NAMM outlines education programme

NAMM has revealed more details of its educational programme at next year’s show.

During the 2016 expo, NAMM members will have access to more than 120 free educational sessions in total.  The line-up includes sessions that will cover a range of topics from in-store and online retail to manufacturers, pro audio and technology. NAMM U’s Retail Boot Camp, NAMM U Breakfast Sessions and the NAMM Idea Center, along with the debuting TEC Tracks will be at the heart of the programme.

“New technology has changed the way every NAMM member business is run today,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “This January NAMM U’s line up will provide new ideas to make technology work in your favor by creating new opportunities for the future. Many members tell us that what they learn by attending these free NAMM U sessions has a huge positive impact on their success and makes coming to the NAMM Show a great investment.”

The day before the 2016 NAMM Show officially starts, NAMM members can immerse in a full day of learning at NAMM’s Retail Boot Camp – discovering new ideas about how to sell to the socially connected consumer. The one-day training will also help retailers understand future trends in online marketing, best practices for rental programs, and the most efficient techniques to manage store inventory. It will be held on Wednesday, 20th January from 9am to 4pm in the Anaheim Hilton’s California Ballroom. Afterwards, a special two-hour Technology Boot Camp and reception looks at practical tools for making retail businesses more profitable, efficient and visible. Both events are free to all NAMM members and their employees.

NAMM U Breakfast Sessions will focus on strategies that members can apply instantly. On the opening morning of the show, NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond will host Breakfast of Champions, featuring influential music-product leaders and big-name artists discussing the state of the industry and where it’s going. On Friday, New York Times best-selling author and jazz guitarist Josh Linkner will deliver practical ways to instantly turn ambitious ideas into big business results. 

During Saturday’s Breakfast Session, Hug Your Haters: Customer Service in the Digital Age, digital business expert, technology advisor and marketing guru Jay Baer shares opportunities for customer service wins in the modern era.  The free breakfast begins at 8 am in the Anaheim Hilton’s Pacific Ballroom.

The NAMM Idea Center will present more than 45 forward-thinking professional development sessions with many focused on boosting a retailer’s online and brick-and-mortar presence through more effective websites and digital marketing. 

Each 30-minute session will be held in the Idea Center’s new lobby location that offers more room to comfortably learn and network. The peer-to-peer sessions will tackle some of the best ways to attract customers through Google, YouTube, Instagram and mobile-friendly websites. Some highlights include the social media platforms that retailers can focus on to grow their customer base and the 10 best ways to raise profits through eBay and Reverb.com.

TEC Tracks will make its debut in Anaheim this year, featuring more than 70 pro audio and music technology master classes, live interviews and panel discussions. Legendary producers Eddie Kramer and Tony Brown will host keynote sessions. For the artist, there will be a session about how to maximise crowd-funding websites such as IndieGoGo, GoFundMe and KickStarter. TEC Tracks has also partnered with A3E (Advanced Audio + Applications Exchange) to offer six educational sessions focused on the future of audio. TEC Tracks replaces The H.O.T Zone on the second floor of the Anaheim Convention Center.

In addition, NAMM will team up with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to offer hands-on training on a variety of intellectual property issues. NAMM members can learn more about the patenting process, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets during a one-hour roundtable discussion in the NAMM Member Center on Thursday, 21st January from 10 am. to 11 am.

NAMM members are encouraged to register for badges by 6th January 2016 – at which point, badge registrations will incur a $50 to $100 fee, depending on badge type. 

NAMM U schedule: https://www.namm.org/namm-u-sessions

TEC Tracks schedule: https://www.namm.org/tec-tracks