Summer NAMM in Nashville Draws 13 Percent Increase

July 16, 2015

This year’s Summer NAMM show drew 13,936 attendees July 9-11 in Nashville, which was a 13-percent increase, compared with 2014.

The National Association of Music Merchants show saw another increase in exhibiting companies, making it the largest mid-year event since 2006, with 494 exhibiting companies representing more than 1,600 brands.

“With a tremendous respect for our industry's hand-crafted traditions combined with an exciting look to the future of music and audio, this Summer NAMM was perhaps the most important (and the most fun!) in recent memory,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM.

He added, “The NAMM team was grateful for the opportunity to serve and hopes that this event helped our members prepare for a successful fall and holiday selling season.”

The number of buyers attending Summer NAMM increased another 3% over 2014, which saw 8 percent growth, compared with 2013.

In addition, there was an increase in the number of buying firms, which was up 26 percent.

Segments of the showfloor also grew. This year’s show saw a significant 23 percent uptick in music technology companies.

“Summer NAMM is a lot bigger and better this year. I’m in the pro audio part of our business, so it’s great to see more pro audio exhibitors. I’m very pleased with what’s happening at the show,” said Ray Arsenault, Corner Music.

Part of the growing interest in Summer NAMM from the technology segment can be traced to the debut of TEC Tracks, according to show organizers.

The new technology-focused educational offerings for recording, live sound and music industry professionals spanned all three days of the show.

Besides the showfloor and education, Summer NAMM also had a bevy of networking opportunities that focused on, of course, music.

The opening party featured Insight, with country music icon Vince Gill and Two Old Hippies' founder Tom Bedell.

Throughout the show, the NAMM Acoustic Nation Stage also featured acoustic performances by dozens of artists, including breakout country star Dustin Lynch, mash-up queen Louisa Wendorff, Tony Lucca of The “Voice” fame, Sabrina Lentini and more.

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