NAMM 2012: What not to miss at this year’s show

With NAMM 2012 almost upon us, Audio Pro International provides a comprehensive rundown of what not to miss at the California trade show.

Featuring a hefty schedule of exhibitions, musical performances, discussions and industry shindigs, the Anaheim Convention Centre, California is readying itself for the onslaught of pro audio practitioners, retailers and exhibitors set to descend upon its doorstep. So, with such an extensive array of things to do, see and hear, we hereby offer our guide to some of the major attractions on offer at NAMM 2012.

First and foremost, the event kicks off at 8am on Thursday January 19th with the NAMM ‘Breakfast of Champions’ at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel’s Pacific Ballrooms, whereby NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond will sit down with a number of the industry’s leading figures to discuss some of the pressing issues regarding product innovation within the industry.

This is followed by press calls from Harman and Yamaha at 9am and 9.30am respectively. With both brands remaining tight-lipped on the issue of their eagerly awaited announcements, visitors are well advised not to miss these key briefings.

Following a major secondary investment at the back-end of 2011, Digico’s upcoming announcement at NAMM is also rife with speculation. Again, no details have been revealed as of yet but we will be reporting live from the show as soon as any news breaks. Click here for more on the NAMM 2012 pro audio press conference schedule.

In addition to the many noteworthy press announcements taking place throughout the event, one of the key features of this year’s show is the vast array of performances on offer, a full schedule of which can be found here.

One of the most anticipated and prestigious features of NAMM 2012 arrives in the form of the annual TEC Awards. Taking place on Friday January 20th in the Pacific Ballroom of the Hilton Anaheim, the awards recognise outstanding achievement in the world of pro audio production and product innovation, and are co-presented by the TEC Foundation and NAMM.

There are also a number of educational sessions on offer in and around the show, including the following:

• NAMM U Breakfast Sessions discuss the industry’s current topics and how to best grow your business—with live music and a warm meal to get you going

• The NAMM U Idea Center Sessions provide tips for proven promotions, techniques and strategies from industry experts

• The H.O.T. (Hands-On Training) Zone Sessions provides live educational sessions for professionals in the pro audio, entertainment technologies, music business operations, recording, live sound, DJ, house of worship, commercial systems contractors/integrators, and stage and lighting industries

• The Generation Next Sessions help music business students make the most of their NAMM Show experience and prepare for their future career

• The Music Education Days Sessions provide inspiration and information for music education professionals

So, with so much on offer to visitors of this year’s show, there’s certainly plenty to look forward to over the coming five days in California.