NAMM Plans Special Performances and Sessions for Piano Dealers at 2011 NAMM Show Inside New Lounge 88 Area on Level 3

Continuing its 109-year-old commitment to the piano industry, NAMM today announced a roster of special performances and educational sessions at the upcoming 2011 NAMM Show for piano dealers.

During the show, Level 3 of the Anaheim Convention Center will be transformed into "Lounge 88," an area for piano dealers and manufacturers to enjoy and appreciate the instruments and live performances inside.

The Lounge 88 Schedule of Events is as follows:

Education Sessions

Friday, January 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Bob Popyk, founder of Bentley-Hall, Inc. and columnist for The Music Trades magazine
Title: Where Is Your Next Piano Customer Coming From?

Description: The piano industry has changed, and piano stores need to change with it. Just waiting for a customer to come in the door is probably not going to make it if you want to be a successful piano dealer in the months to come. Here are some ideas for creative marketing, a continual prospecting program, getting involved in the adult market and weekly participatory activities.

Saturday, January 15 at 9:30 a.m.
Matt and Debra Perez, The Piano Gallery and Valley Keyboard
Title:  Proven Programs and Strategies to Increase Store Traffic and Piano Sales in 2011

Description: Successful programs and strategies are currently being used that create both new piano players and new piano buyers. This session will provide practical steps for successfully implementing these ideas in your store and community with the goal of creating a consistent flow of new possibilities. With more people desiring to play the piano than we can imagine, 2011 has the potential to become a pivotal year for all of us in the piano business.

Sunday, January 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Eric Johnson, PerARTS LLC 
Title: Artist Relations for Fun and Profit

Presenting performances by professional (and non-professional) pianists has proven to be an effective way to build store traffic, solidify relationships with your local community and sell pianos. However, there are a few tricks to doing it effectively, including identifying the right performers, setting up the performance area and profiting from the event. In this session, you’ll get guidelines from an artist relations perspective for presenting high-level pianists in a professional, effective way—both in your store and in outside venues.

Performances

Thursday, January 13
Noon  Ray Ushikubo (9 year-old protégé) presented by Kawai
5:30 to 6:00  Freddie Ravel presented by Brodmann
 
Friday, January 14
Noon  Freddie Ravel presented by Brodmann
5:30 to 6:00  Brian Culbertson presented by Pianodisc
 
Saturday, January 15
Noon  Vladimir Zaslavsky presented by Samick (Seiler)
5:30 to 6:00 Forty Flying Fingers presented by Yamaha Corporation and Yamaha Canada
 
Sunday, January 16
Noon  Ted Howe presented by Petrof