Summer NAMM Features Opportunities to Learn, Lead, and Prosper

NAMM Members attending Summer NAMM will choose from a robust menu of educational sessions, seminars and meetings designed to gain a vital competitive edge and propel their businesses to greater success. Each day of the three-day show, held July 11-13 in Nashville’s Music City Center, is packed with advantageous opportunities carefully formulated to target Members’ specific needs and help them confidently navigate the shifting economic terrain.

“The best way for businesses to increase their odds of success is by continuing to learn and evolve,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “Business is hyper-competitive today, perhaps more than any time in memory, and those businesses that are quickest to adapt will prosper. NAMM members owe it to themselves (and to those who count on them) to seize every opportunity to increase their competitive advantage. With so many diverse sessions being offered, who wouldn’t want to come to Nashville?”

Retailers will find fresh approaches to current market conditions, and innovative, up-to-date business strategies. “Now, that I've been in the industry for over 10 years, I still find the educational sessions valuable because, like everything, our industry is constantly changing,” said Progressive Music’s Mark Despotakis. “I think there is a huge value in NAMM U sessions. I am able to meet industry leaders and hear their stories. I found that many of them faced similar situations that I was facing in my own career. The way we adapt to change is a vital component of a business surviving.  So, it's great to hear from others in the industry and learn how they adapt to change as well as are innovative in their own businesses.”

Educational opportunities begin before the show even opens, with a full-day Retail Boot Camp on Wednesday, July 10. This summer, Boot Camp focuses on dissecting “The Foot Traffic Formula,” revealing the purposeful, effective steps retailers can take to build a loyal customer base, create a great customer experience, and keep customers walking through the door. Guest speaker, retail expert Bob Negen, has spent the last decade teaching retail owners and staff the skills they need to run a successful business. Retail Boot Camp will be held July 10, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in room 207AB of Music City Center.

NAMM’s popular Breakfast Sessions open each day of the show, starting with Thursday, July 11’s Retail Summit. Join NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond for an inside look at the people and companies that are thriving in this hyper-competitive business climate, and their ideas for ending 2013 strong. Friday’s session, titled “Take the Stairs” and Saturday’s “Best in Show” promise to inform and inspire the entire staff – from owners and managers to sales professionals. NAMM’s breakfast sessions take place in Music City Center’s Davidson Ballroom from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and include a free breakfast.

The Idea Center (Booth 1254) is open for business throughout the show, offering vital information in short, pithy sessions designed to cut to the core of Members’ most prevalent issues. Idea Center sessions are loaded with great business-building ideas to use right away. The Idea Center sessions are streamlined opportunities to learn what is and isn’t currently working for music retailers. For details, consult the Idea Center list of topics.

Opportunities to glean knowledge don’t stop when the show is over for the day. Country music legend Vince Gill and Nashville’s own Tom Bedell (of Two Old Hippies) host “Insight,” an evening event featuring some of the music-products industry’s most recognized names; Hartley Peavey, Jim D’Addario, Chris Martin, Henry Juszkiewicz and Sterling Ball are among those sharing hard-earned wisdom with the industry. “Insight” begins at 6 p.m. in the Davidson Ballroom. Live music, food and beverages are provided with show badge.

Finally, for Members who want a deeper understanding of how music-education advocacy can help create and sustain a new generation of music makers, NAMM Foundation hosts “Music Makes Us.” This luncheon event with Nashville mayor Karl Dean, The Recording Academy’s Nancy Shapiro, and Nashville Director of Schools Dr. Jesse Register will be held Thursday, July 11 from noon to 1 p.m. in the NAMM Foundation Room (#204). Immediately following, the monthly SupportMusic webinar will be held.

Learn more about opportunities to prepare for success at Summer NAMM here.

Summer NAMM gathers members of the music product industry from around the world to preview new product debuts from brands across every category. Exhibit space is still available for the 2013 event. Learn more about the Summer NAMM Show here. See the directory of brands attending Summer NAMM: http://www.namm.org/summer/2013/directory. Members of the Music Industry can register online: http://www.namm.org/summer/2013/badges.