As it was explained to me, there was no instrument showcase this year because the number of instrument makers has been dropping (I remember a somewhat full room, but I could be mistaken), and the space in those Northwest Rooms was better used for workshops and exhibits. Since the Vera Project took over some of that space, there's less for other activities during the festival.

I heard a lot of people asking about the Instrument Showcase, so maybe the planning folks will reconsider.