NAMM 2018: The Crossroads
The annual community gathering of music, sound, and event technology mixes the right ingredients for success
Do you ever feel like the world you understood so well—the world in which you built your business, found your niche, and successfully served your customers—has been switched with something so alien that it might be out of a sci-fi movie?
Well, you are not alone my friend. I suspect there are many people feeling the same way; all seeking answers as to what comes next and discovering how to build the next iteration of their future. As I’ve said before, change only becomes profitable when one adapts to it. And that’s exactly what a trip to The NAMM Show allows us all to do.
This gathering of the industry tribes mixes the ingredients of success for your business and your life. Not only will you be introduced to the latest innovative products that will drive the industry in the new year, but you will also have access to the best industry education, tailored to your specific needs. And the memorable experiences that naturally occur at our industry’s family reunion, set against the backdrop of some of the greatest musical moments, will spark your passion and energize your greater purpose of bringing music to the world.
The NAMM Campus will be larger this year, as a result of our Crossroads 2.0 plan that brings together the full spectrum of music, sound and event technology. The goal is to give you a full 360 vantage point of the state of play as well as the clues and tools to chart your future.
NAMM Show has it all. The crossroads enable us as business owners, buyers, sales and support staff to see where the market is growing and evolving and how we can participate at every level. We take the time to meet with our current suppliers to see what they have in the works and are always looking for new business models and providers, so that we can be part of the latest things that are happening in the industry.
West Music, Coralville, IA
The trade show floor is organized to maximize your time, with product segments closer together, more common areas to network and additional food options. We’ve also incorporated the tools and technology to reduce the sound of product demos, resulting in a better experience for all.
As always, education is the cornerstone of The NAMM Show. You will want to zero in on the topics most important to your success. However, leave some time for exploration. With AES at NAMM, there will be more audio and recording sessions than ever. Also new for 2018, ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association) will bring expertise and training in lighting, event technology and staging—an area many of our retail members are growing in as they seek to add value to their communities to attract more customers.
In my opinion, The NAMM Show brings every one of us back to the heartbeat of it all—our love and passion for music and the connections we’ve made along the way. The hotel lobby bars, Grand Plaza concerts, the Annual Tribute, exhibitor events and receptions, TEC Awards, Parnelli Awards, Night of Worship concert, and the SheRocks Awards are just a few of the experiences that make The NAMM Show a memorable milestone every year.
Thank you for your continued trust, support and friendship. Please be assured our team is dedicated to helping make The NAMM Show a successful event for all. See you there!
Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO
