CES and THE are much bigger than any of the HE's so far. CES's Alexis Park (skip the convention center) and THE's St. Tropez are where you will find the good stuff. THE Show usually has the more exotic 2ch gear, and a free barbeque lunch on all of the show days I think. Both shows are supposed to be industry-only, but that is with a wink-wink from what I have seen. Just get a dealer to sign you up, or print some business cards with a high end audio sounding company name and you can get it just fine.
The Show vs. C.E.S. vs Home Entertainment
I need some input from somebody who has attended these shows. I'm thinking about going to The Show. Is it better them HE (more better and more expensive electronics), is it worth the trip ? (I'm living near Phila). How could you compare CES to the Show ? Some claims that The Show s parasitic to CES. CES is not open to public so I do not have choice ?