Sound Policy

NAMM Sound Policy

NAMM is a trade show designed for buyers and sellers of music products to conduct business within leased booth spaces. Part of this business involves trying out music products; however, this must be done within specific parameters to maintain a safe and business-friendly environment on the show floor.

The following policy must be adhered to and will be enforced by NAMM at all times throughout the show:

  • Sound Level: The sound level may not exceed 85 decibels, as determined by the NAMM Floor Management Team.

  • Demonstrations: Demonstrations may not exceed 3 minutes, impede aisle space, or cause disruption to neighboring booths. Exhibitors are responsible for obtaining proper approval from NAMM management and securing crowd control staff if needed.

NAMM Policy Enforcement Procedure

Violations of this policy will be addressed as follows:

  1. First Violation: A verbal warning will be issued by the NAMM Floor Management Team.

  2. Second Violation: A written warning will be delivered by the NAMM Floor Management Team.

  3. Continued Violation by Attendees: The attendee’s badge will be confiscated for the remainder of the show.

  4. Continued Violation by Exhibitors: If the exhibitor persists in violating this policy despite two official warnings:

    • The booth will be closed for the remainder of the day.

    • Electrical power may be removed, if applicable.

    • A drape will be placed at the front of the booth along with a sign stating “Closed due to sound level violation.”

If the violation continues the following day, the booth will be permanently closed and/or removed from the show floor for the remainder of the show. Note: Booth fees are non-refundable.

Exhibitors who receive three sound violations risk jeopardizing their booth location at future NAMM trade shows.

Reporting Violations: Sound regulation violations may be reported directly to the NAMM Floor Management Team or the Show Office. For assistance with sound control, please contact your NAMM business partner.

Steps NAMM Takes to Support a Positive Musical Experience

  • Floor Categorization: The show floor is categorized by product types to place similar volume products together.

  • Buffer Zones: Booths and aisles are arranged to provide buffer zones, reducing sound issues among neighboring exhibitors.

  • Ear Protection: Ear plugs are provided for both attendees and exhibitors.

  • Enforcement of Decibel Level: The maximum decibel level is enforced at 85 dB to ensure all booths can demonstrate instruments at a background level.

  • Demo Rooms: Demo rooms are available at no cost in each hall. Please consult with your NAMM Trade Show Salesperson to get the location of the Demo Room in your hall. You can also email NAMM Show Management at tradeshowops@namm.org.

  • Sound-Absorbing Materials: Options for sound-absorbing booth materials are available through Freeman Online at affordable rental rates.

Steps Exhibitors Can Take to Support a Positive Musical Experience

  • Utilize sound rooms, shields, and sound-absorption materials in booth construction.

  • Use headphones during demos.

  • Take advantage of the NAMM demo rooms, available at no cost.

  • Avoid placing demonstration areas or stages on the aisle; manage crowds appropriately.

  • Direct speakers into the booth space, not into aisles or other booths.

  • For percussion products, remove the drum throne seat between demos to prevent attendees from playing at full volume.

  • Use drum brushes instead of sticks to control sound levels for percussion demonstrations.

  • Place signs near demo instruments indicating sound level and demo length, ensuring attendees adhere to these guidelines.

  • Notify attendees immediately if they are testing equipment too long or too loud. NAMM Floor Management may remove their badge for the remainder of the show.

Performance vs. Demonstration

  • Performance: A performance is a public entertainment presentation and is prohibited in booth spaces. Performances are available on the NAMM stages at various locations throughout the NAMM campus. Visit NAMM.org to stay up to date on the band submission deadline to be considered for one of NAMM’s stages. No submissions will be accepted after the published deadline.

  • Demonstration: A demonstration involves showing the merits of a product or service to a prospective customer. Demonstrations are permitted for up to 3 minutes at a time, with sound levels not exceeding 85 decibels. 

New Sound Reset Procedures – Percussion Area

NAMM is dedicated to fostering an environment at The NAMM Show that balances the excitement of product demos with the need for respectful sound levels.

To support this initiative, NAMM is implementing Harmonious Sound periods. For 15 minutes at the end of every hour, no product demos with sound in the percussion area will be permitted. This allows for a reset to prevent sound levels from escalating. 

Sound Reset Schedule: 

11:45 am–12 pm 
12:45–1 pm 
1:45–2 pm 
2:45–3 pm 
3:45–4 pm

By collectively adopting this schedule, we can effectively manage sound levels and create a more enjoyable experience for all.