JAN. 19 I NAMM I EVENT I BY KATIE KAILUS
Tech-Savvy Meet Up
As the MI industry descends upon Anaheim, California, for The 2016 NAMM Show, attendees will notice an extra emphasis on the pro-audio and recording market. Debuted at last year's Summer NAMM, TEC Tracks will make its Winter NAMM debut at this month's show, held January 21-24. Formerly known as The H.O.T. Zone, TEC Tracks are educational sessions designed for studio, stage and sound professionals on topics ranging from recording, live sound and DJ to entertainment technology and the music business.

"The market for audio and music technology products is constantly evolving," said Zach Phillips, NAMM's director of professional development. "TEC Tracks will give music retailers the training, ideas and insight to help them stay ahead and succeed in this market."

Attendees can look forward to keynotes from two legendary producers, Eddie Kramer, who worked with Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, and Tony Brown, whose credits include Steve Earle and George Strait. Straying slightly from MI, TEC Tracks will feature a few forward-looking sessions in gaming, Internet and app audio.

"We've partnered with A3E to host six sessions on Saturday, including a keynote that is focused on the future of audio," Phillips said. "During the past few years, the NAMM TEC Awards has also been incorporated into the audio education, and this year, we'll have some interesting previews of TEC-nominated products."

STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
"The music begins here" is the slogan for this year's show, and with nearly 400 new or lapsed exhibitors returning to show, attendees can be sure there will be a wide variety of products to check out.

"We're seeing a record number of exhibiting companies, especially in the growth areas of technology and boutique hand-crafted instruments. Even the piano area is nearly sold out," said Joe Lamond, NAMM's president and CEO. "Our dealers are really going to have fun sifting through all the new products and
deciding which ones to stock in their stores."

NAMM is encouraging dealers to begin their year at The NAMM Show.

"So many dealers have shared with us that attending the show, taking in as many NAMM U sessions as possible, finding new vendors and strengthening relationships with existing vendors have been keys to their success in this rapidly changing business environment," Lamond said. MI