7 Reasons to Join and Be Active in a Music Industry Association
Are you new to the music products industry and looking to expand your network? Or, are you a seasoned insider seeking out new strategies to level up your business? No matter where you are in your career, a music industry association is the resource to accelerate your growth. Think of it as a path forward to discover new ideas, networking opportunities, trends and more.
If that rings true, here are seven reasons why an association membership will benefit your business and career.
1. Continue Education Through Professional Development Opportunities
As association professionals, we often see a telling trend: The members running healthy, growing organizations are usually the same ones sitting in educational sessions during industry conferences and trade shows. Ongoing education is essential for staying competitive in a time when AI is rewriting the rulebook and economic shifts have made "business as usual" anything but. This means getting an inside look at the strategies, tactics and best practices that are quietly reshaping what success looks like. By participating in a music industry association, you gain access to year-round professional development opportunities that are customized to your specific field. Plus, you’re surrounded by like-minded peers, giving you an opportunity to expand your professional community.
2. Network With Your Peers
Speaking of community, an association is where you’ll find people who “get you.” If you haven’t sought out a professional network, you’ll probably be surprised by how much you can learn from your peers — and how many shared experiences you have with them. Not least of all, you’ll be surprised by how much you have to give. Don’t miss an opportunity to grow your network. It can lead to an invaluable exchange of new ideas and resources — and the kind of business partnerships that will make you wish you'd shown up sooner.
3. Attend Association Trade Shows and Events
What better way to understand what’s new and what’s next than to attend in-person association events where everyone gathers in one place? Live and online events are where the industry convenes and reveals its latest trends and innovations. Whether it’s a trade show spotlighting music products brands, a leadership development conference where business leaders can gain perspective or even a webinar with forward-thinking professionals, association events can be the ultimate value for their members.
4. Gain New Business Opportunities
Opportunities happen for those who show up. When you join an industry association, you’re part of the conversation — and more likely to come across that idea, connection or product that drives future success. Again, leveraging an association for networking and attending key events opens the door for new conversations, acquiring leads and nurturing partnerships.
5. Stay Current With Changes in Policy
Keeping track of policy updates that impact your business and career is time-consuming. (Not to mention policy language gets complicated.) Your association can keep you up to date with policy changes happening globally by providing you with regular communications. This way, you spend less time researching and more time taking action.
6. Become an Advocate for the Music Industry
If you’re passionate about the music business, being part of an association is the perfect way to get involved in activities that strengthen the industry's entire ecosystem. Positioning yourself as an advocate on industry issues and opportunities is also among the highest levels of service you can offer to your professional community. Get involved to help ensure that future generations are able to start businesses and pursue careers in our industry.
7. Contribute to a Cause Greater Than Yourself
Likewise, getting involved in a greater cause strengthens your sense of purpose. Through association membership, you can contribute to big-picture efforts, such as supporting music education, volunteering as a speaker to drive thought leadership or becoming a mentor for a young professional.
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Being part of an association can bring great value on your path to personal, professional and business growth — and more depth to your experience as a music-industry leader. Consider joining your industry association or becoming more active in your current membership to get closer to trends, the latest innovations, people, education and networking opportunities.
Ready to Get Active in Your Industry Association?
As a music industry professional or business owner, you need a place where you can connect with like-minded peers, access education and grow your brand year-round. NAMM represents the music products industry and serves many communities, including music product brands and retailers, as well as pro audio, live event, house of worship and music-education professionals. Discover the benefits of joining NAMM or become more active today to enrich your experience as a member of the music industry.
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About the Author
Zach Phillips serves as NAMM’s director of member services, where he oversees the organization’s education and membership initiatives. He previously served as director of professional development, where he led NAMM’s education programs for business, pro audio and live event professionals. He was also the editor of Music Inc. and UpBeat Daily magazines, as well as a contributor to NBCChicago.com.