THE RETURN OF SUMMER NAMM ! A look at what ’ s planned for the first major in-person event in ages , plus one-on-one with Joe Lamond
By Michael Raine Photos Courtesy of Getty Images for NAMM
Yes , but it is actually going to
a real , live , in-person event is not only on the calendar ,
happen ! After an extremely long year-and-ahalf during which we ’ ve all become exhausted with the idea anything “ virtual ,” it ’ s truly a lovely sign of better times that Summer NAMM is returning . And because everything got cancelled during the pandemic , NAMM is bringing along some friends to Nashville in the form of the Retail Print Music Dealers Association , the Event Safety Alliance , the Alliance of Independent Music Merchants , and the National Association of School Music Dealers .
While we know that travel across the U . S ./ Canada border remains restricted and burdensome quarantine rules remain in place ( though that could change any day now ), and so the Canadian contingent in Nashville will be smaller than normal , there are still some Canadian exhibitors and attendees heading down . But also , even if you ’ re not going , it ’ s good to see what will be happening . And remember , much of the education program will be available to watch on-demand after the show .
SHOW DATES & HOURS Thursday , July 15 € 9 a . m . – 6 p . m . Friday , July 16 € 9 a . m . – 5 p . m .
NEW NETWORKING PASS This new opportunity provides a simple and useful way for brand representatives to participate in Summer NAMM and get business done even if their company is not exhibiting . Pass holders are allowed to bring product examples on and off the show floor , and utilize the secured lock-up area . They also have access to the Networking Zone , a dedicated meeting area complete with wi-fi and power to conduct online meetings and catch up on email . The cost for a Networking Pass is $ 500 USD .
NAMM ’ S SAFE & SOUND PLAN While the state of Tennessee and city of Nashville have lifted all COVID restrictions , NAMM recognizes that COVID is still around and has put in place a comprehensive safety plan to ensure everyone in the Music City Center feels safe . This plan includes : a reimagined floor layout with wider aisles , more space to physically distance , and outdoor networking areas ; mandatory face coverings inside the convention centre ; conveniently-located sanitizer stations ; and new touchless solutions to minimize physical contact . As well , NAMM is providing exhibitors with guidance on how to safely demo their products and allow attendees to test them .
THE TOP 100 DEALER AWARDS Thursday , July 15 The Top 100 Dealer Awards spotlight the industry ’ s very best music product retailers and shares their strategies for success . In addition to choosing the Top 100 Dealers , an independent panel of judges also picks winners in seven “ best of ” categories , from which the prestigious Dealer of the Year is selected . The categories are : Innovation Award , Best Customer Service , Best Store Design , Best Marketing and Sales Promotion , Best Online Engagement , Music Makes a Difference , and Best Community Retail Store .
The three Canadian dealers to make the Top 100 Dealers list this year are Cosmo Music and Ottawa Pianos – located Richmond Hill and Ottawa , ON , respectively – and Kelowna , BC ’ s Wentworth Music .
BOUTIQUE GUITAR SHOWCASE The Boutique Guitar Showcase is a curated collection of boutique instrument makers from around the world , held within a space that is designed to meet the needs of the artisans .
EVENT SAFETY ALLIANCE & SHOW MAKERS The Event Safety Alliance , a leader in promoting “ life safety first ” throughout all phases of event production , and Show Makers , which is committed to supporting and uplifting event professionals , is planning a series of sessions and events to continue the dialogue to safely reopen schools and venues . The ESA and Show Makers curriculum is ideal to reach across communities , from music education to pro audio .
The collective program will offer something for the entire ecosystem of live event professionals , from the next generation of leadership
24 CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE