Day Two of the 2010 NAMM Show Features Insight on Economy, Training Sessions, Buyer and Exhibitor Enthusiasm

The second day of the 2010 NAMM Show drew crowds to the Anaheim Convention Center for learning sessions, business meetings, product demonstrations, networking, live music and many celebrity appearances.

The morning Breakfast Session focused on “The Post-Crisis Consumer” and opened up with an award presentation to honor music product industry companies that have been in business from 25 to 175 years. Attendees then heard a performance by composer, vocalist and musician Victor Wooten.

NAMM President and CEO welcomed former Secretary of Education Richard Riley, and presented him with a “Music for Life Award” for his long-standing commitment to integrating music education in schools.

Lamond explained how NAMM has worked with Riley and his law firm, Nelson, Mullin and Scarburough, to lobby on Capitol Hill on behalf of making music education available to all children in America. He also outlined how more involvement in this area could have a positive economic affect on the music products industry.

Next, best selling author John Gerzema, chief insight officer of the Young & Rubicam Group, provided information about the consumer trends during the current recession, including a return to the core values that existed before the 1980s of spending less frivolously and saving more; using less credit; being more practical; and having more appreciation for culture and values.

He explained that the more businesses tap into this consumer mindset, the more they will be able to appeal to potential buyers.

After the morning session, the halls of the convention center quickly filled with attendees eager to get on to the show floor.

Exhibitors were positive, expressing good overall buyer interest in their products.

“So far today, Friday, turnout has been really good—it was better than we thought,” said Andres Jaramillo, marketing and artist relations director at Fernandes Guitars. “We were just a bit uncertain about how things were going to turn out. But so far it’s been really busy and really great for us so we’re really happy and really optimistic about this new year. I think things are going to be great.”

“It’s going great,” said Phil Florian, in sales at All Parts. “There are a lot of folks coming in and visiting the booth and we’re in a great location too.”

Retailers were enthusiastic about what they were seeing.

“Business has been a little slow so far but there are a lot of prospects,” said Micky Hardy, department manager and buyer for Springfield Music.

“Business has been very good,” said Brian Marsh with idjnow, a pro audio, lighting and video company.  “It’s been a very progressive show so far. A lot of manufacturers are coming out with a lot of innovative new products. For us Numark happens to be one of the ones that is standing out.”

Marsh said at this point, his company is really looking for some new products to bring to the table for their stores and Web site.

“We just want something that is going to separate us out through new and innovative products that the competition doesn’t have yet,” he said.

NAMM University sessions kicked off at 10:30 a.m. and featured topics such as facebook for beginners, how to market and promote your business, and how to read a financial statement.

“The sessions at the Idea Center are phenomenal,” said retailer Micky Hardy of Springfield Music. “The guys are bringing to the table ideas that maybe you have thought about before but they help you bring it to fruition and give you the tools to do that with.”

Later, a collegiate program for college students hoping to pursue a career in the music products industry was held at the Hilton.

Lamond welcomed the students and said, “There is a place for you here and our industry needs you here.”

He then acknowledged the 2010 NAMM President and Innovation Award recipients and Tuition Scholarship recipients (http://www.namm.org/news/press-releases/namm-foundation-acknowledges-nam...).

The day also featured a very high number of celebrity appearances including Jason Mraz, Peter Frampton, Chad Smith, Rich Ward (Fozzy), Nikki Sixx, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Suicidal Tendencies, Blasko (Ozzy), and many more. 

Saturday’s events include the NAMM University Breakfast Session “Strategies for a Changing Retail World,” presented by George Whalin, retail expert and author of Retail Management Consultants. In addition, the Los Angeles Unified School District All City Marching Band will march up Convention Center Way to officially open Saturday’s show. The first-ever SchoolJam USA teen battle of the bands competition will take place on the Wanna Play? stage outside of the convention center (http://www.namm.org/news/press-releases/top-10-teen-bands-announced-first-schooljam-usa-li.) The show will also be busy with live music on stages throughout the show and celebrity product demonstrations and autograph signings on the show floor.

The 2010 NAMM Show runs through Sunday, Jan. 17, at the Anaheim Convention Center. For more information and news updates, interested parties may visit www.namm.org/thenammshow/2010.