For exhibiting brands , the AI-powered Marketplace will offer : turnkey , multimedia-rich profile pages featuring video and product information ; one-on-one meetings and the ability to segment groups by region and interest ; translation features for an audience ’ s specific language and time zone ; ability to conduct live chats , polls , and Q & As ; and detailed reports of leads and activities , which helps measure ROI .
ABOUT THE PLATFORM The digital platform that forms the technical foundation of Believe in Music Week comes from Swapcard . The company touts its ability to match an event ’ s audience with people and relevant content using artificial intelligence . NAMM believes this AI-powered matchmaking ability will offer significant value to its exhibitors and buyers , possibly creating more and better connections than are possible at a traditional in-person show .
Importantly , the Swapcard platform does not aim to recreate the look and feel of a traditional trade show . Rather , the platform ’ s look and functionality are more akin to a social media platform , particularly Facebook . Here is a look at what to expect when you log in :
BELIEVE IN MUSIC TV Believe in Music Week will feature custom , specialized video programming , including some of the quality education and entertainment members would expect from The NAMM Show , along with new content to inspire and connect the association ’ s various global communities . Believe in Music TV will feature :
BELIEVE TV Like the Grand Plaza at The NAMM Show , Believe in Music TV draws and excites a broad audience with special performances and presentations .
GEAR TV An opportunity for brands to showcase their latest innovations and stories .
ARTIST TV Live music and artist appearances to engage musicians , professionals , and fans .
EDUCATION TRACKS Believe in Music Week will offer four main tracks for music products , pro audio , and entertainment technology professionals : Business , Audio Production and Music Technology , Entertainment Technology , and Artists .
Each day of education — Thursday , Jan . 20 th and Friday , Jan . 21 st — will kick off with an opening “ big picture ” session featuring industry VIPs , artists and influencers , and NAMM ’ s Joe Lamond , with perspectives of what to expect in the year ahead .
BUSINESS TRACK The Business Track will bring together the top minds in the industry to offer actionable strategies , tactics , and best practices for music retailers and brands to navigate to the next level . At the heart of the track is NAMM U for member-only sessions on pressing topics , including “ SEO Tips for 2021 ” by SEO expert Bill Sebald ; “ Email Marketing Tips to Increase Sales by 3x ” by Ayana Webb of The Musical Webb ; and a variety of sessions on online marketing and social media strategy , branding , virtual lesson programs , and creative ways to manage inventory and cash during a pandemic . Bob Phibbs , a . k . a . “ The Retail Doctor ,” and New York Times best-selling author Scott Stratten will also return for special sessions .
AUDIO PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY TRACK
Audio professionals will also be able to grow and hone their skills in pro audio and technology . Sessions for recording , live sound , house of worship professionals , and music technologists will dive into the latest tools , tips , and innovations while also exploring the landscape of new technology .
Programs include : TEC Tracks , offering big-picture sessions and high-profile topics in recording , live sound , and music business , featuring industry thought leaders ; the A3E ( Advanced Audio + Applications Exchange ) featuring future-forward education on how next-generation content creation is reshaping the entertainment industry ; the Audio Engineering Society ( AES ) presenting educational sessions on key topics for audio professionals ; and free Dante certification training of Audinate ’ s AV network solution .
ARTIST TRACK For emerging and established artists , songwriters , and studio musicians , the Artist track will cover the new music industry landscape and tips for success .
ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY TRACK
The Entertainment Services and Technology Association ( ESTA ) will present in-depth education and training sessions for entertainment technology and design professionals , as well as those responsible for their safety . ESTA ’ s extensive sessions will cover everything from lighting and lighting networking to rigging and safety .
THE NAMM FOUNDATION TRACKS A series of programs from The NAMM Foundation to serve those in music and arts advocacy , management and education , social justice , and emerging professionals . Programs include : GenNext , an education series offering college-aged students and faculty access to career and professional development opportunities ; Music Education Days , where school music teachers and administrators will take part in informative sessions , performances , and the opportunity to preview the latest instruments , products and tools for classrooms ; the Music and Social Justice track , where participants will participate in conversations about diversity and inclusion with leaders of cultural organizations ; the Music and Wellness track , which will explore better living through music ; and the Non-profit Management Institute , which provides music
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