NAMM Expects Biggest Turnout Ever

(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —

The music products industry's new sales year reached a crescendo on January 20 as the four day (January 20-23) 103rd NAMM Show got underway in Anaheim, CA bringing thousands of NAMM Member retail music store buyers, celebrities and guests to see and play the latest musical innovations from a record 1,426 exhibiting companies.

The four-day event, produced annually by NAMM, the International Music Products Association, is the largest non-consumer show for musical instruments and the site of most major new product launches, sales meetings and networking for the $16 billion global music products industry.

Judging by strong pre-show registration numbers, the show is on pace to shatter last year's all-time registration record of 74,236. This year, the association is reporting an increase of 13 percent overall and 23 percent in international registration.

"The NAMM Show isn't just another convention, another trade meeting," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "This very un-conventional show is a launch pad for the latest, coolest gear. And even though these products will soon be in music stores, many artists like Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Wonder and others often stop by for a sneak peak, adding to the show's excitement and energy." –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen