By Joe Lamond
A Special Thank You
We ’ re just a few months away from The 2018 NAMM Show , and our exhibiting members deserve a huge “ thank you ” for their commitment and leadership to the growth of our industry . The stable and reliable platform that they have come to depend on to build their brands will once again be a “ gathering of the tribes ” for the global music , sound , and event technology products business .
This January , member companies large and small from over 130 countries will come together to see the latest product innovations , experience a vast array of education opportunities , and enjoy the exciting networking and musical events that only happen at The NAMM Show . While being predictable in a very unpredictable world has been a good thing at The NAMM Show , we ’ re excited about the many changes
in store for this upcoming year . Thanks to feedback from exhibitors and buyers alike , we have taken big steps to improve the show experience and increase the ROI for everyone . The addition of the new 200,000 sq . ft . North Hall at the Anaheim
Convention Center will give us a much-needed opportunity to “ remodel the store .”
There will be more space to network and meet as well as improved food areas , easier aisle movement , and a big commitment to contain sound levels on the show floor to make it easier to conduct business .
In addition , with the fruition of some important strategic alliances , NAMM will be virtually tripling our educational offerings . NAMM University , which includes the Breakfast Sessions and Idea Center , will offer up a whole new slate of relevant and high-value education for our retail members .
Furthermore , TEC Tracks will help our members build a bridge to the exciting future opportunities that music technology brings to our industry .
NAMM NEWS
We ’ ll also round out the missing piece of our musical puzzle and attract live sound , lighting , staging , touring , and event technology professionals to The NAMM Show with enhanced education opportunities . By working together with AES and ESTA , our show will truly be the crossroads of all professionals who influence how music is made , heard , and enjoyed around the globe .
Music educators , music business majors , and national and international educational policy leaders will also have special education opportunities , bringing the entire musical ecosystem together .
In a day where technology makes every individual a thought leader and communicator , bringing all the “ musical tribes ” together has never been more important . Who knows – the person visiting your booth could be an influential social media star with a million YouTube or Twitter followers ! And the world ’ s media will be watching too , giving our members and our music-making message unprecedented coverage .
We are grateful for your support and eager to see each and every one of you in January .
Thank you ! Joe Lamond
NAMM Show Opportunities
Connect with Your Customers Your best customers and partners will take part in this annual “ family ” reunion , creating an international platform to discuss sales , understand product and distribution challenges , explore marketing programs , and take industry cues . This face-to-face interaction with your brand is critical in building business relationships that last .
Find New Buyers The robust show floor , world-class education , and unique show experience draws the best of music retailers and distributors , as well as venues , schools , studios , theatres , cruise ships , amusement parks , houses of worship , and other businesses , utilizing the show to find the latest in music , sound , and event technology products .
Influence Media The NAMM Show attracts 1,500 media outlets from around the world , across TV , print , radio , and digital , helping NAMM exhibitors not only generate momentum for new products and highlight brand benefits , but also increase industry demand at the start of each business year .
Expand Your Reach An international collective of artists , celebrities , and influencers share their NAMM experiences with millions , helping exhibitors demonstrate and position their brand within the marketplace . And our new partnerships with the livestream leader , Twitch . com , creates a virtual experience that extends the show ’ s reach to even more potential customers .
Create Relevant Content With the music , sound , and event technology industries gathered in one place at one time , there are ample opportunities to create custom content for promotions across multiple media platforms that are in line with the hottest trends . Utilize your NAMM Show experience in real time to reach a broader global audience in year-long sales and marketing efforts .
Refine Your Team See first-hand how your team interacts with each other and with customers as they promote your brand . First-hand observations can lead to improvements through industry education , training , and role-playing , allowing you to establish the right unified approach for working with customers , handling objections , and closing the sale .
Since 2001 , Joe Lamond has been president and CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants ( NAMM ), the global not-for-profit trade association representing 9,000 manufacturers and retailers of musical instruments and sound products . NAMM ’ s mission is to strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music .
CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE 19