NAMM recently announced final registration and exhibitor numbers for 2008 Summer NAMM. At show close, NAMM reported a 36-percent increase in registration from last year’s event in Austin, with 17,473 total registrants for the three-day convention, including a 45-percent increase in international registrants.

Exhibitor numbers were also up at the Nashville Convention Center, with 483 companies displaying products. Exhibitors were able to opt for smaller tabletop booth spaces on the show floor or set up shop in “The Club” area with some products and literature. There were more than 150 first-time exhibitors.

“The show has actually surpassed my wildest dreams,” said Jim Normandy of Normandy Guitars in Salem, Ore. “I had no idea the stuff that would happen, especially all the press interest I’ve had. I got two endorsement deals that I worked out with stars. I just launched the company this year. It was great timing on all cylinders.”

“We came together to celebrate the importance of local community music stores in this country, and the feedback tells us that many dealers found the business and education they were looking for,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “NAMM is grateful for the opportunity to provide the venue for both manufacturers and retailers who are ready to do business for a successful fall and holiday sales season.”

The 2009 NAMM Show will take place Jan. 15–18, 2009, in Anaheim, Calif.

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