2020 is the year of “Crossroads.” Like the blues song, Crossroads refers to a mythical fork in the road, one we now face as we adapt to the blinding speed of change. Crossroads also represents a gathering place that links culture, technology and trade. And our own Crossroads, The NAMM Show, serves as the gathering of all the musical communities, instruments, pro audio and entertainment technology—offering you a powerful glimpse into the future. In this special edition of “Breakfast of Champions," join NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond as he sits down with the biggest thought leaders in MI, sound and entertainment technology for up-close, one-on-one discussions.

Modern marketing and social media are fast-paced and always-on, but is “fast” really the best path to drive marketing transformation at your business? Is real-time, right now going to deliver the best results and marketing experiences to your customers? Marketing guru Ann Handley is here to tell you “no”! Because always-on is exhausting. Because fast and frenzied is unsustainable. Because you have a business to run. And in this NAMM U Breakfast Session, Handley will be your tour guide for effective marketing in 2020. She’ll reveal why the companies seeing the most success in marketing and social media are those that slow down, do less and obsess over key areas. Most of all, she’ll share how you can be more strategic to fuel your own marketing success. Are you ready?

In this age of business disruption, “standing out” from the competition is more challenging than ever—and usually not enough to win. To be a lasting business, you need to become iconic in your customers’ minds and hearts. But how does a company go from merely good to icon status? Find out as NAMM welcomes Scott McKain, global customer-experience expert, musician and Hall of Fame speaker. In this exciting NAMM U Breakfast Session, McKain will share the five key characteristics of iconic organizations and how you can make these concepts work for your own business. You’ll discover specific, practical steps for delivering the ultimate customer experience, creating distinction in the marketplace and taking your business to the highest level.

What does it take to have a successful career in the music industry? Find out firsthand at this special session, hosted by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. In a series of up-close interviews, Lamond will speak with a diverse lineup of music industry professionals, including award-winning trumpet soloist Jonathan Dely; Tim Spicer, owner of Spicer’s Music; Laura Escudé, artist and CEO of Electronic Creatives; Farah Allen, CEO & Founder of The Labz; and Pauline France, the Global Employee Communications Manager at Fender. They’ll discuss their career trajectories and share practical insights for long-term success. Walk away with new ideas and inspiration to take your career to new heights. This event is dedicated to SUNY Potsdam alumnus and longtime music industry icon Sandy Feldstein.