The trade-only Summer NAMM show is opening its doors to the Nashville community for a one day sneak-peak (no purchases) at more than 350 exhibits featuring the industry’s hottest music products yet to hit the market—from guitars and keyboards to DJ gear and pro audio and lighting products.
The 2011 Retail Print Music Dealers Association convention, held in sunny Tampa, Florida from April 28-30, walked the line between a relaxing escape and an intense, focused examination of the ever-evolving best practices in the print music industry.
“I feel every year NASMD is better than the year before,” says Mark Williamson of Williamson Music Co. Generally speaking, his fellow attendees at NASMD 2011 – held in Indian Wells (Palm Springs), California – agreed that this year’s gathering was a vibrant, uplifting affair.
The 2010 Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana was a reassuring bellwether for many in the percussion market. Of the over-120 exhibitors, there were at least a few who prominently expanded their booths and visible product offerings at The International Drum and Percussion Expo, in comparison to last year, and the total number of displaying companies was up, as well.
Amidst the palpable camaraderie and collective sense of optimism, however, one relevant question was not directly addressed: how is the print music industry responding to the digital revolution? This is a subject that weighs heavily on the minds of all print media professionals, with music publishers facing potential copyright infringement issues, and retailers up against the growing threat of being cut out of the print music loop by digital downloading, both legal and illegal.
