ANAHEIM, CA – Held Jan. 21-24, the 2016 Winter NAMM Show welcomed a record number of exhibitors and registrants to Anaheim, CA. And while entire sections of the rest of the country were snarled in blizzards and ice storms, the sunny skies of Anaheim, CA shone on hundreds of new-to-NAMM companies paired with an increase in global interest, and those quintessential “only at NAMM” moments made for what many NAMM members called the most exciting NAMM Show in the association’s 115-year history.
As the scope of music making and live sound expands, so do the number of brands that depend on the NAMM Show platform to unveil new products. This year’s show was the largest and most inclusive event in the National Association of Music Merchants’ (NAMM) 115-year history. A record 1,726 exhibiting companies (including 409 new exhibitors) representing more than 6,000 brands brought the entrepreneurial spirit to life. The energy was palatable, with a 7% increase in exhibiting companies over 2015’s event.
“As we look at the record number of exhibiting brands, influx of new entrepreneurial spirit and attendance from 125 countries, the industry seems poised for vital growth and breakthroughs,” said NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond. Meanwhile, this year’s NAMM netted 101,736 registrants — a 2% increase over last year’s record-setting event.
The NAMM Show’s global stature grew with 15,915 international registrants traveling to Anaheim from abroad, a 20% increase over 2015. Attendees came from every corner of the globe representing 125 different countries. Exhibitors noted the international feel. “Half of the buyers we’ve been seeing are international, from places like Germany, Sweden, Israel…it’s definitely a worldwide event,” said Paul Vercellotti of Avid. “And this event is a whole lot of fun. It’s the excitement and passion that gives this show a different vibe versus other trade shows.”
With demos on every corner and big crowds, the DJ and pro audio software market appeared vibrant throughout. “I’m looking for new DJ controllers, headphones, speakers…this is the main show for us audio buyers,” said Kyle Kjensrud, Audio Category Buyer, Full Compass Systems.
The NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza Stage sparkled under a nearly full moon starting off with an intimate performance by Graham Nash. Dr. John & The Nite Trippers headlined the NAMM Foundation Celebration of Music Education in association with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus Imagine Party on Friday. Saturday capped off with a sing-along set of classic rock hits by The Legends.
Next Up?
Summer NAMM returns to Nashville’s beautiful Music City Center on June 23-25. Global growth opportunities abound at NAMM Musikmesse Russia, September 15-18 and ProLight + Sound NAMM Russia, September 15-17. The NAMM Show returns to Anaheim, January 19–22, 2017. Then in 2018, the global music product industry will return to Anaheim with room to grow into the new, modern wing of the Anaheim Convention Center that is currently under construction.
For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org.
