NAMM 2010

[uwe]

If they don't show up at NAMM, then the rumors so far have been too benign ... I'd be stunned.

[SKATE RAT]

trade shows aren't as important as they once were.

[Dave W]

trade shows aren't as important as they once were.

You're probably right in general. Still, the January NAMM show is easily the most important event in the US retail music industry. AFAIK it's as big as ever.

[uwe]

Trade shows don't open you new markets if you're an established brand, true. But Gibson not at NAMM is like Mercedes not showing up at the Detroit Auto Show. If Gibson does indeed skip this Winter NAMM, then all Fender personnel will probably get a day off.

[Highlander]

Is there a UK equivalent...?

[Barklessdog]

In my industry the big guys have either their own shows for their major clients or go to them. They have pulled out of the trade shows for the most part. All they have now are press booths. Mom & pop stores either don't exists or do not carry the volume to warrant the high cost of a trade show. Trade shows now are for the little guys on both sides.

[Rhythm N. Bliss]

Having a pass for NAMM now is sorta like having a ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory!
They are IMPOSSIBLE to get & IDs are checked many times throughout the show.
This began last year. I didn't go tho I had a pass, I was busy moving.
I'm definitely going & having FUN this year!
It's more about the PERFORMANCES than the products!

[Dave W]

Is there a UK equivalent...?

No, but there's Musikmesse in Frankfurt in March. Even bigger.

[uwe]

Musikmesse is larger than Winter NAMM? I had no idea. Heute Deutschland, tomorrow ze world!

[Dave W]

I don't know for sure, only that it claims to be the biggest. So it must be true.

[gearHed289]

You're probably right in general. Still, the January NAMM show is easily the most important event in the US retail music industry. AFAIK it's as big as ever.

As big as ever - I guess, relatively speaking, but they've been having a tough time keeping attendance up for a few years now. I get this trade rag at my office - Music & Sound Retailer or something like that - and they're always doing NAMM related stories. Now they're getting lawsuits thrown at them, along with Fender and GC.

As far as my comment about Gibson not being there, I've heard that from a couple of sources. Just the other day a friend of mine who owns a music store told me. Could be wrong, we'll see???

[Highlander]

No, but there's Musikmesse in Frankfurt in March. Even bigger.

New ways to not buy what I can't afford... 

[gearHed289]

BTW - Ive got a new product debuting at Musikmesse in March. It's a shock-mount rack with pocket doors that conforms to both Euro and US truck pack dimensions and has rigging hardware so it can be flown with the speakers in an array system. Took me MONTHS to make it all work. I swear, I almost quit my job over this thing, but we landed the gig. It's part of a package that will be sold through Crown with 3 power amps and custom in/out panels called the "V-Rack" that will go with the JBL Vertec series speakers. Wish me luck, 2009 nearly sank the company. End of thread hijack..... 

[Dave W]

Best of luck with that. Having a good product is only half the battle, hopefully your marketing approach will pay off.

[Highlander]

Ditto Dave's...