"We were very excited that attendance was up considerably from last year – and San Antonio was a really good convention!" says NASMD president George Quinlan, Jr. of this year's gathering in Orlando, Florida.
Indeed, the 410 attendees at the 2014 NASMD Convention marks a 10 percent increase over those present for the 2013 event – and, significantly, the first time since 2002 that the total has exceeded 400. Just over 15 percent of attendees were first-timers and roughly two-thirds of the 125 companies represented in Florida this April were dealers, with the rest being manufacturers and distributors.
"We were grateful for the nice turnout, but equally with the favorable comments about the educational sessions," continues Quinlan. "Our VP, Rosi Johnson, and the board did a tremendous job putting them together and they were very well received."
Those sessions included workshops aimed at enhancing a retailer's relationships with area band directors, maximizing the impact of social media, and the evolving nature of brick & mortar retail in the Internet age.
In addition to breakout sessions, panels, and workshops NASMD 2014 offered plenty in the way of "fun." The setting – the Italian-themed Portofino Bay Hotel – provided ample opportunity for warm-weather activities such as lounging by the pool, Friday's first-ever "NASMD Bocce Ball Tournament," or enjoying the Golf Scramble with colleagues (105 golfers this year – also up 10 percent from 2013).
"The school music market has historically been a very consistent and resilient market for manufacturers and retailers," Quinlan observes. "While we don't expect meteoric growth, a steady belief of moderate growth and optimism was the overriding feeling among the members I spoke with at NASMD.
"Our number one goal for NASMD is to identify and encourage school music retailers – and suppliers – to join the organization and attend next year's convention in New Orleans. Many folks – like me, feel we have benefitted greatly through participation. We look forward to the next generation of dealers, road reps, and managers to benefit from the 'group knowledge' to help their businesses grow and prosper."
In the Words of Those Who Were There
"This was the first time I attended an NASMD convention. We have had others attend but as a first-time attendee I was extremely impressed. The sessions were outstanding and addressed some of the issues we are striving to improve. I thought George [Quinlan, Jr.] and the Board did a tremendous job and I look forward to attending again next year."
– Kevin Cranley, Willis Music
"I thought this year's NASMD convention was outstanding. The venue, the educational program, and the networking opportunities were all top-notch and, as usual, I came away with pages of notes with ideas to improve my business. I particularly liked the sessions where NASMD members shared practical, proven ways to grow profitably."
– Mark Goff, WH Paige & Company, Inc.
"I always do a quick check to see the ratio of dealers to suppliers. This year it looked like the dealers outweigh non-dealers at least 2:1. That's good for the group.
– John Musselman, American Way Marketing.
"This year's NASMD gathering was fantastic. It was well attended and very well planned out. The dealers also gave me a positive vibe that 2014 is going to be a better year. We still have a long way to recover, but the dealers seemed very optimistic."
– Jim Cavanaugh, The Cavanaugh Company
"It was another great conference and it ranked equally to last year. [There was] strong programming and a lot of great ideas shared with our dealers. We are expecting a solid year in both the beginning band and orchestral rental market and school bid activities.
– Roger Eaton, Yamaha Corp. of America
"I thought the conference was fantastic and offered a large selection of excellent sessions. What struck me the most was the strength of the leadership and ownership in attendance from this segment of the industry."
– Bill Harvey, Buddy Roger's Music
