June 15, 2020 I Event
The 2021 Show Will Go On! NAMM Reaffirms Commitment
In a letter to exhibitors released on June 15, NAMM, the international music products association, reaffirmed its commitment to hosting The NAMM Show Jan. 21-24.
“Some have suggested we sit January out and wait until 2022 when the picture will be clearer,” NAMM said in a special edition of its Exhibitor Express newsletter. “However, the majority have shared the importance of getting the trade together to help the industry rebuild and recover. We believe one of the most important things we can do as your association is to connect and unify.”
The letter, under the heading “Reignite, Reconnect, Reimagine,” was signed by Chris Martin, NAMM chair and CEO of C.F. Martin & Co.; Joel Menchey, vice chair and CEO of Menchey Music; Tom Sumner, treasurer and president of Yamaha Corp. of America; Chris White, secretary, president and CEO of White House of Music; and Joe Lamond, NAMM president and CEO.
“Now as much as ever, we need to plan on having our gathering of the musical faithful at The NAMM Show in Anaheim,” Martin said. “In 2021, the experience might seem different — indeed life is different — [but] our need to connect is more important than ever!”
The communiqué stated that NAMM is working with the city of Anaheim and the state of California to ensure the use of the Anaheim Convention Center.
“We are also working with federal, state and local health agencies and have retained a medical doctor on our planning team to ensure that we take every possible precaution and follow all known best practices for social distancing, hygiene and enhanced facility cleaning,” the letter stated.
Knowing that some may not be able to attend the show, NAMM is also building out a digital trade show experience that will run concurrently with the live NAMM Show.
“We believe that an industry that comes together to face adversity head-on will be more resilient in the face of the many challenges ahead,” the letter concluded. “While The 2021 NAMM Show will be different than this past year, it is an important step in helping our members and the industry grow and thrive in the future.”
