NAMM Show Celebrates 125 Years, Showcasing Music Industry Innovations

The NAMM Show, the largest annual trade event in the global music industry, marks its 125th anniversary this week in Anaheim, California. Running from June 20-24, 2024, the event will take place at the 1.8-million-square-foot Anaheim Convention Center and nearby hotel venues. This milestone highlights the enduring relevance of the show, which has evolved from its inaugural gathering in 1902, attended mostly by piano dealers, to a modern showcase with over 15,400 member companies, including renowned brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Gibson.

The current edition of the NAMM Show features more than 1,650 exhibitors representing over 3,500 brands. Attendees can expect a diverse array of activities, including educational workshops, industry updates, and performances by 175 bands across seven stages. This year’s event also sees a significant increase in influencers and content creators, who have become central to product promotions in recent years.

John T. Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM, emphasized the importance of these influencers in reaching consumers beyond traditional media. “The influencers that cover new product rollouts at NAMM tell the story to tens of millions of people worldwide,” he stated. The event will feature a Creator’s Lounge designed for interactions between influencers and performers, which has been expanded considerably since its introduction.

Celebrating Musical Achievements and Networking

A series of awards events will take center stage at this year’s show, including the second annual Bass Magazine Awards. Scheduled for Thursday at the Observatory in Santa Ana, this event will honor notable bass guitarists, including Marcus Miller and Mike Dirnt of Green Day, among others. Other awards ceremonies throughout the week include the 42nd annual TEC Awards and the 14th annual She Rocks Awards, celebrating the contributions of women in the industry.

Jon D’Auria, Editor-in-Chief of Bass Magazine, remarked on the significance of the NAMM Show for networking. “It’s really about making personal connections in such a communal environment,” he noted. The atmosphere at NAMM fosters collaboration and camaraderie among industry professionals.

The NAMM Show’s attendance is expected to surpass 60,000 this year, with many referring to it as “the Super Bowl of music trade shows.” Mlynczak’s keynote address will reflect on the event’s historical significance while addressing current industry challenges, particularly in light of recent tariff increases affecting member companies.

Resilience Amid Industry Challenges

The music products industry has faced significant hurdles over the past year, including $500 million in tariffs imposed in 2025, a staggering increase from the previous year. These tariffs have created challenges for manufacturers, yet the industry remains resilient. “We did quite well in 2025,” Mlynczak said, citing modest growth despite unprecedented challenges.

According to The Music Trades, the global market for music products reached $17.8 billion in 2024, with North America contributing $8.2 billion. This growth is particularly notable given the issues of tariffs, credit, and declining enrollments in music education. Paul Majeski, publisher of The Music Trades, called the industry’s ability to absorb the impact of tariffs without significantly raising consumer prices “amazing.”

Mlynczak’s leadership has been crucial in navigating these challenges. His proactive approach in lobbying for music industry interests in Washington, D.C., and advocating for music education demonstrates a commitment to supporting NAMM members.

As the 125th NAMM Show unfolds, it not only celebrates the rich history of the music industry but also looks forward to its future. Mlynczak’s insights during the event will aim to equip members with the knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

The NAMM Show promises to be a dynamic event, fostering connections, innovations, and a shared love for music that has endured for over a century. As the industry gathers this week, the spirit of collaboration and celebration is sure to resonate throughout Anaheim.