Tailor-Made Professional Development Courses and Educational Sessions Provide Valuable Training at the NAMM Show

Educational sessions and professional development courses designed to keep retailers competitive in the marketplace are abundant at the 2013 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA from Jan. 24-27. The NAMM Show gathers 90,000 members of the music product industry from around the world to preview new products from thousands of brands across every category with educational sessions tailored to every Member and partner need to match.

Retailers look to the NAMM Show as an opportunity to stay current on best business practices and learn ways to support music in their community. Educational events including NAMM Young Professionals workshop, Retail Boot Camp, NAMM University, H.O.T. Zone, NAMM Generation Next, Recreational Music Making session and Music Education Days compliment the many businesses within NAMM’s membership.

Retail Boot Camp’s intensive, six-hour marketing session returns for the NAMM Show. It is free for registered NAMM Member retailers the day before the show opens, Jan. 23. Seasoned retailer Bob Negen shares practical tips such as how to set up the “world’s best loyalty program” in minutes for less than $5.

“We work in our business, now it's time we worked on our business,” said Gordy Wilcher of Owensboro Music Center in Owensboro, Ky. “Sessions like those at NAMM University make all of the difference in the world.”

The NAMM Young Professionals are looking for the best and brightest members of the industry to set the stage for the future success of the music products industry. Join these emerging music industry leaders from 1 to 6 p.m. on Jan. 23 in the Anaheim Marriott’s Platinum Ballroom for a keynote speech, breakout sessions, a panel discussion on bridging the generation gap and a social hour.

Professionals looking for hands-on training in pro audio, entertainment technologies, music business operations, recording, live sound, DJ, house of worship, commercial systems and integrators, staging and lighting industries can head to the H.O.T. Zone. Live educational sessions lead by Grammy-winning engineers and producers are offered daily, including "Engineering and Producing Forum" at 1 p.m. on Jan. 25 and "Band Inc. — Running Your Band as a Brand" at 2 p.m. on Jan. 26.

NAMM University offers popular Breakfast Sessions each morning from 8-9:30 in the Hilton Anaheim Ballroom. These in-depth panel discussions and guest speaker presentations feature industry insiders sharing relevant ideas and strategies for doing business in today's competitive marketplace. The "Breakfast of Champions" with NAMM CEO and president Joe Lamond and guests is Jan. 24. On Jan. 25, join renowned technology analyst, author, and futurist Brian Solis for "The End of 'Business as Usual’ — How to Rewire for Success.”

The Idea Center on the trade show floor in the front of Hall B features four days of convenient 30-minute sessions designed to be instantly applicable for retailers. Take home business-building ideas that can be put to use right away. Mark the calendar for "How Spending $250 Can Triple Your Sales and Turn Old Inventory" led by Raegan Medeiros at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 24. Leslie Faltin shares the practical “12 Cheap Ways to Better Your Business NOW” at 3 p.m. on Jan. 25. For the budget minded, make note of Brian Reardon’s session "How to Turn an In-Store Event Into Profits" on Jan. 26, 1:30 p.m.

College students majoring in music business or music education are invited to attend “NAMM Generation Next”. Daily educational programs designed for the music industry’s next generation including morning motivational sessions with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser of Attitude Concepts, Inc.

The NAMM Foundation hosts Music Education Days for educators and administrators. These professional development sessions offer a behind-the-scenes look at the most effective and relevant approaches to teaching music today. Then educators hit the NAMM Show to preview innovative products that make learning music fun. NAMM members are also encouraged to attend the NAMM Generation Next and Music Education Days programs.

The SupportMusic Coalition will celebrate a decade of advocacy live from the NAMM Show. Join the Coalition’s founding members for the December SupportMusic call and webinar to kick off the next decade of NAMM efforts to keep music education strong, Jan 25, at 2 p.m. inside the NAMM Foundation Lounge at the Anaheim Hilton’s California Ballroom.

Earlier that day, join the Recreational Music Making session “Serving New Customers” in the NAMM Foundation Lounge from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Jan 25 for breakfast and a discussion on how community and recreational music making can grow a customer base. NAMM Members and industry professionals share ways to increase participation in store activities, create new customers, connect with the local community and find the resources to make it happen.

NAMM Show Registration is now open for qualified members of the music instrument, product and pro-light and sound industries. Exhibit space is still available for the 2013 event. Learn more about the 2013 NAMM Show at http://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2013.