Music Industry Prepares for the 2004 NAMM Summer Session

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, is currently preparing to host the music products industry once again in Nashville, Tenn., at the group’s annual Summer Session trade show (July 23–25, 2004). Last year, retailers and manufacturers of musical instruments and products looking for strong third and fourth quarter sales turned to the Summer Session for new ideas and energy, with many crediting their show experience for the improved results in the second half of the year.

Although 2004 will mark the end of NAMM’s successful 12-year run in Nashville, the music products industry is gearing up for a strong final show in celebration of music. Attendees will be able to take advantage of the dozens of free NAMM University business seminars available throughout the show to train, motivate and re-energize themselves and their employees while learning to grow their profits.

Initial indicators reported by NAMM point to another healthy summer turnout for the industry:

• More than 450 exhibitors preparing to demonstrate the latest, greatest music products for the upcoming holiday selling season
• An increase in initial buyer registration from the same time it was measured last year
• Near-sellout status of many major hotels in the Nashville area

The show will kick off on Thursday, July 22, at 7 p.m. with the third annual “Pre-Show Party at The Hang,” spotlighting Weekend Warrior bands from the music products industry taking the stage to entertain their peers. The weekend will bring plenty of exciting after-hours events and activities including The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus and NAMM’s “Prescription for Summer Fun” featuring The Spin Doctors on Friday night, with additional performances by Lennon Songwriting Grand Prize winners and the presentation of the Maxell Song of the Year.

Also on Friday, NAMM presents Muriel Anderson’s All-Star Guitar Night. On Saturday, NAMM’s All-Industry Drum Circle gets people moving to the beat. On Sunday morning, attendees can wake up to the inspiring Gospel Music Pancake Breakfast filled with heavenly music and great food in an event to benefit music education charities.

“Last year, NAMM Members who participated in the Summer Session came back to work energized and told us they had a strong third and fourth quarter,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. “With all the changes we’ve seen since the NAMM Show in January, it is important to come together again in Nashville to see the new products, share business ideas and renew that energy in order to be better prepared for the critical fall and winter selling season.”

For more information about Summer Session or to register to attend the show, interested parties may visit www.nammsummersession.com or call NAMM at 1.800.767.6266.