The NAMM Show Wins Gold For Second Consecutive Year

CARLSBAD, CALIF., September 24, 2026 – The NAMM Show continues to receive accolades and awards as its winning streak extends with another year of honors and awards at the Trade Show Executive (TSE) Gold Awards. From breakthrough growth to digital innovation to the next generation of industry leadership, these latest honors reflect the momentum behind The NAMM Show as a leader in the trade show industry. 

NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the world’s largest global nonprofit music trade organization, is celebrating two major recognitions from TSE, further underscoring The NAMM Show’s growing influence, digital reach and leadership within the global trade show industry.

The NAMM Show captured a strategic category with its 2026 Gold 100 Grand Award Winner for Most Extreme Results from Social Media in 2025, recognizing the show’s extraordinary social media growth and innovative creator strategy that transformed The NAMM Show into a global digital event reaching audiences far beyond the show floor. The NAMM Show was also recognized as the 34^th largest show in the country, securing another year in the top 100 trade shows in the U.S. 

Adding to the celebration, Lisha Baer, Associate Director of Operations at NAMM, has been named a 2026 TSE Woman to Watch, recognizing her professional achievements, leadership and potential as an emerging force in the trade show industry.

The honors continue a remarkable run of recognition for NAMM from Trade Show Executive. At the 2025 TSE Gold 100 Awards, The NAMM Show took home two Grand Awards: Fastest-Growing Gold 100 Retail Show and the Staying Connected Award. Those consistent honors recognized the show’s exceptional growth and its ability to deepen connections with influencers, creators and audiences.

Now, the 2026 Gold 100 Grand Award recognition puts The NAMM Show’s social media strategy back in the spotlight—demonstrating how NAMM continues to expand the reach and relevance of the global music industry’s signature gathering.

Together, the latest recognitions reinforce a simple message: The NAMM Show isn’t just keeping pace with the evolution of live events—it is helping shape what comes next.

The NAMM Show Turns the World’s Music Industry Into a Global Social Event

The 2025 NAMM Show reimagined what it means to experience a trade show by placing content creation and creator engagement at the heart of the event.

Through a creator-first strategy, NAMM empowered musicians, influencers, media creators, exhibitors and attendees to share the excitement of The NAMM Show in real time—turning product discoveries, artist encounters, demonstrations and industry conversations into content reaching audiences around the world.

Thousands of creators participated across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, podcasts and emerging platforms, generating product launches, booth tours, artist interviews, livestreams, educational demonstrations, reaction videos and behind-the-scenes coverage.

NAMM’s owned social channels delivered record-setting results during the 2025 show cycle, including:

• 209,251 Instagram followers

• 19,000 new Instagram followers during the show cycle

• 2.2 million Instagram views in January

• 410,500 unique accounts reached on Instagram

• 9,261 average views per Instagram Story recap

• 3,000+ Instagram Broadcast Channel members

The show’s creator ecosystem was further fueled by the Creator Lounge and Production Studios, dedicated spaces designed for networking, collaboration and professional content production. The spaces became a hub for podcasts, interviews, livestreams, educational programming and social content, connecting creators directly with brands, artists and industry leaders.

“The NAMM Show has always been about bringing people together, but the way those connections has evolved rapidly,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “Our creator strategy has allowed us to take the energy, discovery and connections of The NAMM Show far beyond Anaheim and invite audiences around the world into the NAMM Show experience, offering brands more ROI than ever before. To see that work recognized by Trade Show Executive is a tremendous achievement for our team and for the entire NAMM community.”

Lisha Baer Named a 2026 Woman to Watch

NAMM is also celebrating the recognition of Lisha Baer, Associate Director of Operations, as one of Trade Show Executive’s 2026 Women to Watch.

The TSE Women to Watch program recognizes emerging leaders in the trade show industry based on professional achievements, leadership qualities and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in show management. Honorees are selected by a panel of Trade Show Executive editors, with nominations focused on professionals early in their careers who demonstrate strong potential for continued leadership.

Baer’s recognition shines a spotlight on the critical role of operations leadership in delivering the complex, high-impact experience that defines The NAMM Show.

As Associate Director of Operations, Baer contributes to the planning and execution of one of the world’s largest music products trade shows, helping bring together exhibitors, attendees, artists, creators and industry professionals from around the globe.

“Lisha represents the kind of emerging leadership that will help shape the future of our industry,” said Mlynczak. “Her dedication, operational expertise and commitment to delivering an exceptional experience make this recognition especially meaningful for NAMM. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized among this year’s Women to Watch.”

The NAMM Show continues to win recognition by doing what it does best: giving the global music community more ways than ever to connect, create and share, and investing in amazing leaders in the organization. 

NAMM Show Registration Is Now OPEN!

Members and qualified industry professionals can now register now and begin planning their January Show experience for the global music industry’s can’t-miss week in Anaheim.

Register for The 2027 NAMM Show:
https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/registration-process

For information about The 2027 NAMM Show and the Show’s digital brand experience:
https://exhibit.namm.org/

For more information about The 2027 NAMM Show:
https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend

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