On March 23, MMR questioned whether the buildup of Russian forces on Ukraine’s border as well as the annex of Crimea would affect this spring’s NAMM Musikmesse Russia convention. At the time, NAMM had no official statement.
Now, it’s been announced that the industry gathering will take place at both a new time and in a different venue – though the reasons for the shift are not being attributed to any political or military events in recent weeks. “Both the timing and the location are being adjusted to best fit the growing needs of the music product and pro-light and sound industries in the region,” according the official press release:
NAMM Musikmesse Russia and ProLight + Sound NAMM Russia’s 2014 edition will now be held September 18-21 and September 18-20, 2014 respectively and in a new, modern venue, the IEC Crocus Expo in Moscow… The second edition held in May 2013 received positive feedback and suggestions for further development from the participants. More than 130 producers and distributors from 15 countries met 9,381 unique visitors, which is a 49-percent increase compared to the show’s premiere in 2012. The diverse events and seminar programs of the fairs consisted of more than 90 events from professional development programming, to seminars and conferences and a music festival for the public.
New concepts introduced at the 2013 event will be continued in 2014. This includes the opening of the fairs to the public over the weekend, which gave music lovers the opportunity to take part in numerous master classes, and to enjoy the music festival on the open stage.
September is an ideal time slot to facilitate the region’s music instruments and professional sound, light and stage equipment and technology business. In selecting the new venue, the organizers aim to improve the organizational services at the fairs and to make the participation in the shows more exhibitor-friendly. Modern exhibition pavilions, conveniently located conference halls, direct metro station access, hotels situated right at the exhibition center, free parking, numerous restaurants and cafés, as well as various options for organizing outdoor festivals and demonstrations are just some advantages the new venue offers for both exhibitors and visitors of the fairs. The 2014 edition will include new elements for participants and will target higher participation of Russian and foreign exhibitors, as well as from CIS countries. A separate exposition and special programs are being planned for classical and acoustic instruments – Pavilion Classique. A new advertising campaign and visitor acquisition plan aimed at attracting both professional audience and amateur music lovers will aim to increase the quality and quantity of target visitors.
A diverse events and seminar program will be organized together with specialized associations, leading musical institutions, and the most respected industry leaders. Special events will include professional development opportunities at NAMM University, a repeat of 2013’s successful forum for equipment rental companies, International musical convention COLISIUM, seminars for piano tuners and technicians at Piano Days, as well as public oriented festivals of various musical genres, master classes and autograph sessions.
The organizers plan to extend cooperation with federal and regional ministries and institutions responsible for the development of musical culture and musical education, with parks and sports facilities.
Professional musicians and amateurs plan to visit the fairs as this is where they will be able to experience the full spectrum of the international music products industry in one convenient, regional location. All the exhibits can be experienced hands on, and specialists at various stands of producers and distributors will provide professional consultations on many instruments. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet Russian and foreign musicians.
Companies MF-Group and T-Audio continue to be technical partners of NAMM Musikmesse Russia and Prolight + Sound NAMM Russia.
Exhibiting brands that book exhibit space by November, 1, 2013 will receive a seven-percent discount.
For more details please email musik@messefrankfurt.ru
