NAMM Announces Week-Long Virtual Event, 2021 NAMM Show Canceled

NAMM has announced that The 2021 NAMM Show will not take place due to concerns over the coronavirus, and, instead, the association will host Believe in Music Week during the week of January 18, 2021.

According to the association, the week-long event will feature a mix of programming and education at BelieveinMusic.tv, as well as an interactive marketplace to connect buyers and sellers – all designed to elevate the innovation and inspiration found across the industry while offering support for those most deeply affected by COVID-19. Unlike many trade shows, the event will not be turned into a virtual trade show. According to NAMM, the event will meet business needs through thought-leader-led education for all segments of the industry, networking and AI matchmaking and business-to-business-focused opportunities.

“While it remains unsafe for us to gather in person in January, Believe in Music Week will use new, intuitive technology to connect us all to harness the incredible energy that happens when we come together,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO. “With a robust marketplace to launch new products and share your brand story, Believe in Music will also feature networking and matchmaking for our buyers and sellers, education for all segments of the industry, and live music and concerts. And just like at all NAMM events, these activities will raise awareness and financial support to serve our NAMM family across our Circle of Benefits model. Believe in Music Week will be a critical step for our industry to help us prepare for the new year and new opportunities.”

The week-long event will host NAMM members from the music instrument, pro audio, live sound and live event industries, artists, media and policymakers, along with participants from GenNext (college music students and faculty), Music Education Days (school music administrators) and Nonprofit Institute (NAMM Foundation grantees and nonprofit affiliates). Emerging and established musicians and fans are also invited to connect with brands and in special music-making projects and opportunities, thus opening the potential to gather music makers in a capacity not restricted by location.

Events that typically occur during The NAMM Show, such as The TEC Awards, The Top 100 Dealer Awards and The Grand Rally for Music Education, will be occurring at Believe in Music Week.

Additional details of these events, receptions and other activities will be provided in the weeks to come.

At the end of the announcement, Lamond gave a statement of hope: “If there’s any one common vision, it’s that as a global community, we believe in music. We believe in the future of music and in the future of our industry, and in this moment, we will unite and support music makers around the world.”

View a video statement from Lamond here:

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