NAMM Closes its doors for 2013

The doors have closed. The exhibitors have long since packed up their booths and returned to their respective cities. The percussive and melodic echoes no longer bounce off the walls and ceilings of the Anaheim Convention Center. NAMM 2013 has come to an end and all those involved in the music product industry are back to work, pleased to have attended the event, yet somewhat glad that it’s over.

Despite the allure and excitement surrounding the music product industry’s largest annual trade show, NAMM has its drawbacks. While all the hoopla is well deserved, it’s the frustrating aspects of NAMM that aren’t talked (or written) about as often as the perks.

If you’ve been on multiple occasions, the more times you go, the more you’re able to contextualize the hustle and bustle and see through the veil of excitement; although you’re more than happy to be in attendance, you can’t help relishing in the moments you’re able to step outside and escape the noise for a few moments.

That got me thinking… could NAMM be hell? Perhaps to the fatigued, jaded pessimist, a compelling case could be made to liken the experience with Dante’s descent into the underworld. You walk up to the looming, massive main entrance. THE NAMM SHOW – TRADE ONLY – NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. You’ve arrived at The Gates of NAMM. Hordes of individuals crowd toward the entrance and security checks badges and IDs, shoving in those who’ve sold their soul to the music industry. Welcome to NAMM.