How do you strike a balance between retaining regular visitors and also ensuring that you get new visitors every year ?
Recruiting and retaining NAMM member companies is one of our major objectives . Our goal is to make NAMM services an invaluable tool for member success . The industry continues to evolve as does our membership so there is a built-in stability of current members at the same time we ’ re constantly getting new ones , it ’ s actually a very exciting model ! We also have a very diverse membership , over 100 countries representing every conceivable product category . I believe that bringing all the various musical tribes together actually strengthens the entire industry because of the natural sharing of best practices and the cross-pollination of new ideas . Humans have been gathering since the dawn of recorded human history to do just that .
You had some really interesting conferences and breakfast sessions this year , what are you trying to achieve through these ?
Our goal is to provide timely , relevant business education to help members grow their businesses and careers , as well as succeed as the industry continues to evolve . It ’ s also to be reflective of the various functions found within segments of the industry , to help businesses and individuals gain the necessary professional development and education to take that next step in their career – or to make the next move in their business . If we can have a positive impact on just one person , change just one business for the better , then I feel like we ’ re making a difference .
What are some of your thoughts about the current state of the music products industry and music making in general ?
I see a very interesting situation developing . On one hand , technology is driving incredible innovation , electronic instruments , recording and technology used in live events is 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 .
In an ever-changing industry , how do you keep abreast with what ' s going on and make sure you are ahead of the curve ?
Things sure do move fast today don ’ t they ? We look to the industry media like The Score Magazine to help us spot new trends and find ideas for new services to offer our members . We also visit members around the world each year to get first-hand information . NAMM is fortunate to have a great Board of Directors who help guide our direction and keep everything on the right track . It takes all of this and much more to stay up to speed on everything , and even then , I live in fear that we ’ ve missed something !
How do you see the Indian market at NAMM ? How important is it and what do you plan for them ?
Like many markets , the Indian market is diverse and full of opportunity . We value our NAMM Members that are from India and are proud to say that they make and sell some of the best products out there . We ’ re also proud to have members from India who are on the front line of finding new and innovative ways to expand the number of active music makers . They belong to NAMM and come to the NAMM Show each year to buy and sell , network with peers , learn business best practices and to get a sense of market direction and which product breakthroughs will be big in the year ahead . In my opinion , the NAMM Show is the one place where all countries can come together for the betterment of all .
Elaborate on your Educational programs at NAMM .
The 2018 NAMM Show presented more than 500 educational sessions . Each morning of the show started with a NAMM U Breakfast Session , featuring world-class thought leaders in their respective fields . Throughout show hours , music retailers could attend NAMM Idea Center sessions every half-hour , right in the convention center lobby . These sessions covered a variety of topics , such as marketing your business , best practices in video streaming , expanding your music lesson program and more . Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in free education by specialty area , including in Pro Audio through TEC Tracks , A3E : Advanced Audio + Applications Exchange , as well as in a paid program with AES @ NAMM . For those seeking event technology education , ESTA , the Entertainment Services and Technology Association , presented a curated education program that also included sessions from Lighting Sound America / PLASA . Plus , event technology education benefitted from the Pro Production Sessions by PLSN and FOH .
What business trends did you observe in 2017 ?
In the larger sense , you have an incredible convergence of technology , driving innovation , electronic instrument development and in many ways , helping to drive the development of more traditional instruments . In 2017 , there was a continued trend of investment in research and development , supported by technology , driving the introduction of new products and product refinements .
What ’ s your plan for Summer NAMM 2018 ?
Summer NAMM is our annual mid-year gathering and the platform for the industry to convene to prepare for a strong fall and holiday season . Members who attend Summer NAMM will have some of the best education available each day of the show through NAMM U sessions , and before the show opens , the Retail Training Summit ; a one-day intensive training program in all aspects of retail business management . Members also the chance to make new business connections and to build deeper connections with their current partners while making those important business decisions on merchandising , and what new products or lines to carry for the busy fall and into the holiday season .
One of the most inspiring aspects of Summer NAMM will take place Friday evening , when we ’ ll take a break from the show floor and gather as an industry to honor the Top 100 Dealers from around-the-world for retail excellence . It ’ s here , where peers come together to recognize those businesses who ’ ve made an impactful change or have found creative solutions to retail challenges . It ’ s an incredible night , filled with energy and strong sense of community .
Plans for 2019 Winter NAMM show ?
Our plans for each NAMM Show is guided by feedback from our wonderful members and our board of directors . In reviewing this , our team of NAMM Staff begins work on the show to curate the best possible experience for NAMM members , and while it may be a bit too early to announce our plans for 2019 , we look forward to again bringing our members a multitude of education opportunities , networking events , and the opportunity to develop new or reaffirm existing business over the course of four days of our annual “ family reunion .”
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