Summer NAMM Educational Offerings Take a Progressive Approach

Provocative professional development offerings make Summer NAMM a ‘must attend’

May 12, 2014

Music product industry leaders share their strategies for success in a post-recessionary business climate during Summer NAMM’s most progressive NAMM U lineup in years. NAMM Idea Center sessions, as well as the popular Retail Boot Camp, NAMM Retail Summit and Breakfast Sessions, elevate the Summer NAMM experience with practical inspiration to benefit newcomers and veterans alike.

“Retailers who come to Nashville and attend NAMM U Breakfast Sessions, Idea Center sessions and the Retail Boot Camp will get unprecedented access to the strategies that are truly working today,” said NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond. “Retail is changing fast and those who seize these opportunities will have a better chance to succeed. Providing these opportunities for our members is an important strategic objective for NAMM.”

Summer NAMM’s crop of more than 30 professional development sessions tap into two of the hottest growth areas for music industry retailing, technology and music lesson programs. Sessions will demonstrate lucrative ways to leverage online tech tools, including eBay, Google, Yelp and social media platforms. In total, more than a dozen sessions will focus on online tools that can help music retailers grow their businesses.

Music lesson programs are one of the fastest-growing profit centers for many retailers. Neophytes looking to capitalize on lessons can benefit from NAMM U sessions led by lesson-program pros, who will offer tips to avoiding the potholes on the road to profitability. Seasoned veterans will discover fresh ideas to keep their lesson programs bankable.

Breakfast Sessions will be held each day of Summer NAMM, beginning with the NAMM Retail Summit on July 17. Hosted by Joe Lamond, the session promises to be an inspiring exploration of the music industry’s current retail climate. Additional Breakfast Sessions on Friday and Saturday mornings explore leadership skills and celebrate retailers’ picks for best products at the show.

NAMM members should plan to arrive in Nashville a day early to attend the always-popular Retail Boot Camp, held Wednesday, July 16. Boot Camp is an intensive one-day training for music retailers and their employees. This year’s Boot Camp will cover successful promotions, sales and inventory management — the most important areas for a thriving music retailer.

NAMM Idea Center sessions run throughout the show. Loaded with practical business-building ideas that attendees can put to use right away, Summer NAMM’s educational and professional development opportunities are yet another reason to make Summer NAMM a must-attend event. Enjoy all that Summer NAMM has to offer by registering for show badges and locking in prime hotel bookings. Exhibit space is still available for brands looking to make a major splash in Music City. 

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,300 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.