“This event, more than any we’ve done before, highlighted the evolution of what the NAMM Show of the future might look like,” observes NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond. “Yes, there were new products – lots of them in fact – but there was so much more, including a multi-faceted music conference that served every industry segment with compelling education, networking, and mind-expanding inspiration. I don’t know exactly what the future holds for our industry, but I can tell you the people who are going to create it were there. And based on what I saw, the future looks very bright indeed.”
Incoming president and CEO of NAMM, John Mlkynczak, agrees: “The future is NAMM is bright due to the power of our industry coming together. The success and energy of this year’s NAMM Show came from the invaluable connections and growth opportunities our members made through the events, networking, exhibits, music-making, and education sessions. These are no accident – The NAMM team works tirelessly to create these opportunities based on the feedback from our members. We already have big ideas on how to continue to accelerate these opportunities in January 2024 and beyond!”
With over 1,200 exhibitors representing roughly 3,500 brands, the April industry gathering drew 46,711 attendees from 120 countries and territories. While not back to lofty pre-pandemic numbers, general consensus was that this year’s Show marked renewed vibrancy and enthusiasm not seen since January 2020. With a return to the “normal” timeframe of January, the 2024 NAMM Show is expected by most to be even more active.
The NAMM Show returns to the Anaheim Convention Center January 25-28, 2024.
Voices from the Show Floor
“The trade show exceeded all expectations, with an overwhelming turnout of exhibitors and attendees. The venue was spectacular, with a modern design and state-of-the-art technology that set the stage for a truly remarkable event.
“Exhibitors went all out to showcase their products and services, with captivating displays and interactive demonstrations that wowed attendees. They had a range of innovative products that captivated the audience’s attention, and their staff was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, answering all questions with ease.
“The keynote speakers and panel discussions were exceptional, with thought-provoking insights and practical advice from industry leaders. Attendees left the event with a wealth of knowledge and actionable strategies that they could implement in their businesses immediately.
“Overall, the trade show was a smashing success, with exhibitors and attendees alike commenting on its exceptional organization and execution. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, discover new products and services, and gain valuable insights into industry trends and best practices. Working with other professionals in their industry, attending informative workshops and seminars, and discovering new products and services.”
Tom Tedesco
President & CEO
The Music People
“We could not have been more excited to collaborate with so many people in the musical instrument industry at NAMM in April. This year, we were able to use our booth at NAMM as the central hub to connect with the largest independent sellers on Reverb as we continue to deepen our partnerships and help those dealers grow their online sales. And even though there seemed to be less of a large manufacturer presence at the show overall, NAMM was once again a great venue for us to collaborate with many instrument builders and connect directly with our most passionate users.”
David Mandelbrot
CEO
Reverb
“First of all, I think that the overall vibe of the show was wonderful. The customers and dealers and reps and industry folks who did make the trek out to Anaheim all seemed to feel like the mood was positive and they were glad to be back at the show. Of course we weren’t 100% back to the soaring heights of past NAMM Show attendance numbers or insane show events and over-the-top booths, but their were hints and sparkles of the ‘good ol’ days’ and we’re trending in the right direction for sure. AM&S decided to go even bigger this time around with a dedicated booth for Allen & Heath in the Pro Hall, dedicated live sound console training, a new speaker demo space, Marriott meeting and event rooms, and a sprawling Hall A booth centered around keyboard and DJ and headphones – with steady traffic and great engagement in every area. The fact that attendance and enthusiasm was consistent for us across the wider NAMM campus is a great sign and we’re already prepping another step up for 2024.”
Jeff Hawley
Marketing Director
Allen & Heath USA (American Music & Sound)
“It was a good show for us at the TKL and Cedar Creek booth. There was significantly more energy and traffic than last year.
“We had a few exciting new products like the new Voyager™ Carbon Fiber Flight case as well as the announcement of our collaboration with Biometric lock manufacturer Benjilock, along with the release of several new colors in the Cedar Creek Custom Case line. It helped to create quite the buzz at the booth and allowed us to generate some great new leads and relationships.
“I’d have to say the show exceed our expectations and left us very optimistic about the return of Winter NAMM next January!”
Gordon French
Sales and Business Development Manager
The TKL Family of Brands
“We couldn’t be happier with the overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic response we received to see and hear our new L Class loudspeakers. Our demo room was packed every hour, as was our hands-on display featuring L Class and our other top-sellers. The NAMM vibe across the entire show was energetic and vibrant, with music makers of all kinds coming out in full force to participate in our industry’s headline event. Come January, when NAMM returns to its regular schedule, I anticipate that Anaheim will once again be the center of the music-making universe. We can’t wait to be back!”
Ray van Straten
VP Brand, Marketing & Training
QSC Pro Audio
“The pro audio hall is the best thing to happen at NAMM. The traffic are a better target demographic. Lots of traffic and less of the posers. As for NAMM, this is no longer a ‘trade show’ – it’s now a public exposition. Very few buyers. There is a reason why so many big companies aren’t there now.”
Ryan Kallas
Director of Product Development
Triad-Orbit
Access Products Group
“This year at NAMM our booth at Riversong was right between Hall C&D. We had consistency heavy crowds past our booth throughout the entire show. Lots of interest from consumers and artists, a substantial amount of international customers.
“As always, the majority of business was done outside of show hours, Pre show and on setup day. 2023 NAMM will go down in Riversong History as the best yet. We saw project collaboration starts and a general positive vibe. For Riversong NAMM is an essential part of doing business. It is the start and end of new products and the place to see old friends and make new ones. Many of our companies successes have been due to the relationships that we made at NAMM. I can’t wait for the next show, we have many new ideas and plans!!!”
Mike Miltimore
Founder/Passion Igniter
Riversong Guitars
“For Yamaha, our booth traffic was up about a third from The NAMM Show 2022 and with a three-day show, we were busy right up to closing time on Saturday. My impression of the show overall is that it was stronger than in 2022, and attendees seemed to be in good spirits and glad to get back to doing business in person and having the ability to get hands, eyes, and ears on new products. For us, we don’t measure the show on how much business we write, though we take orders and took more orders this year than last year. We tend to view the show by the quantity and quality of dealer meetings and our reach beyond the show with social media and the press to reach customers. On those aspects, we are very happy with our results at NS2023.”
Tom Sumner
President
Yamaha Corporation of America
“This was my second time exhibiting at NAMM, so from the previous year, I would say the energy is coming back and the love of music, engagement, business, and partnerships is alive and breathing on a good footprint setting a higher standard for 2024.The traffic at the booth was great! It came in waves (Trivium style)! And I love seeing the feedback generated to innovation, especially in an industry that hasn’t been disrupted, in a positive way. Believe me, I wish we had the extra day. I’m very much looking forward to 2024!
“This year I can say it was very much about reconnecting with the industry, building new relationships, and finally, getting back to the engagement factor, which is what every company should thrive for. I can’t wait to experience the show on its full scale. Overall, great show! And definitely, we’ll be back.”
Robbie Cabral
CEO & Founder
BenjiLock
