Show Floor Sound & Booth Demonstration Policy

NAMM is a trade show for buyers and sellers of music products to conduct business in leased booth space. Part of that business is trying out the music products; however, there are parameters by which this can be done within the booth space while providing a safe and business friendly environment on the show floor. NAMM is committed to providing a successful environment for its members to do business and the following outlines how this intends to be accomplished.

The following policy must be adhered to and will be enforced by NAMM at all times throughout the show:

  • Sound level may not exceed 85 decibels as determined by NAMM Floor Management Team.
  • Demonstrations may not exceed 5 minutes, impede aisle space or cause disruption to neighboring booths. Exhibitor is responsible for receiving the proper approval from NAMM management and securing crowd control staff.

NAMM Show Policy Enforcement Procedure

  1. An exhibitor or attendee in violation of this policy will receive a verbal warning by the NAMM Floor Management Team
  2. If the exhibitor continues to violate this policy, a written warning will be delivered by the NAMM Floor Management Team
  3. If an attendee continues to violate this policy, their badge will be removed for the remainder of the show
  4. If the exhibitor continues to violate this policy despite the two official warnings, the booth will be closed for the remainder of the day
    • Electrical power will be removed if applicable
    • Drape will be placed at the front of the booth along with a sign stating “Closed due to sound level violation”
  5. If a violation continues the following day, the booth will be permanently closed and/or removed from the show floor for the remainder of the show (Booth fees are non-refundable)

Please be advised that exhibitors receiving three sound violations will jeopardize their booth location at future NAMM trade shows. Complaints of sound regulation violations may be made directly to the NAMM Floor Management Team or reported to the Show Office. Please contact your NAMM business partner for more tips and options to help control your sound at the show.

Steps NAMM Takes to Help Support a Positive Musical Experience in a Business Environment for Everybody

  • Categorize the show floor by product types to place products of similar volume together
  • Arrange booths and aisles in a way that provides “buffer” zones to help alleviate sound issues among exhibiting neighbors
  • Provide ear plugs for attendees and exhibitors to utilize during the show
  • Enforce the maximum decibel level at 85 so all booths demo instruments at a “background” level and not at full volume
  • Provide demo rooms at no cost—schedule ahead of time with NAMM Show Management (check your Exhibitor Service Manual for details)
  • Provide options for sound absorbing booth materials—affordable rentals available through Freeman (check your Exhibitor Service Manual for details)

Steps Exhibitors Can Take to Help Support a Positive Musical Experience in a Business Environment for Everybody

  • Utilize sound rooms, shields, and sound absorption material in booth construction
  • Utilize headphones during demos
  • Utilize the NAMM demo rooms, available at no cost
  • Do not place demonstration area or demonstration stage on the aisle, manage crowd appropriately
  • Do not point speakers into the aisle or other booths, direct them into the booths space
  • If the demo product is percussion, please remove the drum throne seat in between demos so attendees do not sit and play in a manner not conducive to background level sound
  • If the product is percussion, use drum brushes versus sticks to help control the level of sound
  • Place signs in booth near demo instruments stating the sound level and length of time—ensure attendees adhere to these guidelines
  • Notify attendees immediately if they are testing equipment too long or too loud and that the NAMM Floor Management Team may remove their badge for the remainder of the show

Steps Attendees Can Take to Help Support a Positive Musical Experience in a Business Environment for Everybody

  • Be aware of potentially high level sound areas and utilize ear plugs—available at registration locations and NAMM info spots
  • Utilize headphones during demos
  • Utilize the NAMM demo rooms—ask an exhibitor about this option
  • If the product is percussion, do not sit and play in a manner not conducive to background level sound
  • If the product is percussion, use drum brushes versus sticks to help control the level of sound
  • Sound levels may not exceed 85 decibels and badges will be removed if violations occur after warnings have been issued
  • Support Exhibiting Company’s efforts in controlling sound levels by adhering to this policy—don’t jeopardize your badge privileges

Performance vs. Demonstration

  • A “performance” is a public entertainment presentation and is prohibited in booth space. Performances are available on NAMM stages only
  • A “demonstration” is showing the merits of a product or service to a customer and is permitted in booth space, provided the demo adheres to the policy outlined above