25 years ago, the Alliance of Independent Music Merchants (AIMM) created a unique organization comprised of the finest independent retailers and select vendors. AIMM was launched in 1998 by retailers Bob Bankston, George Hines, and Skip Maggiora. AIMM’s mission, since day 1, has centered on developing strategic industry relationships among its members, with an unrelenting focus on meeting and exceeding the needs of today’s music consumers.
Wednesday, April 12, AIMM is hosting one of its biggest Summit events to celebrate the group’s 25 years of innovation and success. This year’s theme is “Winning with Culture.” During AIMM’s Summit, members will have the opportunity to hear from several industry-leading guest speakers and have an opportunity to learn and share with each other in several breakout sessions. AIMM members will also be recognized during the annual dealer and vendor awards ceremony for outstanding achievement in 2022.
This year’s event also features a number of musical guest artists and will be topped off with performances by the AIMM Jam Band featuring musicians from AIMM’s retail and vendor members.
Industry leaders and AIMM co-founders reflect on AIMM’s history and contribution to the Musical Instrument Industry:
“AIMM’s mission the first 25 years was to create a stronger music industry by focusing on the best industry retailers and suppliers to exceed the needs of musicians of all ages. The next 25 will build upon the trust and respect within the AIMM group to further “best practices” in supporting the musicians and music makers and leading our industry to a bright and healthy future!” – George L. Hines, AIMM co-founder.
“The AIMM founders saw the future better than most. They realized that by bringing everyone together and by working together, retailers and manufacturers and, most importantly, our customers, the music makers would all benefit. That concept was as true in 1998 as it is now, and maybe even more important than ever.” Joe Lamond, NAMM President.
“When I attended my first AIMM meeting, I quickly realized the people in this room are the best of the best in the industry; the best retailers and the best manufacturers. Many of the successes we’ve experienced over the past few years have been impacted by our affiliation with the AIMM group” Laura Penrose, owner of Nick Rail Music.
“Once I saw the list of AIMM dealers, I realized very quickly that this organization was made up of the best independent dealers in our industry,” says Gary Winder, Executive VP of Sales, Dansr.
“AIMM’s 25 years of success would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of our retail and vendor members, many of whom have been with AIMM since the very beginning.” Bob Bankston, AIMM co-founder.
NAMM will also celebrate AIMM’s 25th anniversary during this year’s “Breakfast of Champions” event held in the Level 3 ballroom of the convention center on Thursday, April 13, from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
AIMM and its members are working together this week in Anaheim to ensure that they are poised for success heading into the next 25 years and beyond.
