Major Brand Power and Star-Studded Events Supercharge Summer NAMM

Major brands and buying power prepare to meet at Summer NAMM, as badge registration and hotel bookings open. Held July 17-19 in Nashville, this year’s Summer NAMM features an additional exhibit hall, more entrances to improve traffic flow, star-studded events and a new stage. Responding to the industry’s renewed enthusiasm for NAMM’s Nashville-based event, exhibitor bookings are up nearly 27% over the same time last year and a resounding 44% over 2012.

“NAMM members who exhibited at Summer NAMM in 2013 tell us that they saw a healthy return on their investment. Last year proved that major buying power makes a point of being in Nashville, along with a group of independent dealers that brands can't easily connect with anywhere else,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “The word is out, buyers who make attending Summer NAMM a priority leave with a leg up on the second half of the year. As the industry continues its rapid transformation, industry professionals who attend Summer NAMM will gain a competitive edge.”

Manufacturers such as Pearl, Hanser, PianoDisc, TASCAM, and GHS return to the Summer NAMM Show for the first time in several years. They will join perennial Summer NAMM brands including C.F. Martin & Company, Yamaha, Hal Leonard, Taylor Guitars, Alfred Music, Warwick, Yorkville, CAD Audio, Sabian, Roland, Levy’s Leathers, KHS, Gretsch Musical Instruments, Hammond, ESP, and D’Addario. More pro audio and tech brands are planning to make a Summer NAMM debut. Dave Smith Instruments, Slate Digital and Zoom are among those taking the stage in Nashville for the first time.

The night before the show opens, country music superstar Vince Gill makes an encore appearance at Summer NAMM joining co-host Tom Bedell of Two Old Hippies for ‘Insight: Iconic Artists and the Gear That Inspires Them.’ This year’s must-attend event brings Gill and Bedell together with some of their all-star musician friends. Hear the never-before-shared stories behind the treasured instruments that brought these musicians’ greatest hits to life. Gill’s band “The Players” will provide the soundtrack to Wednesday night’s party, which promises to leave those lucky enough to be there buzzing long after Summer NAMM ends.

“The session that Tom and Vince have put together is the perfect connection between NAMM members, the instruments we make and sell, and the artists who play them,” said Lamond. “This will be one of those moments that can only happen at Summer NAMM. You won’t want to miss it.”

Attendees won’t want to miss The Top 100 Dealer Awards Friday night, July 18, as the industry celebrates the best in retailing, recognizes retail excellence in eight categories and honors the “Dealer of the Year.” Enjoy all that Summer NAMM has to offer by registering for show badges and locking in prime hotel bookings starting today.  Exhibit space is still available for brands looking to make a major splash in Music City.