Day One of 2009 Summer NAMM

NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, hosted the first day of the 2009 Summer NAMM trade show today at the Nashville Convention Center.

Many attendees kicked off their show experience by attending The Pre-Show Party at “The Hang” Thursday night, where they were treated to free food and drink and some great music provided by their industry peers. Among the bands performing were the Tora Bora Boys of Saga Musical Instruments, The Brothers Sass from Guitar Pheonom, Wrecked Overture of Music Central, Flash Bak of Jimmy’s Music Center and Printz from RPMDA, as well as special guest appearances by rising star Gabe Dixon and The Memphis Boys, who’ve played with such music legends as Elvis and Johnny Cash.

On Friday morning, NAMM President/CEO Joe Lamond led the State of the Industry Address, discussing today’s challenging economy, its impact on the industry and the upcoming challenges and opportunities music products professionals may face as they prepare for third and fourth quarter business. In addition, industry insider Alan Friedman, CPA, addressed his take on the uncertain economy, after which Joe interviewed a variety of exhibitors and retailers who are succeeding despite the challenges they’ve faced.

“I liked listening to the other retailers and hearing what they were doing,” said Rick Gardner of Red River Music Company in Heber Springs, Ark. “It kind of reminds that I need to be a little more enthusiastic in what I’m trying to do.”

The Summer Show is often the jumping-off point for new companies wanting to expand, making it an especially good opportunity for buyers seeking to gain a competitive edge. This year, throughout the exhibit halls and in The Club area, retailers had the chance to check out the wares of 145+ first-time exhibitors, as well as hundreds of return suppliers.

“We’re a new NAMM Member, and this is our first time exhibiting,” said Al Ingallinera of Beamz Interactive in Scottsdale, AZ. “So far, it’s been a wonderful show for us.”

Though it’s only the first day, many returning exhibitors, such as Stephan Fyock of Numark Industries in Cumberland, R.I., are also optimistic. “I think if you’re here exhibiting your products, you’re being proactive and showing your customers and the world that you want to do business. We’re not complaining about it—we’re doing it…and so far today we’ve had a lot of traffic.”

To address the current economic situation, the NAMM U Idea Center is offering a lineup of retailer sessions specific to the challenges dealers are facing, including tips and tactics on improving their financial plan, Web presence, staff training, lessons programs and more! This year’s extended sessions allow them to focus on these topics for one, two or all three parts.

“Education like this is huge,” said Scott Yeager of Chester Music Center of Deerfield, Ill. “We all have to learn from each other and if someone is doing something that works and is willing to share it, that’s great.”

Tomorrow’s highlights include the NAMM U Breakfast Session Your Retail Stimulus Plan: Jump Start Your Sales No Matter What’s Happening in the Economy with author and retail expert Bob Negan. Bob will provide proven techniques for jump-starting your sales and growing your business without spending a fortune. 

For more information, interested parties can log on to www.namm.org.

About NAMM


The National Association of Music Merchants, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).