Trade Show
Linda Vincent worked for a short time at the NAMM headquarters, which is where she met her husband, the late John Vincent, who at the time was Director of Trade Shows. We missed our chance to interview John for the Oral History program as he passed away in 2013. However, Linda was thankfully able...
Cordelia von Gymnich was born in Frankfurt, which is ironic considering that for so many members of the music product industry, she is Frankfurt! Her love of music began at an early age, where her love of singing was born. After college, Cordelia was hired by the Messe Frankfurt group and in 2000...
Charles Ahlers began working for the Anaheim Visitor and Convention Bureau as President in the 1990s after a strong career in several other markets. He took pride in looking back at the growth of the NAMM Trade Show and the fact that his team worked hard to accommodate the needs of the show over...
Tim Cunningham worked for a trade show design company in the late 1960s for which NAMM was a client. William Gard, NAMM’s CEO at the time, offered Tim a full time job to oversee the show's special events and programs. Tim organized educational sessions for attendees with the same concept that NAMM...
Don Freeman’s father established the Freeman Decorating Company in 1927. By the 1960s, when Don became president, there were several other service companies under the title of Freeman, so they became known as Freeman Companies right about the time they were hired to assist with the development of...
Bob Lozier began working at Freeman Companies with Howard Bailey in the 1960s to support the NAMM shows. Over the years, Bob has been instrumental in forming the infrastructure to support the policies and procedures enabling the growth of the NAMM shows and several other trade conventions...
Barbara Fitzgerald is a member of the NAMM family! For years Barbara has been the trade show event coordinator who quietly in the background has made possible so many of the current services enjoyed during the annual shows. She has worked on improving customer service for our members as well as...
Doyle Dykes is not only one of his generation’s greatest guitar pickers; he is also an incredible human being. Doyle’s career as a guitar player led him to sessions with his hero, Chet Atkins, as well as regular church worship programs around the world. Mr. Dykes stated, “I’ve been blessed with the...
James McDonald was known simply as Boom Boom to his NAMM family. Following in the footsteps of his father, Boom Boom’s career focused on the trade show industry and early on he became involved with the NAMM Show. Soon, he became a part of the organization’s annual events. Boom Boom was never shy...
John Riddle plays a vital role in the NAMM Trade Show and has for decades. His strong relationships with exhibiting companies is proof of his dedication for customer service when providing care for NAMM members, all the while ensuring that they adhere to the rules and regulations. Walking the show...