Behind the Scenes at NAMM: Insights into Attendance Trends and Industry Dynamics

If you've been to The NAMM Show in previous years and had the chance to attend this time around, you've probably caught yourself sneakily gauging the crowd to get a sense of how many industry enthusiasts have shown up. But here's the real question: Is there an actual pattern hidden within the attendance numbers? And can we genuinely rely on attendance as a crystal ball into our future? 

This topic really hits home for me. Why, you ask? Well, because I'm all for seeing vibrant engagement. I mean, who wouldn't want more of those fantastic interactive experiences that light up the DJ and music realm? Let's be real, they're a bit too rare. And guess what? These are the moments where the true magic unfolds. Without giving these experiences the support, they deserve, we'd practically be putting a cap on the boundless possibilities we envision for the future of our music community. 

You wouldn't believe the buzz and speculation swirling around this topic. It's a hot topic for everyone, from vendors to everyday enthusiasts. Now, picture this: I'm not just a random voice here—I'm the Manager of Astro AVL, a local LA-based DJ shop, and I wear my artist hat too. So, trust me, I've got a foot in both worlds, and I've got some real insights to share. 

Of course, COVID tossed us all into a whirlwind, and NAMM is still trying to catch its groove as it bounces back. They've been tweaking their schedule to make up for the curveball, but that's thrown some fellow MI folks for a loop. It's a challenge when other conferences like L.D.I. and even N.A.B. decide to occur at the same time as NAMM. Imagine vendors scrambling between events or having to choose one over the other in a hurry. Tough call, right? It pushes them to think about the logistics and dollars needed to set up shop at either one, not to mention the emotional energy needed to give it their all. 

This year I started my NAMM Show a day early on Wednesday. I set up a variety of meetings with vendors who had hotel suites available. We gathered in smaller circles or even over drinks by the bar, seizing opportunities as they popped up just like the chance encounter I had by a vacant hotel pool, for instance. You know, from my own journey, I've discovered that real magic often happens away from the bright lights of the showroom floor. When you're not in the spotlight, that's when you can really build those personal connections. And you know what that means? More room for showcasing products and unexpected networking surprises. Because let's be real, the convention center clock seems to have a way of playing tricks on us—there's just never enough time to catch up with everyone you want to. 

That's why, for me, the NAMM experience isn't just confined to those official floor hours. It's the before and after that really shape the event. Beyond the handshakes and deep conversations, I'm all about teaming up with others, tossing around ideas, and crafting strategies. And when I sit down for a meeting, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm aiming to rub shoulders with the decision-makers—the folks who can turn big ideas into solid marketing and sales moves. It's about slicing through the red tape that usually slows down our plans during the rest of the year. I mean, let's face it, emails can get lost in the shuffle, doing the bounce-around, leaving us hanging in limbo. It's that face-to-face time that truly gets things moving. 

This year The NAMM Show was not open on Sunday, which we can assume was a calculated move on their part. Perhaps this was to funnel the crowd into the open days or perhaps it was a tip of the hat in consideration to those attending N.A.B. 

As I mentioned, some vendors opted to move their meetings to nearby hotels. [Editor's note: This is called "suitcasing," which hurts our industry, and creates liability for the participating businesses, as well as a potentially unsafe environment for our diverse industry. NAMM strongly discourages businesses from doing so.] Those who only do hotel meetings miss out on the opportunities of the show floor, product comparison and chances to meet new and unexpected customers. Others reduced their booths to private onsite meeting rooms to conduct business and maintain some presence onsite. 

This time around, the crowd felt a tad lighter in terms of sheer density. It's different from the usual sea of people I'm used to. But you know what? That gave me room to breathe and weave through the floor comfortably, no more shoulder-to-shoulder traffic jams. But the moments that really matter—like the TEC Experience with Hip Hop legends owning the stage and collecting awards—the room was electric. The energy was tangible, you could practically touch it with your fingertips. No shortage of enthusiasm, trust me. And guess what? Enough bars around to save us from the curse of never-ending drink lines. 

Here's the scoop on next year: The NAMM Show in Anaheim will get back to its regular winter schedule in January. A smart move, I say, to avoid any schedule clashes and let vendors go all-in on the NAMM experience. From a bird's-eye view, that means manufacturers will be more invested. And did you hear? This year, attendees weren't limited to just exhibitors and retailers; independent artists got a ticket too. Mind-blowing, right? But here's the kicker: Many of my artist friends didn't even know about this. As the word spreads, I'm betting on a surge in attendance from that front. And hey, with a bit of marketing magic, that news will reach the right ears. 

So, there you have it—my take on NAMM, the whirlwind, the connections, and the unmissable moments. Stay tuned for more adventures! 

For more information on The 2024 NAMM show visit www.namm.org/thenammshow .