NAMM News
By Luke Walton
THANK YOU
FOR BELIEVING IN MUSIC !
NAMM ’ s Believe in Music Week
united our global industry , unifying and supporting the people who bring music to the world .
At the close of the event , a convergence of 93,226 industry leaders , buyers , sellers , music educators , artists , media , and music makers from 187 countries and territories gathered at NAMM ’ s digital event , dubbed Believe in Music Week .
The event , which spanned Jan . 18 – 22 , 2021 , saw industry professionals virtually convene in 983 special sessions and events , engage with 611 hours of livestreamed and programmed content , which included nearly 200 education , training , and professional development sessions presented by 391 speakers , and experience new products from 1,227 participating brands in the Marketplace , all to celebrate the power and resilience of music and to plan for the year ahead . The content will stay available for on-demand viewing until Feb . 28 th .
With a mission to support the people who bring music to the world , generous members and participants raised or pledged over $ 500,000 in matched funds for 12 non-profit beneficiary organizations , as well as other NAMM Foundation charities that work to advance access to music-making . The idea for the matching campaign was conceived and led by NAMM Chair and CEO of Martin Guitars , Chris Martin . After witnessing the devastating impact of COVID-19 across the industry , Chris and Diane Martin offered a personal donation of $ 100,000 to kick off the giveback campaign and matching program . Industry leaders who answered the call to donate include Joe Castronovo of Korg USA ; JC Curleigh of Gibson ; David Kalt ; Chris Lombardi of Drum Workshop ; Joel Menchey of Menchey Music Service ; Tom Sumner of Yamaha ; Chuck Surack of Sweetwater ; Chris White of White House of Music ; Andy Zildjian of Sabian ; and others as donations continued to come in days after Believe Week .
On the opening day of Believe TV , Fred and Dinah Gretsch of the Gretsch Company and Jerry Ash and the Ash Family also announced the creation of the Bernice Ash Memorial Scholarship Fund in The NAMM Foundation .
The event took place on the Swapcard platform and created a social network of industry activity from members found across the globe to network , learn , and be inspired . At press time , 33,379 international registrants — from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe — representing over 187 countries and territories , attended .
At the Marketplace , the latest technologies and gear were presented across brand experience pages , showcasing brand stories and information , along with special events . At press time , 768 brand events were held throughout the week .
Three main TV stations , Believe , Artist , and Gear TV , offered live interviews , new gear features , and special performances . On Thursday and Friday , Believe TV served as the main hub of activity and featured the likes of NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond and co-host Herb Trawick ( Pensado ’ s Place ) for two full days of industry updates , interviews with “ Unsung Heroes ,” and a series of special events . Each morning began from the live anchor desk at Gnarlywood Studios in Carlsbad , California , featuring live interviews with multi-platinum , Grammy Award-winners Garth Brooks and Melissa Etheridge as the recipients of 2021 ’ s “ Music for Life ” award .
International artists also enthusiastically joined the Believe TV celebration in a series of performances , including a show by Grammy Award-winner Wu Tong , India ’ s largest YouTube band , Sanam , as well as percussion legends , including Gino Banks , Taufiq Qureshi ( who played a session with Louiz Banks ), and Brazil-based jazz guitarist Dney Bitencourt .
With industry experts participating in Believe in Music Week , members had the opportunity to connect with thought leaders through nearly 200 education sessions designed to engage , inform , and inspire new ideas , as well as to further careers and prepare for the future .
We at NAMM sincerely thank you for your participation and hope that you enjoyed the event ’ s special member-focused events , such as the Top 100 Dealer Awards . Please reach out to your NAMM representative if you have any questions or feedback .
Remember , content is available on-demand through Feb . 28 th , so there is still time to take advantage !
We look forward to reuniting as an industry in-person at Summer NAMM from July 15 – 17 , 2021 , and The NAMM Show from January 20 – 23 , 2022 .
Luke Walton is the marketing manager for the National Association of Music Merchants ( NAMM ), the global not-for-profit trade association representing 9,000 manufacturers and retailers of musical instruments and sound products . NAMM ’ s mission is to strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music .
16 CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE