FROM THE FLOOR ...
Connect . Learn . Grow .
A Q & A with NAMM Young Professionals President Ryan West
NAMM Young Professionals ( YP ) offers professional development and networking opportunities to members of the MI industry who are 40 and under . Members have access to exclusive NAMM YP events and initiatives to network with likeminded peers , build solid business relationships , and learn from the veterans that have shaped the industry , all with the aim of securing and strengthening its future .
NAMM YP President Ryan West took some time to speak with Canadian Music Trade about the group and its current work .
CMT : What are your primary goals and objectives for NAMM YP in the foreseeable future ?
RW : We strive to have NAMM YP be a connection point for emerging leaders in the industry and a way for individuals to recognize career possibilities by connecting with peers and learning from experienced professionals . Over the last several years , we ’ ve managed to successfully engage NAMM YP members with networking events and keynote speeches during the trade shows along with [ magazine articles ] and ongoing social media conversations . We are currently working to build off of these successes and are looking at ways to engage the membership between trade shows with additional programming and resources .
CMT : Which traits or assets can professionals under 40 bring to the various levels of the MI industry that makes them of significant value ?
RW : As with any industry , the younger generation brings a different approach to similar problems with new perspectives and insights . The younger generation is bringing a new entrepreneurial mindset to the industry influenced by the way they are choosing to shop and live . They are adopting different business models and concepts , and in a generation of digital natives and social media , we ’ re looking at different ways to communicate with our tribes of customers .
CMT : What are some of the challenges and opportunities facing MI professionals under 40 specifically that may not be that well recognized industry-wide ?
RW : I think in any transition of generations , it is always challenging but vital to include younger voices in the conversation . We need to learn from one another and develop the next generation of talent and leadership . In an industry like MI where people stay connected for their entire lives , it is important to bring others along with mentorship and development opportunities as well as bring new voices to the conversation . The rise of new music styles like EDM , technology transformations in music production , and changes in the retail environment require new ways to approach timeless problems of how we remain an important part of our customers ’ lives .
CMT : Why is it important for professionals in this age group to come together and start and maintain a discourse about their experiences in the industry ?
RW : The MI industry has always been relationship-based and one of the reasons I was inspired to join and lead NAMM YP is because of some of the relationships I ’ ve seen my mentors develop that have lasted a lifetime . It is important to create opportunities for people to connect early in their careers to form those relationships and also to connect with others that are facing similar challenges along the way . There is so much to be gained by learning from one another and supporting one another as we strive to improve the industry .
CMT : What are some of the ways that NAMM YP programming or past events have impacted the membership ’ s professional development ?
RW : Over the last several years the events have continued to grow in size and attendance and we ’ ve added additional programs to address the requests of the membership for more
opportunities to connect . The Friday keynote series has been a fantastic way to learn from industry veterans like Bob Taylor and Chuck Surack as well as create personal connections with those industry leaders in the networking hour that follows . The Thursday night social event created a venue to make connections off the show floor and discover new people and relationships that you wouldn ’ t find just by walking the floor .
CMT : Are you optimistic about what the future holds for the younger generation of professionals entering and working their way up in the industry ?
RW : Absolutely ! Music making continues to be such an important part of all of our lives and I believe the future is bright for the next generation . The industry continues to grow and evolve and the next generation has such an important role as a guiding voice in that transition . Music will always have a place in the world and I believe the industry is responding by supporting and including new voices in the conversation .
CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE 9