Day One of the 2008 NAMM Show

Thousands of music products manufacturers and retailers from around the world gathered today to kick off the 106th NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center. Many attendees started early at the Hilton Anaheim Hotel, watching an acoustic guitar performance by Andy McKee and Don Ross.

Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM, then hosted the NAMM University Breakfast Session, "Breakfast of Champions," which featured interviews with Skip Maggiora, Bill Mendello, Ed Miller, Marty Albertson and Henry Juszkiewicz.

"You're here; you've already separated yourself from the pack," Lamond told the standing-room-only audience, before each of the speakers talked about their start in the industry and their path to success.

A morning performance by the Cabana Boys from Fullerton College filled the Anaheim Convention Center lobby, and was the first of many performances on stages throughout the show halls.

Official show opening was marked by the annual performance of the Fernand L. Petiot All-Industry Marching Band, comprised of industry members who paraded through the halls while playing the Doobie Brothers' "Takin' It to the Streets." This year's Honorary Grand Marshals were Andrea Peterson, 2007 Teacher of the Year; Richard Deasy, Director of the Arts Education Partnership; and Jan Harp Domene, President of the National PTA.

The show halls were busy with retail buyers and media from around the world checking out the new products, networking with fellow industry members and catching live music by a variety of musical groups. In addition, NAMM University offered 20-minute educational sessions in the Idea Center, with business experts sharing best practices on topics including informative Web sites, profitable lesson programs, positive sales tactics and creative merchandising tips.

"[NAMM University] is one of the reasons we come to this show every year," said NAMM University attendee Kathleen Melanson, Northstar Music Center, Plaistow, N.H. "I think we got some good general information on Web site design and on the purpose of your Web site. We're in the middle of a Web site design right now, so it was very timely."

The trade-only event featured exhibits from more than 1,500 manufacturers' exhibits with many product launches the newest, most innovative products from all musical categories, including string, percussion, band and orchestra, pianos, music accessories, print music, computer music equipment, pro-audio and lighting. Many exhibitors were pleased with the traffic on the first day.

"It's opening day, and it's been pretty good," said Paul Damiano, Kaman, Bloomfield, Conn. "We've had a lot of dealers in here—the booth has been active the whole time since the show opened. We're hoping we get a lot of actual dealer business done on Thursday and Friday; Saturday gets to be a little crazy. So it looks like it's going good."

The show also featured photo opportunities with Sesame Street characters, public tours of and performances at the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus and the annual end-of-day video presentation: "In Memoriam, A Tribute to Music Industry Leaders," set to music of the L.A. Scots Pipe Band. After show hours, many musical events were scheduled at hotels and bars around Anaheim.

Some of tomorrow's highlights include the NAMM University Breakfast Session "The Big Issues," The Career and Internship Event, the NAMM All-Star Lobby Jam and the Annual All-Industry Drum Circle, as well as many professional development sessions and musical performances throughout the day.

The 2008 NAMM Show runs through Sunday, January 20, at the Anaheim Convention Center. For more information and news updates, interested parties may visit www.thenammshow.com.