the Society’s goal of expanding public awareness of high end audio.

The concept took a serious turn when CAS members Al Stiefel and Ron Welborne took it upon themselves to explore the possibility of creating an audio show in Denver. With Al’s business acumen, Ron’s knowledge of the infrastructure of local audio shows, and CAS member volunteers to provide much of the support (and let’s not forget Al’s capable wife, Marjorie Baumert), the 2004 show became a reality!”

Al and I had sold our commercial sign shop and were ready for a new adventure. I had to go back to school to learn how to create a website and Al had to learn how to run a business with no employees. Ron’s knowledge of the industry and running the VSAC show along with his wife, Dana’s, ability to create our first logo rounded out the team. The Colorado Audio Society donated their time as volunteers to make it all happen.

Hi-Fi+: What are the distinctive characteristics that set RMAF apart from other audio shows on the calendar?
RMAF’s staff is volunteer based and comprised of members of the Colorado Audio Society, family and friends. Brian Boehler, current president of the Colorado Audio Society recently wrote, “The Colorado Audio Society has always been the heart and soul of RMAF.  Our efforts over the years have made for a fun and exciting show because of your smiling faces, helpful attitudes and friendly demeanor.” Our volunteers return year after year and have grown to include people from all over the world.

RMAF was created to offer a good value for each exhibitor by keeping costs down and treating people with respect. In doing so, a community started to build and an annual destination. Today I received a note from a new exhibitor: “We are a fairly new company, but RMAF has been the most organized and professional exhibition that I’ve experienced yet, and for that I thank you and your team.” Exhibitors notice the value of going the extra mile for them.

We also respect the value of our attendees and create professional badges for each of them. They were particularly thrilled when we made room on the badge for their monikers. I have heard countless stories over the years about people meeting for the first time in person, yet had been following each other for years on the websites. Since we include the city, state, country on the badge, people often spark up conversations about hometowns while waiting for the elevator.

, Hi-Fi+ Interviews Marjorie Baumert of the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest

Hi-Fi+: When your husband and RMAF co-founder Al Stiefel unexpectedly passed away in early 2009 the entire audiophile community mourned with you. But, in the years that have followed it seems you have continued to leave your own imprint on RMAF. How did you do this and what are some special touches you have brought to the show?
Al was an audiophile and engineer who understood all things manufactured and also had a photographic memory. He knew all about the industry history from years of reading all the publications. I never had to spend a moment learning about the industry because I always had this encyclopedia next to me! I will never be as technically saavy as Al or understand the history with his depth of knowledge so I had to figure out what value I could bring to RMAF by myself.

I began with my roots as a computer programmer. I understand the value of data and have been fortunate to hire a team of programmers over the years who went beyond my capability to create the database I dreamed of for RMAF. I truly believe that together we have created an amazing website. It is easy to use and filled with valuable information for exhibitors, press, and attendees. We were even able to make the product guide downloadable and compatible with the visually impaired software so they can plan their trip in advance.

I am also from a large family, #3 out of 6, and fortunate to have grown up with three sisters and two brothers and parents that celebrated us and our individual talents. They have all given me the strength to succeed and reminded me that you have to have heart and always treat people with respect.

 

Hi-Fi+: How do you think RMAF has evolved over the years?

We have been very fortunate to have exhibitors continue to support RMAF even with the development of several conflicting shows. The press has been very kind to us also.

My job is to create an environment for exhibitors to present their products to a knowledgeable and interested audience.

The heart and soul of RMAF has always been community. We hear from our exhibitors that RMAF is place where all people feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones and interacting with companies and people that they don’t normally have the opportunity to connect with. We are very proud of this. In the recent past we have expanded upon this communal good will with a set of new initiatives.

These initiatives include continued expansion and refinement of seminars that benefit the industry as a whole. In addition, the RMAF Entry Level Room series help young companies and superior products be showcased.  They can enter the High-end without breaking the bank. Our sponsorship of the Classic Album Sundays room gives people the opportunity to truly listen and appreciate a vinyl LP.  2017 is the  3rd year of the Rocky Mountain International HiFi Press Awards (RIHPA) that select the global SOTA in an anonymous ballot format by the world’s High-end press and not done anywhere else in our industry.

New this year to the show will be the Innovation Floor located on Summit Tower 2 sponsored by RMAF. The Innovation Floor will feature innovative audio technology exhibits in a hands-on environment. A place where people can play, build speakers, experience 3D spatial audio and explore a behind the scenes view into audio. In the end, we believe very strongly in supporting the industry in an all boats rise together fashion.

Hi-Fi+: How and when did the relationship between RMAF and Head-Fi/CanJam get established? Is it a symbiotic relationship from you point of view?

