Celebrate and Connect at The NAMM Show
The NAMM Show may be best known for being the destination to check out the latest products and innovations from your favorite manufacturers, but in reality, it is so much more. The Show offers a diverse and engaging array of education and events, providing an opportunity to pack your schedule long after the sun goes down and the show floor goes quiet.
This April, The NAMM Show is hosting and presenting s variety of opportunities for you to celebrate, connect, converse, and collaborate in various settings with your peers across the many communities represented at The NAMM Show. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to network, celebrate the past year’s success, enjoy the benefits and experience music-making opportunities, pause to reflect on those we have lost, or relax and chat with old friends, The NAMM Show has an event for you.
Check out a small portion of what The NAMM Show offers and start planning your ultimate NAMM Show experience.
New Member Reception
When: Wednesday, April 12 from 5 pm – 5:30 pm
Where: ACC, Level 1, Member Center
Who: New NAMM Members
New members who have recently joined NAMM are invited to a special networking event to meet other new members, leadership from the NAMM Board of Directors, and NAMM staff. For more information, please contact the NAMM Membership Department at join@namm.org.
ESTA’s Happy Hour for Behind the Scenes
When: Wednesday, April 12 from 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Marriott, Level 1, Platinum Ballroom Patio
Who: Ticketed event open to all registered attendees
Beer and wine and light bites will be served while you network with friends old and new. Tickets are required to attend this event and can be purchased at https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/product/estas-2023-happy-hour-for-behind-the-scenes/.
Pensado’s Place Residency at NAMM
When: Thursday, April 13 from 1 pm – 2 pm; Friday, April 14 from 12 pm – 1 pm; and Saturday, April 15 from 2 pm – 3 pm
Where: ACC, Level 3, NAMM Ballrooms A & B
Who: All
Join Herb and Dave along with pro audio luminaries as they discuss the secrets of the trade. On Saturday, the residency takes a turn with Herb, Dave, and guests engaging in one-on-one mentorship. Bring your questions to this intimate session to get feedback and advice from the pros.
LSA/ESTA Welcome Reception
When: Thursday, April 13, from 2 pm – 4 pm
Where: ACC, Level 1, Hall A (Entertainment Tech Lounge)
Who: Open to all registered attendees
Join hosts Lighting&Sound America (LSA) and the Entertainment Services Technology Association (ESTA) at a special reception to welcome the live event community to The NAMM Show.
ReVoicing the Future: Envisioning the Music Industry of Tomorrow
When: Thursday, April 13 from 3 pm – 4 pm
Where: ACC, Level 1, Member Center
Who: Open to all registered attendees
The Women of NAMM ReVoicing the Future team, Natalie, Stephanie, and Julia, will challenge attendees to compose their vision of the ecosystem they want to work in, taking inspiration from how we all might show up as our authentic selves in our careers and the concepts of success and legacy. Whether an emerging professional or legacy leader, you will leave with new allies in building this future together.
NAMM Top 100 Dealers Alumni Gathering
When: Thursday, April 13, from 4 pm – 5 pm
Where: ACC, Level 1, Member Center
Who: All past Top 100 Dealers and NAMM Board alums
Honor the past while celebrating the present over beverages, bites, cash giveaways, prizes, and more at the NAMM Top 100 Dealers Alumni Gathering presented by 100 GROUP. Recognize the achievements of our retail members who have earned a coveted Top 100 distinction and our beloved NAMM Board alums who voluntarily have served to preserve and uplift our industry by supporting NAMM and its activities.
AES Educator’s Reception
When: Thursday, April 13, from 5 pm – 6 pm
Where: Marriott, Level 1, Platinum Ballroom Patio
Who: Educators
Join us at this year’s AES Educators Reception and help us to celebrate 75 years of the Audio Engineering Society. John Krivit & Graham Kirk, together with NAMM, host a relaxed networking and social gathering to connect audio educators visiting The NAMM Show.
NAMM Industry Tribute
When: Thursday, April 13, from 5:30 pm – 6 pm
Where: ACC, Level 1, Idea Center
Who: Open to all registered attendees
We pause to remember those we have lost in our industry since our last gathering. Join us for performances by The LA Scots Pipe Band and Guitarist Doyle Dykes as we play a video honoring those who contributed to our industry and the world of music. For those unable to attend, this event will be live-streamed on NAMM Show+. After The NAMM Show, the video will be posted on the NAMM website.
TEC Experience
When: Thursday, April 13, from 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: ACC, Level 3, NAMM Ballrooms A & B
Who: Open to all registered attendees (no additional tickets required)
For this historic April edition of The NAMM Show, a reimagined TEC format will power a new pro audio meet-up and create new ways to celebrate audio and sound production, along with the people who bring it to life and unite communities to envision our future together. NEW for 2023: No additional tickets are required, and the TEC Experience will present a more relaxed, communal atmosphere.
