NAMM reported 14,284 industry members attended the Summer NAMM show, a 2-percent increase compared to 2016. International attendees accounted for growth of 14 percent year over year, and nearly 28 percent growth versus 2015.
“The pace of change is accelerating, and with it, never has it been more critical to long-term business success to work on your business rather than in it,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO. “The three days of Summer NAMM offered our valued members the tools needed to nurture and grow their businesses through opportunities to cultivate new relationships, reaffirm existing ones and invest in their businesses through high-value educational opportunities.”
The show counted 1,650 brands presented by 505 total exhibitors, comparable to 2016, but representing a 2-percent increase versus 2015. Exhibitors included Fender, Gibson, Sabian, Peavey, Fishman, Martin, Eventide, Gator Cases, Hal Leonard, Gretsch, Boss, Yamaha, D’Addario, and a variety of pro audio companies were also on-hand including Avid, IK Multimedia, CAD Audio, Casio, PreSonus, Neutrik, Rupert Neve Designs, and many more.
“Summer NAMM is the springboard for the back half of the year and a time where you create excitement and create energy with dealers, retailers, and partners in the industry, and set the table for Q3 and 4, which is when most of the business is done in the industry,” said Justin Norvell, senior vice president for Fender.
Added David Jahnke, senior vice president of sales for Hal Leonard: “We come to meet with existing dealers, but also to make a lot of new connections. It’s a great opportunity to connect with a lot of retailers we probably wouldn’t see throughout the year. Summer NAMM really gives us the ability to have deeper conversations.”