The 2005 NAMM Show Comes to a Close

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, ended its 2005 NAMM Show today with more music, educational sessions and business meetings among Members.

The day began with a powerful pre-show blues performance by Reno Jones in the Anaheim Convention Center lobby. When the exhibit halls opened, attendees filled the floor to take a final look at new products and to take in the last nine sessions in the NAMM Idea Center. These more focused, 20-minute sessions were a new format for NAMM U—and were well-received by show-goers.

“The shorter sessions really do work well,” said Carol Sides of Robert M. Sides Family Music Center, Williamsport, Penn. “That's how you can hold people's attention. They have other commitments, and it forces the speaker to be right to the point. And it's very helpful to us—we can get more accomplished with the shortness of their speeches.”

Many booths had full lineups of musicians who showed their skills while doing product demonstrations and signed autographs for fans.

In the afternoon, the final heats of the NAMM International Fastest Drummer Contest took place. Chaz Stanbach placed first in the Fastest Hands category with 924 beats in 60 seconds, and Matt Garrett came in first in the Fastest Feet category with 888 beats in one minute.

As the show came to a close, many NAMM Members gave positive feedback about their experiences at this year's show.

“It's been great,” said Carlo Prinic of Castlerock Recording Studio, Berkeley, Australia. “I'm definitely seeing a lot of gear that interests me, and a lot of new gear, so it's really great. [My favorite part] is seeing the new products—from our point of view, being from Australia, it's a good thing that we can bring some new stuff back.”

“We think the show has been wonderful this year,” said Frank Cates of switchmusic.com, Ontario, Calif. “The attendance, we thought, was up from all general appearances. We're starting to see more new people coming into the industry, which is a nice, pleasant change, so we are making some new contacts.”