Most industries have a trade show.  The music industry is no different, and the “guitar portion” of the music industry trade show is a massive event in itself.

The show is called NAMM, which stands for National Association of Music Merchants.  The long form of the name is no longer used. Today, they simply say that NAMM stands for the interests of the global music products industry.

Admission to the trade show is restricted to companies that meet the association’s Membership criteria; in general, those companies that manufacture, distribute and/or retail musical instruments/products — in other words… the show is not open to the public.

Today, I received approval to attend the show as a result of the industry related content I write about on TheGuitarBuzz.com.  I will participate as a member of the media and will report about the events at the show on TheGuitarBuzz.com.

I will be traveling to Aneheim, California, January 14-17, to fill my head with the latest and greatest our industry has to offer.  I plan to meet with all of the major manufacturers to better understand what they are doing to break ground with new technology and add value to current product offerings. While I am there I will have the opportunity to visit with literally hundreds of people who are influential in the growth of the music industry.

Along with industry heavyweights, there will be many artists in attendance — many of whom endorse the products of exhibitors.  For example, last year Eric Johnson was at the Fender exhibit and Steve Vai was at the Ibanez exhibit.  With free concerts every night, I think I am heading for a 4-day stretch with 6 hours of sleep!