What products, services and technologies are likely to be a big deal and drive the industry in the year ahead? At “Best in Show,” the popular closing NAMM U Breakfast Session at The 2020 NAMM Show, Frank Alkyer, publisher of Music Inc. and UpBeat Daily magazines, hosted a panel of retail gear experts who shopped the far corners of the exhibit floor to bring you their picks. They revealed not only the biggest products at The NAMM Show but also sales tips and potential customers for this gear.

Best in Show Winners

Round 1: Best Add-Ons and Accessories

D’Addario Mic Stand Accessory System, Booth 7002

Flight Customizable Travel Ukulele, Distributed by Hal Leonard, Booth 8910

Noatronic Onboard Expression, Booth 5046

MuzicLight Backlit Guitar Holder, Booth 1240

Nu:Tekt by Korg DIY Synth Range, Booth 2445

Radial Engineering Power Series, Booth 14716

Round 2: Gotta Stock It

Tackle Leather Cymbal Bag, Booth 7029

Pearl Travel Congas and Bongos, Booth 8723

Yamaha Silent Bass, Marriott Marquis Ballroom

Levy’s Leathers Strap Packs, Booth 6413

Dansr Smith Mallets Student Pack, Booth 9723

Hercules DJStarter Kit, Booth 10622

AKG Podcaster Essentials, Booth 14508

Round 3: Companies to Watch

Welch Tuning Systems, Booth 7044

SWIM—Smart Women In Music, Booth 77 (Organization to Watch)

MusicMedic.com, Booth 9536

Universal Audio, Booth 12302

Amahi Steel Tongue Drums, Booth 2400

PreSonus, Booth 18801

Solid State Logic, Booth 18807

Round 4: Best in Show

Yamaha YBS-480 Baritone Saxophone, Marriott Marquis Ballroom

Boss Waza Air Wireless Personal Guitar Amplification System, Booth 10702

Korg Arp 2600, Booth 8802

Eastman Woodwind and Brasswind Lines, Booth 8513

Universal Audio Luna, Booth 12302

Roland V-Drums Acoustic Design Electronic Drum Sets, Booth 10702

Best in Show panelists for The 2020 NAMM Show:

Robert Christie, A & G Central Music

Michael and Leslie Faltin, Instrumental Music Center

Jim Tuerk, Reverb

Myrna Sislen, Middle C Music

Ed Spence, Chuck Levin’s

Chris Tso, Full Compass

Moderated by Frank Alkyer, Music Inc. Magazine