NAMM Show: It’s All About Community

I am writing having just arrived back home from Nashville and the Summer NAMM Show. If you attended, I believe you will know what the headline above is about. Our industry felt more like a community the past few days down in Nashville. Of course there was plenty of time for business on the Show floor. However, Joe Lamond and his staff have to be commended for bringing a gathering together that provided inspiration, innovation, and opportunity to the attendees and exhibitors.

Of course NAMM always brings out optimism whether in Nashville or Anaheim. The difference is that in Anaheim everyone is hoping for a good year. By the time Nashville rolls around, everyone knows whether or not they are having a good year. From my conversations, everyone is pretty happy with what 2014 has delivered. I’m sure if the job reports remain steady, 2014 will be the rebound year we have all been looking for.

Winter NAMM takes the shape of its surroundings in the hustle and bustle of Southern California. It is a four-day sprint for attendees trying to reach as many booths as possible to see the latest offerings, while every exhibitor is on edge not wanting to miss the next most important customer that comes into their booth. 

Summer NAMM, on the other hand, reflects the pace of a genteel southern city (well, maybe not that genteel around midnight walking along Broadway). The pace allows everyone to feel like they are developing relationships with their customers and vendors. There’s time to have real conversations with all. Everyone can maintain eye contact without looking to see who or what they may be missing, or having that aggressive someone come up and interrupt your conversation.

Beyond the tradeshow floor, there were so many opportunities to step back and remember why our industry is a community. There was no better example of this than the opening night reception. For those of you who missed it, it was an exceptional evening of music highlighted by Vince Gill’s 40-minute chat reflecting on his career. He noted the thrill he had as child getting his first guitar and going to a music store. It was in a small city in Oklahoma where the local music store was the center of the area’s music community.

That music store was one of his key inspirations. Like so many of you, your store is this beacon of music for your own community. Your livelihood is an inspiration for generations of aspiring players in your community, as well. These players/customers that walk through your door may never reach the level of a Vince Gill, but they do grow into having a lifelong appreciation for the arts which they will pass along to the next generation. Your store is one of the keys that keeps our society one worth living in. It is a very important role that you play.

Not everyone chooses to go to Nashville. Everyone should be grateful for this. It is nice to see the Show grow and attendance increase, but we hope it continues to keep its boutique charm.