as we know , early movers on technological innovation can quickly upset pre-existing market share . If there ’ s anything I ’ ve learned from the past few years , it ’ s that the future is not easily predicted , and overconfidence is not often rewarded .
Innovation comes from our periphery , from imagination , and not repetition . At The 2022 NAMM Show , I was chatting with Sounwave , producer for Kendrick Lamar , Taylor Swift , SZA , etc ., as we toured the synth , software , and pro audio sections of the show floor . He shared new ways that he was using familiar products on hit records . In some cases , the booth staff had already left the floor for dinner , missing out on a chance to get direct feedback on surprising use-cases of their products . Others stuck around and got to chat , kicking off new product innovations with this free market research from an industry leader . In my opinion , the ROI on that is immeasurable .
This also presents an opportunity for retail . The reality is that I was a buyer , an influencer , a creator , and a musician , and I still am . At the show , retailers can meet their A-list customers as well as their manufacturers . Isn ’ t that incredibly valuable ? Not only will you see the future of products , but you ’ ll also understand how they ’ re being used to create , and how to best sell to these groups through NAMM U education .
Additionally , more students than ever are attending the show . This enterprising next generation will make our industry younger and more diverse . The companies that attend the show have access to these future leaders , providing them mentorship . An intern you meet on the show floor might be your CEO someday . The investment in the show isn ’ t just an investment in yearly sales ; it ’ s bigger than that . And students , be sure to register . It ’ s a worldwide job fair , and you ’ re allowed in .
My central recommendation is for us as an industry to look for new collaboration points across all of these product types , and pioneer new ways to pull innovation from one hall into another . Only at the show can we grasp the scale and scope of change throughout our sector and beyond .
Now is our chance to break down barriers . And it ’ s imperative . As the stimulus dries up , our industry needs innovation to power our next chapter . Investing in the future , however nebulous , is the best way to stay nimble and relevant . When you make the choice whether to attend or exhibit in 2023 , I only ask : Can you afford to miss out ?
Registration is open now on namm . org . I hope to meet and share in your experience at the show , April 13 – 15 , 2023 .
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