Summer NAMM, taking place at Nashville’s City Center from July 18-20, reported 16,001 attendees, an increase of 7 percent compared to 2018. International attendance increased by 32 percent.
“Summer NAMM seemed to highlight the important role of both the manufacturer and the dealer in maintaining a strong musical ecosystem,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO. “While the marketplace is evolving rapidly, our manufacturer and retail members are adapting and finding strength in better understanding each other and finding new and innovative ways to work together to better serve the music-making community.”
The show counted more than 1,500 brands presented by 500 total exhibitors.
“The Yamaha team really appreciates Summer NAMM for the time we have to spend with our dealers, the ability for folks to be able to actually play and experience our products, and the educational events that can help dealers propel their business,” said Tom Sumner, of Yamha Corp. of America. “We had dealers hanging out at the booth to check out the gear and really experience it. It was a great official launch event for our new Storia and FG Red Label guitars.”
Added Chris Martin, C.F. Martin & Co. chairman and CEO, added his company “Enjoys Summer NAMM because it gives us a very supportive, but more intimate venue to meet with our customers and fellow industry influencers. Its Nashville setting provides for a week of music immersion that you can’t find in any other city in the country.”
NAMM’s Board of Directors also announced it voted to have Martin, previously NAMM’s vice chair, to move into the role as chair of NAMM’s Board of Directors.
Upon assuming the Chair position, Martin remarked, “It has been an honor to serve as NAMM’s vice chair for the past two years, and I accept the role as chair. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the NAMM team to continue NAMM’s mission to support and bolster the music products industry and to share the joy of making music with the world,” said Martin.
Outgoing Chair Robin Walenta was honored during the meeting and applauded for her eight years of service on the Executive Committee. “It has been an incredible honor to represent my fellow NAMM members as chair over the past two years. During my tenure, and in my career in the industry, I have learned that networking builds beneficial and productive communities; that educational opportunities provide vital catalysts for new and ongoing musical ventures; and that in today’s world, music advocacy is more important than ever. I look forward to this next chapter, and to continue to work on behalf of our industry and the many voices it represents,” said Walenta.
Further building upon the stability of the organization, Executive Committee members Joel Menchey, president of Menchey Music and Tom Sumner, president of Yamaha Corporation of America, transitioned to their new roles. Menchey will serve as vice chair and Sumner, as treasurer of the NAMM Board.