For the first time in 18 months, NAMM hosted an in-person event on July 15 when it officially opened Summer NAMM at Nashville’s Music City Center.
NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond (left) chats with Nick Rail Music president Laura Penrose (right) during Lamond’s Summer NAMM 2021 opening keynote.
The show kicked off at 9 a.m. with the State of the Industry Address, when NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond interviewed Sam Ash COO Sammy Ash, Nick Rail Music president Laura Penrose and Deering Banjos CEO Jamie Deering. Lamond also staged an “outgoing interview” for retiring NAMM chairman Chris Martin, whose term as NAMM chairman expired at the end of the same day. All interviewees were chosen for their outstanding work guiding their companies and stores during the pandemic.
Lamond and outgoing NAMM chairman Chris Martin IV (right) exchange an elbow-bump. Martin is retiring from his roles as NAMM chair and C.F. Martin CEO this month.
“The last year proved that as people are tested, they turn to music,” Lamond said in his opening remarks. “… When I look at us now and everything we have gone through, I see the most hardened generals. Ladies and gentlemen, you are the new greatest generation.”
Lamond and Sam Ash COO Sammy Ash (right).
For a full writeup of the State of the Industry Address, as well as additional Summer NAMM stories, keep an eye on msretailer.com. And check out the August issue of the Music & Sound Retailer for more of our coverage from the Summer NAMM show floor.
For more news from the Music & Sound Retailer, click here.