place in January . This is the first step in negating potential scheduling conflicts , allowing vendors to further invest their time and resources into The NAMM Show experience . From a top-down perspective , this will naturally translate to more manufacturer engagement . This year was the second that attendees were not limited to exhibitors and retailers but also extended to other professionals in the industry through NAMM ’ s Individual Membership category . Since this attendee expansion is relatively new , I found that many of my contacts who fit into this category were unaware that they now qualify to attend the show without my help . As word of this continues to spread and our industry understands that The NAMM Show is their show , we will continue to see an uptick in attendance .
The question inevitably circles back around to what can we expect from the next NAMM Show . If you also find yourself asking that question , that ’ s a good sign you should be thinking about how you personally want to leave your footprint on The 2024 NAMM Show , what you want to get from the experience , what relationships you ’ re hoping to form , what manufacturers you think you should be keeping an eye on that will be making promising strides , and how all of those factors will be shaping your future in MI . Be a NAMM warrior , and fight for the privilege we often take for granted by letting vendors , artists , and collaborators alike know we are paying attention and expecting them to put their best foot forward , as well .
Exhibitors , start thinking about what ’ s important to you when it comes to not just connecting with buyers , but also the end users . Commit to your 2024 booth now ( if you haven ’ t already ), and when
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40 highonscore . com you do , make the effort to inspire and innovate your approach instead of just dishing out food that ’ s already on the table . If you ’ re not unveiling a brand-new product at the show , perhaps explore useful integrations with other products that haven ’ t been thought of yet . I see many DJ controllers that could be paired with unusually appealing peripheral devices and DJ mixers that are begging for aux send and return usage . Exhibitors , you can also create a spectacle by inviting passerby attendees to get hands-on training to learn just how incredible your product is in front of an audience of their peers and perhaps a celebrity artist judge / participant . ( Remember , everyone loves a little friendly competition .) Or take your pick of any number of outside-thebox ideas to set yourself apart . People want to be engaged , and they respond exponentially more enthusiastically to that style of creativity . You ’ ll get more value from your investment , and you ’ ll be reminded that generating organic digital noise is your best friend . I often see a lot of product representatives more comfortable conversing among themselves than engaging the attendees . Get your product rep troops to actively capture attendee interest and information , so you can create a legion of believers and brand ambassadors . They ’ ll go out into the world spreading the good word because they feel valued and can align themselves with the intrinsic value , you ’ re trying to bring into the industry they care so much about .
To everyone else thinking about attending , sign up to get the latest NAMM Show registration information on their site ( https :// www . namm . org / thenammshow / attend ), think about the workshops and educational seminars that you missed this year that you wished you got to attend , and check back in with Playback for my blog contributions so you can get the most from the experience . And if you see me cruising the show floor , come shake my hand and let me know which booth sets the shining example of where the bar should be set .
About Astro AVL
Astro AVL has been a landmark resource in the entertainment industry since 1974 . As L . A .’ s first and original DJ store , it has helped legendary and local artists launch their careers and provided Hollywood ’ s top production studios with the tools they need to bring their sets to life through visual artistry . Beyond sales , Astro offers a rentals & repair service department and a school for educational instruction in DJing , Music Production , and Lighting Programming . The company also designs and executes customized systems across hallmark L . A . venues and nationwide chains . If you find yourself in L . A ., Astro AVL invites you to check out its awardwinning showrooms . To learn more about Astro AVL , please visit https :// astroavl . com /.
About DJ Cypher Shah
Cypher has 20 years of experience as a DJ and as a producer , he has released music on five record labels internationally . Along with performing for venues from NYC to LA he designs audio systems and is a lighting programmer , giving him a wide base of knowledge of products in the entertainment industry . He is the Manager , Lead DJ Instructor , and Installation Foreman of Astro Audio Video Lighting in Glendale , California .