JOE LAMOND
life with our platform vendor , Swapcard , to create and encapsulate those valuable networking opportunities , education and training , and brand experiences found at The NAMM Show to serve all members and inspire more music makers .
Specifically , Believe in Music Week will present a marketplace that ’ s powered by artificial intelligence ( AI ) matchmaking to connect buyers and sellers , helping all industry members learn about the latest products . At the marketplace , members will be able to discover new products and demos , and schedule and hold meetings with the brands , including video meetings .
The week will also have over 150 valuable education and training sessions from leading experts on the latest strategies , tactics , and best practices to grow their businesses on topics ranging from “ SEO Strategies for 2021 ” to “ Creative Ways to Manage Cash and Inventory During a Pandemic ,” and other practical applications for your business and yourself . Education and training will also be offered in audio technology , entertainment technology , house of worship , and advocacy , non-profit , and GenNext , for the industry ’ s emerging leaders . Along with education and training , Believe in Music TV will present a series of livestreamed channels , including some of the most notable sessions and events found at The NAMM Show , including the Top 100
Dealer Awards and TEC Awards , along with NAMM Foundation programming and new content to inspire and connect our global community .
That said , in practical terms for retailers and suppliers , there is still no better time to take advantage of valuable education and training through NAMM U to reignite your business , connect with other industry professionals through AI matchmaking , and to plan purchasing decisions for the year ahead .
CMT : Can you provide some insight into the early discussions and plans for Believe in Music Week and what you envisioned for it ? How much is the final product deviating from those initial concepts ?
Lamond : When the impact of COVID-19 came into focus in March , our attention immediately turned to helping NAMM members with practical tools to navigate the crisis and as an advocate for business relief resources , both of which we continue to advance today . Alongside this , we had the opportunity to observe how other shows transitioned to virtual events and experience traditionally in-person events virtually . As a result , we quickly built a consensus that most solutions available fell short of meeting the needs of our members and the industry . We ultimately selected Swapcard , an AI-based platform designed to more closely resemble a social network of industry professionals , brand pages , video , and livestreamed education , product content , and events . Like just about everyone right now , we ’ re in uncharted waters but excited at the prospect of being able to connect more members than ever before .
CMT : Compared to the usual NAMM Show , what are your expectations for Believe in Music Week ’ s attendance in terms of size , national / international makeup , type of attendees , etc .?
Lamond : It ’ s definitely a new activity for us , so hard to say with any certainty . On the one hand , we know who comes to The NAMM Show each year , and we believe that they will want to be a part of this , especially until we can all be together again at either Summer NAMM ’ 21 or Winter NAMM ’ 22 . On top of that , we know that a lot of people around the world would love to come to NAMM but for various reasons could not . This platform has unlimited space versus the physical walls of our traditional home in Anaheim . Numbers aside , what we ’ re trying to do is support the industry and promote our members ’ success in the post-pandemic recovery . And on a related note , it seems to me that future NAMM Shows will have this digital component alongside our physical events .
CMT : A lot of articles have been written about how exhibiting companies can take maximum advantage of virtual trade events , but there is not a lot of advice out there for buyers and other non-exhibiting attendees taking part in these events . So what advice do you and your team have for retailers , including buyers , in terms of how they can get the most out of Believe in Music Week ?
Lamond : New products and education , that ’ s how I would approach it if I were still in retail . Our virtual exhibitors will have their new products on display and based on your interests and click-throughs , the platform will recommend other products you might not have seen if you were walking around the trade show floor . Our NAMM U , TEC Tracks , Breakfast Sessions , and many other educational opportunities will provide invaluable tools for success , regardless of your particular industry role .
IMPORTANT DATES Registration & the Exhibitor Center are now open January 4 : Exhibitor meeting portal opens January 6 : Believe in Music channel lineup released January 11 : Attendee meeting portal opens January 18 – 20 : Industry preview meetings January 20 : Global Livestream January 21 – 22 : Marketplace opens January 21 – 22 : Believe in Music TV February 28 : Marketplace and Believe in Music TV content closes
THE MARKETPLACE With Swapcard as NAMM ’ s chosen online platform for Believe in Music Week , the artificial intelligence-powered Marketplace will offer unique matchmaking features . NAMM says this highly-interactive platform will connect buyers and sellers to help all industry members learn about the latest products .
In addition , based on the demos , viewings , and meetings attendees have with brands , the platform will suggest other products they may be interested in . These smart matchmaking capabilities mean buyers and other attendees will discover products that they may have missed if simply browsing the aisles and booths of a convention centre .
CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE 21