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.
The Percussive Arts Society’s 2009 International Convention (PASIC), took place in Indianapolis, Indiana from November 11-14. The three-day event included performance clinics, roundtables, and an exhibition floor featuring wares from many of the top percussive instrument and accessory manufacturers, music publishers, and several retailers. While some exhibitors opted to scale back their booth sizes and displays as compared to years past, there was no shortage of foot traffic on the exhibition floor, and the mood was decidedly optimistic about the future of the percussion, and greater MI, industry.
Under the backdrop of an economy in turmoil, billions of dollars in bailouts being bandied about, and the nation’s leadership due for an overhaul, the Percussive Arts Society’s annual International Convention proceeded with remarkable success. The turnout of over 6,500 at the Austin, Texas show represented the third highest attendance in PASIC’s 32-year history.
The 2008 Percussive Arts Society International Convention took place from Nov 6-9 in Austin, Texas. As the streets around the convention center in downtown Austin echoed with the cadences of high school and collegiate drumlines, the mood inside the expo was one of cautious optimism about the MI market going forward, in spite of the turbulent economy, which weighed heavily on the minds of consumers, manufacturers, and retailers alike. As one vendor stated, “Hope comes from the idea that in good times and bad, people will continue to play music.” This optimism was not unwarranted, as foot traffic was high and sales relatively strong. In fact, another vendor, a representative from a cymbal manufacturer, mentioned that his company hit their sales target for the entire show in the very first day.
