Summer NAMM 2019: Annual mid-year gathering keeps industry strong

From insightful, business-advancing professional development sessions and networking events, to the latest in new gear from established and emerging brands, the music products and pro audio industries convened in Nashville last week for Summer NAMM (July 18-20), the industry’s annual mid-year gathering.

“Summer NAMM seemed to highlight the important role of both the manufacturer and the dealer in maintaining a strong musical ecosystem,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO. “While the marketplace is evolving rapidly, our manufacturer and retail members are adapting and finding strength in better understanding each other and finding new and innovative ways to work together to better serve the music-making community.”

The industry cross-section of retail and commercial members spanning music products, pro audio and technologies welcomed 16,001 members, a 7 per cent increase in attendees, and notably, accounted for a 32 per cent increase in international attendees.

For audio professionals, TEC Tracks returned on Thursday and Friday with sessions designed to help professionals take their careers to the next-level. Notable sessions included “Deconstructing a Mix,” where Grammy-winning engineer Craig Alvin (Kacey Musgraves) walked the audience through how he builds a hit album; “The Making of Willie Nelson’s Grammy-Winning ‘My Way'” with producers Matt Rollings and Buddy Cannon, along with engineer Steve Chadie, who shared the stories behind the songs; “Immersive Audio and You,” which featured pro audio gurus John McBride and Greg Penny, who explored the world of simulated reality, natural-sounding sources and environments; and “The Pro Audio Entrepreneur Mindset,” with Sean Giovanni, owner of The Record Shop Recording Studio and Production Company in Nashville, who shared new ideas for audio professionals to improve their success in entrepreneurship, career development, finding and maintaining clients, and building multiple revenue streams.

Exclusive to Saturday, A3E (Advanced Audio + Application Exchange) presented the fifth annual Future of Audio Summit, featuring the technologies and ideas that are driving the evolution of musical products, pro audio and music-making. Highlights from the day ranged from “The Future of Production: Gamifying a Supergroup  with The Fell” to issues of rights and licensing, with “Why Is Music Free and How Can We Get Back on Track,” and “Data Collection Is Key to Maximizing Earnings,” as well as others. 

The music instrument, pro audio, and event technology industries will again gather January 16-19 at The 2020 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. The 2020 NAMM Show campus will welcome the Entertainment Services Technology Association (ESTA), the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and others, for four days of business, networking, and events. Registration will open at the end of August.

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