The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has announced that the annual NAMM Show, previously scheduled for January 20 to 23, 2022 will now reconvene at the Anaheim Convention Center on June 3 to 5, 2022.
Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO, states, “The industry has not stopped evolving and innovating during the pandemic, and The NAMM Show is evolving, as well. As the health and safety of our members remains top of mind, and after carefully listening to companies here in the U.S. and around the world, the new dates will help members maximize their opportunities and accelerate what has arguably been a transformative time both in new products and in how they come to market. I imagine this gathering will have the kind of impact of a Beatles moment or the introduction of MIDI — definitely one you will not want to miss.”
NAMM says that the change in dates addresses ongoing concerns about pandemic activity, new product development and launches, available in-store inventory, and current travel restrictions. “The NAMM Show is the best opportunity of the year for Yamaha to reach our dealers, end-user customers, and the music industry as a whole. It’s the one place where the new products from across our brands meet the global industry, and we can’t wait to get together in June,” sayss Tom Sumner, President of Yamaha Corporation of America.
“No matter when NAMM happens, Shure is excited about the industry finally getting together to engage with each other at this important event,” notes Abby Kaplan, Vice President of Global Retail Sales for Shure Incorporated. Mark Terry, CEO, Exertis/JAM US Music Group, adds, “[NAMM] has made a great decision on moving the show to June. This move ensures that it will be a very successful show for vendors and dealers. We certainly plan on being there!”
The largest NAMM Show in the history of the organization took place in January 2020, when the event welcomed 115,888 members and industry professionals and more than 7,000 brands. The show also hosted 350 professional development sessions, numerous live events, networking opportunities and concerts each evening on the Grand Plaza, as presented by Yamaha.
With the move of The 2022 NAMM Show to June, the organization has decided not to hold Summer NAMM in Nashville for the 2022 year, effectively combining the two shows.
“We fully support NAMM’s decision to move the 2022 NAMM Show to June,” says Larry Morton, CEO of Hal Leonard. “Not only does this make sense from a public safety standpoint, but the June timing gives the entire music products industry an opportunity to put the pandemic behind us. Hal Leonard will work hard to transform and elevate The 2022 NAMM Show experience for our customers.”
Sammy Ash, President of Sam Ash Music, states, “I, for one, am glad they moved the show to June. With a little luck, Covid will be better contained worldwide, so we can have all the exhibitors present. Personally, I like L.A. in the winter—I’m from New York—but the pandemic has created opportunities for change in everything we do. I think this is a prudent move, and we’ll be there in force.”
On Friday, January 21, the organization will host a one-day global livestreamed event entitled Believe in Music: The online global gathering to unify and support the people who bring music to the world. Building on the success of this year’s Believe in Music week, the livestreamed event will again welcome industry leaders, music educators, and music makers to connect in a live, online setting and take part in sessions and experiences.
In total, 2021’s Believe in Music week welcomed 93,226 industry professionals and attendees from 187 countries and territories to support those who bring music to the world through nearly $500,000 in charitable donations made by participants and generous donors. Find out more here.
Additional details of The 2022 NAMM Show and Believe in Music day will be released in the weeks to come. Visit NAMM.org or follow the conversation on social media with #NAMMShow for the latest news. And go here to learn about the health and safety measures that will be put in place.
