It’s another January and you know what that means in the music world, NAMM. NAMM or The National Association of Music Merchants, Anaheim Convention Center and bleeds into the surrounding hotels once more. It feels like a working vacation for most people, because who doesn’t to be in balmy southern California in 70-degree weather in the middle of winter? It is the largest music trade show in the world and there is also a slightly less attended summer edition as well. You will run into people from all over the planet at this massive convention. It’s pretty overwhelming just being there and navigating around the four floors of the ACC. It’s an endurance test from dealing with protesters outside to getting to a booth for signing. An overview of the whole thing breaks down like this: you have the Exhibitors trying to make deals, then the buyers trying to make deals, finally there’s new and established artists looking for deals. One thing for sure, it is one big ole networking party!
I really don’t think any other trade show is this much fun. The day before it officially starts they have specialty concerts and performances with all-star jams. That continues every night from Thursday to Sunday, all over Anaheim up to as far as Los Angeles. As well as 3 stages of performers directly outside the convention center during the con. The best thing is it’s not just one style of music that is focused on. Every style you can come up with is represented there.
Yes, there’s a lot of star-gazing and an abundance of new instruments, visual impact productions, and inventions. It’s up to you to see how much you can handle. My only advice I can give you is to treat everyone you meet with respect (super obvious, I know). You don’t want to talk down to or blow off someone at your booth who could help elevate your brand to the next level. And for the love of Odin, wash your wash hands if you use the bathroom!
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY OMAR CORDY