In an exclusive interview with AMI, NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond tells us what to expect from this years global gathering – which takes place at the end of this month – and what the organisation aims to achieve with its new enhancements.

What are the new main developments we can expect to see at NAMM 2018?

No two shows are ever really alike, the industry is always changing isn’t it? And while we feel our role is to be the stable, reliable platform for our members and the industry to meet we really feel like this year is special. The expansion of the Anaheim Convention Center has opened up many new opportunities to expand our crossroads concept, where all aspects of the music, sound and production industry can gather in one place for the benefit of all.

Regular attendees will see more of the gathering of tribes for industry segments scheduling meetings, networking and moving about the campus easier. For those who might not have been to NAMM in a while, they will see essentially a brand new world.

Along with this, education also experiences a growth with a new education campus at the Hilton hotel in what we’re calling, NAMM U Education Center. A suite of professional development opportunities will be available to attendees, including Audinate Dante Training and Certification; AES@NAMM: Pro Sound Symposium Live and Studio, curated by the Audio Engineering Society; TEC Tracks; Music Education Days, GenNext career development, and the Nonprofit Institute presented by The NAMM Foundation; and event technology sessions, curated by ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association), The Pro Production Sessions presented by Front of House and Projection Lights & Staging News magazines, as well as Lighting & Sound America/PLASA. NAMM U, traditional NAMM retailer education, will remain at the Idea Center inside the convention center.

But, perhaps the most important thing that will not change is the great sense of community, networking, inspiration, and innovation that comes from those “only at NAMM” moments. The common ground that binds us together and that will permeate the entire campus is the vital role that music plays in making this world a better place to live.

In what ways has the show evolved over the past few years?

The NAMM Show has evolved to reflect the industry; both the needs of today and perhaps more importantly, as an incubator of the future. The stability of the musical instrument segment alongside the exciting innovations and growth in the live sound, recording and event production segments have guided the entrepreneurial spirit of the industry and the investments made by our member companies. And as a proxy for these changes, the NAMM Show has increasingly become the global crossroads for all of those involved in music, pro audio and event technologies.

Could you tell us a bit more about the involvement of the AES in this year’s show?

We have been collaborating with our friends at AES for a long time, I remember doing sessions together up in Sacramento when I worked in music retail nearly 30 years ago! AES@NAMM was a natural extension of our mutual desire to serve our constituencies and to connect and strengthen the pro audio and MI community. The AES leadership has created a very special education conference that reflects their vision of what is most needed, creating a platform for their members to be successful in the quickly changing world of music and audio technology. I cannot imagine an AES member who wouldn’t benefit from attending AES@NAMM.

Is there a certain section of the market you’re looking to target with these new enhancements?

In my opinion, professionals in our world tend to be involved in many aspects of the business throughout their careers. In my case, I’ve been a professional touring and recording musician, worked in music retail, done commercial installations, toured as a keyboard tech and as a production manager and now, been involved in trade and educational events. The NAMM Show reflects the reality of our trade, that there is a place for everyone, and that with hard work, a passion for music and a desire to serve, anyone can be successful in our industry. Those are the people who are attracted to the community we call the NAMM Show.

(Pictured below: The new building at the Anaheim Convention Center)

On the Showfloor

UK-based reference monitor manufacturer PMC will be showing its new result6 compact nearfield reference monitor on Booth #16117 at NAMM 2018. Launched in October 2017 at the AES Convention in New York, the new loudspeaker promises “high resolution and detail, accurate and extended bass, consistent tonal balance on all levels and wide dispersion and sweet spot.”

In addition, PMC will be showing its large format MB3S-XBD-A and BB6 monitors that were launched at last year’s NAMM convention, along with its popular twotwo series of studio monitors.

Telefunken returns to NAMM at the recently expanded Anaheim Convention Center, exhibiting its NAMM TEC Award-nominated direct box line on Booth #15706 in the newly built pro audio hall.

The TDA-1 (mono) and TDA-2 (dual) are newly designed active FET direct boxes that employ discrete Class-A FET circuitry coupled with a transformer that provides a balance between clean, high headroom performance and warm, saturated tone.

Meanwhile, portable recording product manufacturer CEntrance will be introducing a new "Mobile Recording Interface" product at the show, more details of which are coming soon…