I was there, it was great fun :)
 

mudgel
I'm envious of you guys. Australia is just too small for events like that. I can't think of a single retailer with that sort of pulling power.

I don't think there is anything else quite like Sweetwater anywhere in the music retailing world. It's a great event. Sweetwater does everything in a first class manner, and they really pay attention to the details of customer service and efficiency.
 
After I had completed my purchases (I spent too much money again!) I pulled around to the drive-up package pick-up lane, and all of the passengers in my vehicle were offered bottled water while we waited. This was much appreciated on that hot and humid day. Small things like this make a positive impression.  
 
And during my second sip, my merchandise arrived. Great service, and good people with a positive can-do attitude.

While my friend Brian and I waited for our gear, I mentioned that I was getting thirsty.
A Sweetwater employee heard... and I was immediately offered cold bottled water (free).
 
Got a great deal on a PRS SC245!
Already have G.A.S. for a semi-hollow MusicMan Axis Super Sport with P90s and a piezo in the bridge.
Was playing it while waiting for the SC245 to be pulled from the warehouse.
 

TPayton
I don't think there is anything else quite like Sweetwater anywhere in the music retailing world. It's a great event. Sweetwater does everything in a first class manner, and they really pay attention to the details of customer service and efficiency.

I overheard one of the attendees say "There's nothing that's not cool about this place!!" I tend to agree 

Jim Roseberry
While my friend Brian and I waited for our gear, I mentioned that I was getting thirsty.
A Sweetwater employee heard... and I was immediately offered cold bottled water (free).
 
Got a great deal on a PRS SC245!
Already have G.A.S. for a semi-hollow MusicMan Axis Super Sport with P90s and a piezo in the bridge.
Was playing it while waiting for the SC245 to be pulled from the warehouse.
 

I am already planning my purchases next year to take advantage of the show specials.  If I am lucky, something I need might end up in the deal zone.

When we first walked in (walked by the Deal Zone)... there were two American Deluxe Strats for $1k.
Needless to say... they were gone quickly.
 
FWIW, The SC245 was listed at normal price... but I was offered a huge show discount.
If there's something you're interested in... make sure to ask about it.
 
In the Open Box tent (Saturday afternoon)... there were three Fender (American) Dimension basses for $500 to $700.
There was nothing wrong with any of them... I couldn't even find a blemish

The deals seemed "sweeter" this year than in the past couple of years. Picked up a Gretsch hollowbody myself for less than half list price.

I only had one thing on my list and that was a pair of monitor stands - those weren't in the deal zone.  But they had SM57/58's at $57/58 respectively (I was good and only got the SM58 - already have a 57) and a pair of HD280 headphones for $50 that I picked up.  Met my budget  of $200.  I will probably be in the market for a new interface next year and I will likely buy it at Gearfest.

Before this fades in the rear view mirror, I thought you might want to check out the show report I did for Harmony Central. There's also a link in there to the video I shot of the Synth Panel with Roger Linn, Dave Smith, and Tom Oberheim.