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December 2008, Cover Stories, Gear and Tech
Winter NAMM Show 2009
Operation Cooperation?
It's that time of year again... When the world's gearhounds sit at the edge of their seat and anxiously await news about the newest unveilings in the music equipment industry. Winter NAMM, held every year in the Anaheim Convention Center in California, will be the vortex of buzz from January 15th through the 18th. This year's convention promises to be not only the usual melting pot of music equipment manufacturers, industry dealers and endorsing artists, but also a kind of 'summit' for the music gear community as a whole.
Suffice to say that NAMM knows a thing or two about keeping their finger on the pulse of the music product world; Throughout their 100+ year history, the International Music Products Association (formerly the National Association of Music Merchants, hence the acronym) has been paramount in promoting and strengthening the retail and commercial aspects of music product manufacturing and distribution on a global scale. If there is one thing that the members of NAMM are banking on at this year's convention, it's that there is safety in numbers.
We've all heard the 'R' word mentioned as the nation struggles with an unstable economy. While this is typically depicted in a negative light, there stands to be a silver-lining in its midst; Cooperation. Remember, there is no 'I' in 'Team... but there is one in 'Failure'.
Competitors joining together to brainstorm the ideas of how to keep the industry afloat... How to make their presence stronger... How to predict where the market is going, and why. The bottom line here is that in order to sell products, the manufacturers have to have dealers, which in turn, have to have customers willing to purchase those products. The tightrope act in this circus of conservative acquisition is maintaining an equitable price point for end users and manufacturers alike; Low enough to encourage sales, yet high enough to cover the costs of production.
I am curious to see what the general consensus is upon conclusion of the show. Perhaps we will see more partnering and consolidation in products, i.e., guitar companies teaming up with amplifier companies, drum companies with cymbal companies, etc. etc. Kind of a 'If You Give A Mouse A Cookie' business philosophy: "If you give a metal head a drum kit.. chances are, he's going to want a cymbal pack to go with it"....
So, I think if everyone looks after each other, we'll pull through just fine. There is plenty of room for all the business out there to exist. Remember, that dude you throw a bone to today might just be in a position to return the favor somewhere down the line... Know what I'm sayin'?
The 2009 Winter NAMM Show is only for trade professionals and is not open to the public. Keep checking back here though as we bring you the info you crave!! -Ryan
Road Crew Magazine
"Well, think me up a cup of coffee and a chocolate donut with some of those little sprinkles on top..." editor{at}roadcrewmag.com
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