Yamaha Night of Worship
When: Thursday, April 13, from 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: ACC, Plaza, Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage
Who: Open to all registered attendees
She Rocks Awards
When: Thursday, April 13, from 6:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: THE RANCH Restaurant, 1025 E Ball Rd. Anaheim, CA 92805
Who: Open to all. Tickets are required
The 11th annual She Rocks Awards honors women in the music and audio industries. This year’s honorees include Judy Collins, Shelly Peiken, and Noelle Scaggs. Tickets are required and can be purchased at https://sherocksawards.com/tickets/.
GenNext Student & NAMM YP Mixer
When: Friday, April 14 from 5 pm – 6 pm
Where: ACC, Level 1, Member Center
Who: College music students and NAMM Young Professionals (NAMM YP)
This is an excellent opportunity for students seeking jobs in the music industry to meet and mingle with professionals under 40 years old who are excited to mentor young talent. Light snacks and soft drinks will be provided.
NAMM Pro Audio Pool Party
When: Friday, April 14, from 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Marriott, Level 1, Pool Deck
Who: Pro audio and sound community (open to all registered attendees)
Make a splash at the Pro Audio Pool Party! This much-loved NAMM Show tradition returns to bring together the pro audio and sound community for a fun-filled networking event at Anaheim Marriott's pool deck. Reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and enjoy the warm SoCal night over drinks, RC boats, and more!
Women of NAMM Happy Hour
When: Friday, April 14, from 6 pm – 7 pm
Where: Hilton, Level 5, Sunset Deck
Who: Women of NAMM (open to all registered attendees)
This event unites women across the music, sound, and live event industries and is an excellent opportunity to connect and network with other women at The NAMM Show.
The Careers in Music Summit
When: Friday, April 14 from 3 pm – 4 pm
Where: ACC, Level 1, Idea Center
Who: Open to all registered attendees
Industry leaders will answer, “What does it take to have a successful career in the music industry?“ Industry pros will offer insight into their career trajectories and share practical tips for long-term success.
All-Industry Drum Circle
When: Friday, April 14 from 5 pm – 6 pm
Where: ACC, Plaza, Palm Court
Who: Open to all attendees
Drum up enthusiasm for music-making at NAMM’s 30th annual All-Industry Drum Circle and help make the Palm Court will come alive with a rhythmic celebration! The annual event offers participants a chance to enjoy the collective music-making experience. Percussion instruments will be provided thanks to Remo, Inc.
Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand
When: Friday, April 14, from 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: ACC, Plaza, Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage
Who: Open to all registered attendees
The 21st Annual Parnelli Awards
When: Friday, April 14, from 7 pm – 11 pm
Where: ACC, Level 3, NAMM Ballroom’s A & B
Who: Open to all registered attendees. Tickets Required
Since 2001, scores of our highest achievers and most admired innovators have been awarded a Parnelli Award. The award recognizes pioneering, influential professionals and their contributions, honoring individuals, companies, and game-changing products. It’s a night of magic where the industry’s greatest stars gather for a good drink, food, and the privilege of honoring our best. Advanced ticket purchases are required and are available at https://parnelliawards.com/reservations/.
Musician’s Chapel
When: Saturday, April 15, from 8 am – 9:30 am
Where: Hilton, Level 4, Laguna
Who: Open to all registered attendees
Join an inspiring service connecting industry professionals for a morning of worship and celebration.
The Grand Rally for Music Education
When: Saturday, April 15 from 12 pm – 1 pm
Where: ACC, Level 3, Ballroom’s A & B
Who: Open to all registered attendees
The NAMM Foundation will celebrate and honor music education champions and advocates with performances from one of Los Angeles’s most sought-after musicians, Dr. Molly Miller, who has recorded and toured with artists such as Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, and Sin Bandera, at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, and Coachella. Dr. Molly Miller will perform with her trio, featuring John Paul Maramba and Tamir Barzilay. Additional featured guests include jazz guitarist and World Series champion Bernie Williams and the Legacy Ukulele Ensemble. The Grand Rally for Music Education shares the joys and benefits of music making and affirms a shared commitment to advocate for music education.
Ukulele Circle
When: Saturday, April 15, from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: ACC, Plaza, Palm Court
Who: Open to all registered attendees
Unleash your Island Spirit at our ukulele circle, where you’ll learn the basics of the instrument known as the “jumping flea.” No experience is required. We provide the ukes, you provide the smiles, and learn how to create a uke community.
MIDI 40th Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday, April 15, from 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: ACC, Plaza, Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage
Who: Open to all registered attendees
Celebrate the incredible possibilities MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) created in the 40 years since its public introduction. It will kick off with a set by Resonant Alien, the new band featuring Brian Hardgroove and DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy. During the anniversary celebration, the people who created the modern music production environment of synths, drum machines, and sequencers will be honored with lifetime achievement awards. The honorees include Alan Pearlman, Bob Moog, Don Buchla, Dave Smith, Dave Rossum, Ikutaro Kakehashi, Roger Linn, Tom Oberheim, and Tsutomu Katoh.
Are you looking for more events and sessions to maximize your time in Anaheim? Please visit the entire 2023 NAMM Show schedule and be sure to continue to check in as more sessions are being added.