Canadian Music Trade - December/January 2019 | Page 25

A Word with NAMM President & CEO
JOE LAMOND
CMT: Last year, The NAMM Show expanded significantly in the ar-
eas of pro audio, lighting, video, and staging. How do you pursue
an aggressive growth strategy while making sure you’re still best
serving your longtime members in the MI retail industry?
Joe Lamond: In many ways, The NAMM Show is a real-time reflection
of what is happening in our member businesses. The general stability of
the music instrument industry alongside the growing use of technology
in making, recording, and performing music has led us quite naturally to
support the continued diversification of products and services offered by
many of our members. But at the core of the association and The NAMM
Show is music! Our members, through their incredible new products,
services, and technologies, are the ones who are truly bringing music to
the world.
CMT: A lot has been said and written over the last few years about
the health of the guitar market. What is NAMM’s perspective on it
and how is that exemplified at the show? What does the research
you’ve seen indicate?
JL: The industry continues to evolve as it always has, and The NAMM
Show floor might be the very best place to spot the latest trends. While
not speaking of any particular segment, I personally see an interesting
trend developing: On the one hand, technology is driving incredible
innovation. Electronic instruments, recording tools, and technology
used in live events are better, faster, and less expensive than ever. It also
becomes obsolete quickly as the next model is even better than the
last. And at the same time, I see an insatiable appetite for hand-crafted,
custom-made, beautiful instruments and gear that will last forever. It
seems to me that there is an interesting intersection of new technologies
to make and share music in ways not even dreamed of a generation ago
while honouring the integrity of time-honoured traditions and crafts-
manship in instrument making.
CMT: What’s new about The 2019 NAMM Show that you’re most
excited about?
JL: The opening session that I host Thursday morning, The Breakfast of
Champions, will be a lot of fun. This year’s theme is “The Originals,” and
we’ll have guests who truly march to the beat of their own drum. Each
year, it seems that I find plenty of things to do in the evenings as well
with all the parties, concerts, and awards shows celebrating the people
and products changing our world.
I’m also really looking forward to the new mentoring program that
is just kicking off with NAMM Young Professionals and meeting with the
student award winners with almost as many young women as young
men finding great opportunities for careers in our wonderful industry.
My Show Planner
PLAN YOUR SHOW
A new online tool called My Show Planner allows attendees to better
plan their show experience. Users can explore the educational offerings
and exhibitors, plan their schedule, find recommendations based on
preferences, and sync this information with the redesigned 2019 NAMM
Mobile App. Users can also browse exhibitors by category, name, and
geographic location through its advanced search features. Also explore
educational, networking, and entertainment events by type, title, and
keynote speakers. Go to namm19.mapyourshow.com.
Download the App
The 2019 NAMM Show app has been rebuilt on a completely new frame-
work that uses 3D, Google-style maps to lead attendees through the show.
Search booths by name or keyword, highlight exhibitors, and locate your-
self with the Find Me feature. The complete Show Directory is also a click
away while the voice-activated NAMM Bot answers questions, provides
app support, and helps discover upcoming educational sessions.
ACC North building
The NAMM Show Campus
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92802
The expanded convention centre has allowed NAMM to offer wider aisles,
more places to network, and new dining options. Exhibits, special events,
educational sessions, and more will take place on Levels 1-3, Halls A-E, and
Mezzanines A-D in the main convention centre building and the new ACC
North. The Anaheim Hilton houses the NAMM U Education Center while
the Marriott hosts a number of special events, awards shows, parties, and
banquets. Also returning will be live music on five stages across the NAMM
Campus, including the recently added Arena Plaza Stage.
SPECIAL INITIATIVES
NWC’s NAMM Canadian Reception
Thursday, Jan. 24 th , 8 p.m.-midnight
Plaza Ballroom, Sheraton Park Hotel (1855 South Harbor Blvd.)
NWC, publisher of Canadian Music Trade, Canadian Musician, Professional
Sound, and Professional Lighting & Production magazines, invites all Cana-
dian NAMM Show attendees to its 2019 NAMM Canadian Reception. It’s a
great opportunity for Canadian dealers, pro audio and lighting profes-
sionals, and suppliers to connect on the first day of The NAMM Show and
unwind in a casual atmosphere. The reception will feature a cash bar and
light snacks and live music from Carter McLean, Charlie Hunter, and Lucy
Woodward plus some special guests.
www.nwcworld.com/namm.
CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE
25