Anyone who has attended The NAMM Show can relate to the fact that we subconsciously look at the crowd to see what level of industry participation is taking place . The question is : Is there truly a trend to discern with attendance , and is it an accurate forecast of the future ?
This is a resounding curiosity to most NAMM Show attendees . I want to gauge the level of proper engagement so that our industry can maintain and grow these types of interactive experiences because , let ’ s face it , there aren ’ t enough of them in the DJ and music world . The NAMM Show is where the magic happens , and without supporting NAMM and the show , we are limiting what we dictate for the future of the music community . By “ supporting ,” I don ’ t mean just showing up ; I mean making a lasting impression that breaks the mold and adds tangible value to the experience . Make no mistake , to elevate everyone ’ s experience , this responsibility lies with both sides , attendees , and exhibitors .
Every year I often hear a lot of pre and post-NAMM Show speculation and hypothesizing about attendance . As the manager of a local Los Angeles DJ store , Astro AVL , and as an audio artist and lighting designer , I want to cover some insights from the perspective of a “ boots on the ground ” dealership and also an attendee .
The Bumps in the Road
Of course , COVID threw us all for a loop , and The NAMM Show is still finding its rhythm as it bounces back . The adjusted NAMM Show schedule in response to the pandemic has been challenging for many of our peers in MI . Notably , in recent years , other conferences have overlapped with The NAMM Show
( such as Infocomm and 2023 ’ s NAB ), causing vendors to hastily migrate from one event to another or choose between the two . These scheduling conflicts forced many pro audio and lighting exhibitors to evaluate the logistical and fiscal feasibility of setting up a booth at either and having the energy to commit fully in heart and spirit . Hopefully , these types of conflicts will be a thing of the past as we edge forward into a fresh 2024 .
Capitalizing on Pre and Post-Show Opportunities
This year The NAMM Show concluded on Saturday , which we can assume was a calculated move on the organization ’ s part . Perhaps this was to funnel the crowd into the open days , or maybe it was a tip of the hat for those attending NAB . Nevertheless , I started my NAMM Show a day early on Wednesday , setting up a range of meetings with vendors at hotels or with those who had the availability to converse over drinks by the bar , taking opportunities wherever they presented themselves . After all , in my experience , the more rapport building that takes place away from the show floor , the more time you have to let the product showcasing and other unexpected networking opportunities occur because , let ’ s face it , there is never enough time to see everyone and everything you want to see during show hours . That ’ s why my NAMM Show experience also encompasses all the things that happen both before and after the show floor is dark . And ultimately , aside from genuinely connecting , brainstorming , and workshopping ideas with others , my plan in every meeting is to get face time with the key pro audio and lighting higher-ups or those who can make mutually beneficial core marketing and sales initiatives actionable . I want to cut through the red tape that generally dangles in front of me during other parts of the year as emails get lost in the mix and bounce around while I ’ m left waiting for the replies in thread that will inch us forward to the final consensus .
As I mentioned , some vendors like JMAZ moved their meetings to nearby hotels . For me , it was still adequate to form and reinforce relationships on the marketing and sales fronts , albeit this doesn ’ t do much for those looking to experience a range of new DJ sound and lighting products intimately . Others , like Mackie , reduced their booths to private on-site meeting rooms to conduct business and maintain a presence on-site .
The 2023 crowd did feel a tad lighter in density , as I am used to an immense cluster of attendees filling up every walkway on Day One as the rush to get badges commences . For me , that reduction lent itself to comfortability in maneuvering the floor and avoiding shoulderto-shoulder passageways , like during one of my many laps across the sky bridge between meetings . Despite this , for the moments that mattered , like the TEC Experience , where hip-hop legends were gracing the stage to receive commemorative awards , the room was buzzing , and energy was tangible . There was certainly no lack of gusto , passion , or crowd participation , evident from the cheering and hollering from every full seat .
So , What ’ s Next , and How Does It Involve Me ?
What we do know is that next year , The NAMM Show in Anaheim will resume its regular scheduled programming , taking
The Score Magazine highonscore . com
39