The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Trade Show 2014
Anaheim Convention Center was the place to be for this year’s NAMM Trade Show. The four day event ran from January 23rd to the 26th.
Each year this show provides a glimpse into what is new and happening in the worldwide music industry with over 5,000 brands represented. High quality and affordable audio products, new guitars (acoustic and bass), amps, mixers and speakers were on display. New lines of guitars were shown along with new DJ mixers/equipment, 20 and 40 watt PA speakers and new stage lighting products (lights, fog, lasers, DMX cables & controllers).
“As the global platform for the music products industry, the NAMM Show is an annual checkup for what is happening in the music marketplace worldwide,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “A focus on doing business reflected confidence among buyers and manufacturers alike. Fortified with NAMM U education, networking and fun opportunities that only occur at the NAMM Show, NAMM Members expressed to me a renewed spirit for the year ahead. I believe that the stage is set for growth in 2014.”
In total, 1533 exhibiting companies were represented with 303 of those being first time exhibitors. Video camera giant GoPro made its NAMM Show debut to introduce a new line of mounts designed to capture musical performances. 636 (or just over 40%) of the exhibitors (from 49 countries) chose to unveil their new products at this show.
Performances were given by Jonny Lang, Sheila E., Robby Krieger’s Jam Kitchen, select DJs, acoustic artists and drum circles to entertain the attendees. Songwriter, producer and Motown artist Smokey Robinson was honored with NAMM’s Music for Life award for exemplify NAMM’s vision that the joy of making music is a precious element of daily living for everyone. Past recipients have included Stevie Wonder, Yoko Ono and Quincy Jones as well as members of Congress, governors, business leaders, the Smithsonian and Sesame Workshop.
If you missed it in Anaheim, there are other opportunities available:
Nashville Summer NAMM in the Music City Center (July 17-19).
NAMM Musikmesse Russia (Sept. 11-14, 2014).
ProLight + Sound NAMM Russia (Sept. 11-13, 2014).
The NAMM Show returns to Anaheim January 22-25, 2015.
About NAMM: The National Association of Music Merchants is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies located in more than 87 countries. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.