Are You Ready for the NAMM Show 2024?!

 

 

It’s that time again! The annual NAMM Show will be held from 25 January 2024 to 28 January 2024 in Anaheim, California! Is everyone excited?!

Before everyone begins to get hyped, let’s just relax, sit back, and tackle a bit about NAMM!

 

What is the NAMM Show?

The NAMM Show or the National Association of Music Merchants Show, features a wide range of musical instruments, audio equipment, software, and other music-related products. It is described as one of the largest and most significant music product trade shows in the music industry in the world! It is held annually and serves as a platform for manufacturers, retailers, musicians, and music enthusiasts to come together to showcase new products, discuss industry trends, and network.

 

Let’s take a look at NAMM’s timeline:

1901: The National Association of Piano Dealers of America (NAPDA) was formed by the 52 members of the National Piano Manufacturers Association of America.

1902: In May 1902, the NAPDA held its first annual NAPDA Convention in Baltimore.

During the early years, the annual trade show moved to different cities in the Eastern U.S. which included Buffalo in 1903, Atlantic City in 1904, and Washington D.C. in 1906.

1912: The NAPDA was changed to the National Association of Piano Merchants of America (NAPMA), and so the convention was named the NAPMA Convention.

1919: NAMM was born. It was when NAPMA renamed itself after many of the piano merchants were convinced to produce full lines of band instruments due to the rising popularity of the early jazz and the marching band music of John Philip Sousa. For the next 50 years, the location of the NAMM Convention would alternate between Chicago and New York City.

Great Depression: No NAMM Convention took place.

1937: The attendees of the NAMM Convention were required to register. They successfully registered 248 members including piano and organ manufacturers, piano distributors, music publishers, string instrument manufacturers, radio and phonograph manufacturers, and exhibitors.

World War II: Due to U.S. involvement, no NAMM Convention took place.

1943 and 1944: The convention was held as the Wartime Educational Conference.

1946: The NAMM Show was resumed at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

1970: The second annual convention, the Western Seminar or Western Market, was added by NAMM. It was initially held in March in Los Angeles or San Francisco, and was eventually moved to Anaheim, California in January.

1976: The midyear roving NAMM Convention was renamed as the NAMM International Music Expo. The change shows the evolution from a national retail association into an international association.

1979: The Anaheim-based January convention was renamed as the Winter Music & Sound Market.

1988: It became NAMM International Music Market.

1990:  The Chicago Summer NAMM Show was called “The Wake on the Lake” due to poor attendance.

1993: The summer event was moved to Nashville and renamed it the NAMM Summer Session which focused on guitars and acoustic instruments.

1999 and 2000: While the Anaheim Convention Center was being renovated, the NAMM International Music Market was held in Los Angeles.

2003: The January NAMM event in Anaheim was renamed The NAMM Show.

2012: She Rocks Awards was included by NAMM Show. It was founded by Laura B. Whitmore in 2012 to recognize women in the music industry.

2018: The NAMM Show was expanded into the new Anaheim Convention Center North building.

The Audio Engineering Society joined the NAMM Show (AES at NAMM) and hosted the Parnelli Awards.

January 2020: A record-breaking attendance at the NAMM Show with over 115,000 attendees with more than 7,000 brands represented!

August 2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NAMM canceled the plans to hold the January 2021 NAMM Show.

2021: NAMM hosted a virtual event called, Believe In Music Week was held virtually on 18 January 2021.

June 2022: The return of The NAMM Show!

The NAMM Show often features special events and live performances by renowned artists and musicians. These performances add an exciting element to the show and provide attendees with the opportunity to experience the latest gear in action.

 

Industry Impact:

The NAMM Show is a significant event in the music industry, serving as a hub for networking and business transactions. It plays a crucial role in bringing together manufacturers, retailers, artists, and enthusiasts, fostering collaboration and innovation within the music community.

The NAMM Show continues to be a vital event in the music industry, providing a platform for industry professionals to connect, discover new products, and stay abreast of the latest developments in music and technology.

 

 

Now, Who’s going?!