JULY 8 I NAMM I SHOWS I BY KATIE KAILUS
Bigger & Better

This year’s Summer NAMM promises to be big — in both physical size and educational offerings. Held July 17–19 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee, visitors can an attend an array of educational sessions, concerts and networking opportunities, while also enjoying an expanded show floor.

“This Summer NAMM is a bigger show,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO. “We are expanding into more of the beautiful Music City Center with more brands exhibiting than we’ve seen in the last five years.”

The show floor has expanded to include two full halls with additional entrances. Also this year, exhibitors, such as Pearl, Orange Amps and KMC brands, will be returning to Summer NAMM for the first time in years.

According to Lamond, the show is also a bigger experience as far as the NAMM U sessions go.

“The education sessions are particularly progressive this year,” he said. “They are targeted to help members take advantage of some of the fresh opportunities in the industry, and to prepare for a profitable fourth quarter.”

MUST-ATTEND EVENTS
Vince Gill and Tom Bedell return to Summer NAMM and they are bringing some of their musician friends to discuss their favorite instruments and play some of their most memorable songs.

“It’s a rare glimpse into the musical minds of some of these artists — a private concert that will never be repeated and it’s only at Summer NAMM,” Lamond said.

The show will also boast perennial favorites, including the Top 100 Dealer Awards, the opening breakfast session’s Retail Summit and Wednesday’s Retail Boot Camp.
Lamond said he believes the No. 1 reason to attend this year’s Summer NAMM is to capitalize on the current growth opportunites.

“This is the time to nurture relationships, stay abreast of new products, and learn from one’s peers,” he said. “Capturing the perceived growth requires different tactics than those that helped our members survive the great recession. Stores that attend this industry gathering will have the upper hand in the competitive battles ahead.” MI