, Hi-Fi+ Interviews Marjorie Baumert of the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest

Best told by Jude Mansilla:

“Late in 2008, RMAF co-founder Al Stiefel contacted me to discuss the idea of a Head-Fi presence at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2009-an idea he was very enthusiastic about, and that his charisma had me excited about it in microseconds, too. After some discussions, we planned to meet in person at CES 2009 to discuss Head-Fi at Audio Fest 2009. Unfortunately, we were both very busy in Las Vegas this year. Near the end of CES, Al called to see if we could finally meet, and, after I explained I was about to get on a plane back home, we laughed about having likely been in the same buildings at the same times, yet missing each other in Vegas. We planned to catch up after CES, but that was the last I talked to the kind man so many in the high-end audio industry knew and loved.”

“The RMAF Advisory Board includes a small group of industry heavies, including Ray Kimber (president of Kimber Kable), Joe Reynolds (president of Nordost Corporation), Roy Gregory (formerly editor of Hi-Fi+ and currently with theaudiobeat.com.) Though I never had the privilege of getting to know Al Stiefel beyond our phone calls, I can’t imagine he’d have wanted it any other way than for the show to go on.”

, Hi-Fi+ Interviews Marjorie Baumert of the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest

“Ray Kimber called to tell me that they were still very interested in carrying out Al’s wish to have a Head-Fi presence at RMAF 2009. The good Mr. Kimber invited me and John Purtill to Denver to attend an RMAF Advisory Board meeting on June 25, 2009. How do diehard audio enthusiasts say no to that? Simple–they don’t.”

“We drove to Marjorie and Al’s gorgeous home, which also serves as RMAF HQ. …Without exception, every one of the members of the RMAF Advisory Board was excited about bringing the headphone audio enthusiasts and vendors to RMAF–a sort of cross-pollenation, and new blood.” ..

“By the end of the meeting, the idea had acquired flesh and blood, as well as a strong set of lungs and some fast-twitch muscle, all of which it’s going to need, as we’ve got about a three-month sprint to hammer this out before RMAF 2009.”

Hi-Fi+: Do you consider yourself an audiophile or more as someone who helps bring audiophiles together, or both? Do you personally participate in the hobby and if so, how?
I am not an audiophile but I have loved music for as long as I can remember. My parents loved music and it was always playing in the house and in the car. We always knew when my Mom or Dad loved a song because they would listen to the entire song before turning off the car. So my brothers and sisters and I just sang along to whatever tune was playing.

I attend high end shows throughout the US and around the world to learn more about the industry, new products and trying to understand the ever-changing technologies. It is difficult for me to do this at my show since I mostly stay in the office to take care of last minute issues. Our Colorado Audio Society meetings are always informative and I try to attend as many as I can throughout the year.

 

Hi-Fi+: When you have a chance to listen to music for personal enjoyment, what pieces of music have you been listening to of late?

This time of year is very stressful for me…deadlines, non-stop phone calls, etc. I find if I can sing out loud to songs of my youth (rock and roll), it relaxes me…as long as no one is listening! Unfortunately, I cannot carry a tune but I know every word to every song! Music has always part of my life and I have very eclectic taste. I am usually open to listening to music I am not familiar with as there is always a gem in the mix. At my first audiophile show by myself I was in a room and loved the music they were playing but I had no clue what was playing. Doug White was kind enough to teach me how to download an app called Spotify and life changed forever!

Hi-Fi+: If explaining RMAF to a newcomer, what would you tell them to expect from the show? What’s the draw? What are the things you hope they would take away from a first visit to RMAF?

Enjoyment. Music makes everything better. I usually tell them to bring some music that they love in whatever format they listen to and experience it on different systems. Doing this gives them insight into exciting new possibilities for sound in their lives. I hope they will come back next year…and bring a new friend!

, Hi-Fi+ Interviews Marjorie Baumert of the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest


Hi-Fi+: Many of us keep ‘mental scrapbooks’ of happy memories. What are two or three of your happiest memories from RMAF events in the past?
Hanging out in the bar with Dave and Carol Clark and Al walked over to join us. He was so happy at how well the show turned out, he just couldn’t stop smiling. I still remember how happy my heart was at that moment.

At the first RMAF I was totally exhausted and walked down to the Starbucks in the hotel with Faith Turner. We were waiting in line and listened to some people start to talk about the show. They were so complimentary that we both looked at each other and smiled!

I was nervous about RMAF 2009 and how I was going to survive an RMAF without Al. The RMAF Advisory Board was very supportive but I was still unsure. After all, Al had always been the face of RMAF and most of the exhibitors had never met me in person. The entire show is a bit of a blur for me but the memories of the RMAF volunteers, Press, Exhibitors and Marriott staff, who took a chance on Marcie and I being able to pull it off always brings a smile. That weekend was filled with tears, laughter, hugs and of course a blackout! I am always thankful for the support which continues to energize me.

Hi-Fi+: Looking ahead, what are your hopes and dreams for RMAF in the years ahead?
I hope RMAF will continue to thrive and grow organically. We will continue to try new things each year and provide a useful resource in the audiophile calendar.

 

 

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