ANAHEIM, Calif. – The music industry’s National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show, held April 13-15 at the Anaheim Convention Center, reported a strong post-pandemic return of international trade show attendees representing 120 counties and territories, accounting for a 64% boost in international attendance year over year.
“As the pandemic and its impact continues to recede, the industry is quickly finding its footing for the future,” NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond said. “These are the moments in history when big changes occur, both in innovation and in careers, and the leaders of tomorrow were in Anaheim, creating exciting new business opportunities at the true crossroads of the industry.”
NAMM, which focuses on music products, pro audio and the entertainment technology industry, drew more than 1,200 event exhibitors representing 3,500 brands, in addition to retail and distribution buyers, entertainment tech, artists, media, and pro audio buyers and professionals.
“The global industry came together last week in Anaheim, and it was incredible to see so many NAMM members, companies, products, and technologies under one roof again,” NAMM Chair, Joel Menchey of Menchey Music Service, said.
NAMM, which this year centered its theme on “Bringing the Future into Focus,” offered more than 75 pro audio and music technology sessions for emerging and established professionals, as well as more than 200 education sessions focusing on new ideas and trends in the industry.
Sessions addressed future technology. A3E: The Advanced Audio + Applications Exchange series of sessions, for example, explored how advanced audio applications are transforming the music industry, production and performance, including the session “Revolutionizing Sound with Immersive Audio and AI.”
The NAMM Foundation also launched at the 2023 show Million More Music Makers, a new initiative that offers hands-on training to expand guitar, ukulele and bass music learning opportunities in schools and communities.
“For companies participating in our new market-building initiatives like Million More Music Makers, they are the ones who will lead our industry to further growth and success,” Lamond said.
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NAMM, a not-for-profit association comprised of 15,000 global member companies and individual professionals, also featured at this year’s show a variety of music legends, including Grammy winner John Fogerty who was awarded NAMM’s “Music for Life Award” at the Breakfast of Champions.
Chuck D, the legendary leader and founder of the rap group Public Enemy, social activist, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, was honored with NAMM’s Impact Music & Culture Award.
The industry also gathered during NAMM to celebrate female leaders and innovators at the She Rocks Awards.
The show’s digital extension, the NAMM Show+, provided a platform for attendees to connect with each other and livestream nearly 100 sessions, special events, and performances. The NAMM Show+ platform will remain open until May 26.
NAMM is also a boon for the local economy, this year bringing to Anaheim more than $88 million with 48,000 attendees and 17,000 room nights, according to Jay Burress, CEO & President of Visit Anaheim.
NAMM 2024 will take place Jan. 25-28, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center. According to John Mlynczak, who will assume the NAMM President and CEO role starting May 1, exhibitor reservations are already exceeding expectations.
Reach Joe Lamond at (760) 438-8001; Jay Burress at (714) 765-2927
