The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) brought in record breaking numbers to this year’s show at the Anaheim Convention Center January, 19-22, 2012.
At show close, NAMM reported 95,709 registered attendees, a six percent increase from last year, representing a new record for the 110-year-old show. International registration also experienced a 15 percent increase from last year to 11,981. NAMM also reported strong exhibitor numbers, with 1,441 exhibitors at this year’s show, which included 236 new exhibitors.
“The cooperation that we receive from the City of Anaheim, Convention Center and Convention Bureau can’t be matched anywhere in the country. It’s spectacular,” said Kevin Johnstone, director of tradeshows, NAMM.
“Our entire city and hospitality community rolls out the red carpet for NAMM every year,” said Charles Ahlers, president, Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This lively tradeshow’s level of energy is felt throughout all of Anaheim. Everyone knows the impact NAMM has on local business and the celebrity excitement it brings to town. We look forward to our continued partnership with this association and in welcoming NAMM back to Anaheim for years to come.”
NAMM is the largest and longest-running musical instrument and product tradeshow in the United States. The economic impact of hosting this mega-tradeshow on Anaheim and Orange County is approximately $70 million dollars and is felt in area hotels,
transportation companies, restaurants and retail locations.
“We pride ourselves in providing NAMM with the best facility in the nation at the Anaheim Convention Center and in exceeding their customer service expectations from beginning to end,” said Tom Morton, Anaheim Convention Center, sports and entertainment executive director. “NAMM has been coming to Anaheim for 34 years, and we have grown together in many ways. Their success is our success, and we can’t wait to welcome NAMM attendees back next year to experience our new outdoor addition, the 100,000-square-foot Grand Plaza.”
This was the 110th NAMM Show, and by all accounts, it was a resounding success for the music industry. Hundreds of music product retailers met face-to-face with manufacturers to purchase and gain product knowledge. Throughout the four-day show, thousands of people viewed and tested the latest musical instruments and equipment, conducted hundreds of business deals, learned about the latest news and trends in educational sessions and were treated to an array of live music performances throughout the Anaheim Convention Center.
This year’s theme, “Make It Count,” focused on innovation in the form of apps and technology products designed to make playing music more accessible and easier than ever for consumers.
