The NAMM Show, running from Thursday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 28, returned to the Anaheim Convention Center with its annual preview day on Wednesday, Jan 24, with some slight modifications from previous years.
Rather than only having a select number of vendors showcasing their latest projects, the event was formatted as a presentation led by John Mlynczak, President and CEO of the NAMM Show, who is spearheading the dayslong convention as NAMM’s first new president and CEO in 21 years after Joe Lamond, the previous president and CEO of NAMM, retired last year.
“We are at the first show of the future of our industry, and I am so happy that we’re here,” Mlynczak said. “NAMM is not just an event; it is the week that celebrates and highlights the products that make all of the music that brings joy to everyone’s life in the world.”
Part of the presentation led by Mlynczak included appearances from representatives of major industry brands such as Yamaha, Shure and Vox who showcased their latest products. Those vendors and many others will be on full display the rest of this weekend at the massive marketplace, which serves as a hub for top brands and buyers who come together to shop and look at the latest in musical products, recording technology, sound and lighting and more.
The crowd was also treated to a special performance by country music star Hunter Hayes showcasing the latest rosewood and mahogany acoustic guitars from Martin Guitar.
Chris Martin, executive chairman of Martin Guitar and a sixth generation member of his family to run the 190-year-old company, said he still remembers the first time he heard about the NAMM Show.
“I came to the first NAMM Show in California,” Martin said. “I was going to UCLA and my dad contacted me and said, ‘Can you check out this thing that NAMM is doing outside a hotel at LAX?’ and it’s still working so thank you for being part of our NAMM.”
Other presentations such as Vox showcased its new…
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