NAMM Cancels Winter Show, Sets ‘Believe In Music’ Virtual Conference
NAMM has canceled its massive winter trade show due the pandemic and is replacing it with an early 2021 weeklong virtual gathering dubbed \Beleive In Music.
Over the week of January 18, 2021, Belive In Music will feature a mix of virtual programming and professional education as well as an interactive musical instrument, accessories, and services marketplace.
The weeklong event, broadcast at BelieveinMusic.tv, will welcome NAMM members from the music instrument, pro audio, live sound and live event industries, artists, media and policymakers, along with participants from GenNext (college music students and faculty), Music Education Days (school music administrators) and Nonprofit Institute (NAMM Foundation grantees and nonprofit affiliates).
Emerging and established musicians and fans are invited to connect with brands and in special music-making projects and opportunities to showcase their talents and performances throughout the week, opening the potential to gather music makers in a capacity not restricted by location.
Awards & The Grand Rally for Music Education
The 36th TEC Awards will recognize the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games and multimedia. The TEC Awards call for entries is now open through August 31: www.TECAwards.org
The Top 100 Dealer Awards will also be celebrated during the week. Now in its 10th year, the annual awards honor music retailers who have demonstrated a commitment to best practices, creativity and innovation in retail. The submissions process is now open for NAMM retail members and will close on October 2, 2020. Learn more and submit now at www.NAMM.org/Top100
The annual Grand Rally for Music Education brings together music education advocates for a celebration of the benefits and pleasures of making music.
In 2020, the Grand Rally welcomed 10-time Grammy winner Bobby McFerrin and Gimme5 for a special performance, along with a preshow performance by The Langley Ukulele Ensemble, The Legacy Ukulele Ensemble and winners of the “A Cappella at NAMM” contest.
Additional events, receptions and other activities will be announced in the weeks to come.
“While it remains unsafe for us to gather in person in January, Believe in Music week will use new, intuitive technology to connect us all to harness the incredible energy that happens when we come together,” said Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO. “With a robust marketplace to launch new products and share your brand story, Believe in Music will also feature networking and matchmaking for our buyers and our sellers, education for all segments of the industry, and live music and concerts. And just like at all NAMM events, these activities will raise awareness and financial support to serve our NAMM family across our Circle of Benefits model.”
“I believe there has never been a more important moment for our industry to gather, to conduct business, to inspire each other, to inspire music makers and to support those in our music family in need,” said Tom Sumner, president of Yamaha Corporation of America.
