MEDIA CONTACT:
Kymberly Drake
Public Relations Manager
NAMM
760-438-8007, ext. 162
Fax: 760-438-8257
e-mail: kymberlyd@namm.org

Scott Robertson, APR
Director of Marketing & Communications
NAMM
760-438-8007, ext. 102
Fax: 760-438-8257
e-mail: scottr@namm.org

102nd NAMM SHOW OPENS IN ANAHEIM
Record Number of Exhibitors Set as Industry Association Gathers to Preview Latest Musical Products

ANAHEIM, Calif., January 15, 2004—Centered around the theme “Believe in Music,” the 102nd NAMM Show opened today, bringing together a record 1,340 exhibiting companies, a record number of international attendees and thousands of retail buyers for the music products industry’s largest annual event in the United States.

Show organizer NAMM, the International Music Products Association, expects to attract approximately 70,000 attendees over the four-day period, exceeding last year’s record attendance. The show, which runs today through January 18 at the Anaheim Convention Center, is open to members of the international music products industry and media who cover musical instruments and products.

In the midst of a growing economy and increased public awareness of the value of music making, the show provides an ideal environment for attendees to preview the latest music products, and learn ways to make their businesses more successful in the coming year through business services, marketing programs, NAMM University seminars, roundtable discussions and conversations with others in the industry

“The NAMM Show gives our industry a great opportunity to come together as a community,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “This gathering is what sets the tone for the year, and based on feedback from our Members, the feeling is that we’ve ‘turned the corner,’ creating a sense of optimism within the industry.”

About NAMM
NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).