Despite some early fears last year, the annual NAMM Show is staying in Anaheim.
The National Association of Music Merchants leaders have agreed to a new contract to keep the event in Anaheim through 2030. The music products show is one of the largest annual events in Anaheim, bringing in more than 70,000 musicians, merchants and others from around the world to the city’s convention center every January.
“We bring the entire world here to Anaheim in January,” said NAMM CEO John Mlynczak. “It’s worked for the past 50 years. It’ll work for the next 50 years.”
NAMM and local officials on Tuesday outside the Anaheim Convention Center commemorated the extension and the upcoming 50th anniversary of NAMM hosting shows in Anaheim.
Mlynczak said it’s clear the industry wants to come to Southern California, but Anaheim won over bids from other locations with strong support from the city, Visit Anaheim and hotels around the convention center.
NAMM was founded in 1901 by piano merchants and manufacturers. It held its first event in Anaheim in 1976. Now, more than 3,500 music brands showcase their newest music gear, from guitars and pedals to live sound equipment and pianos.
While NAMM has been in Anaheim for nearly 50 years, it wasn’t a guarantee that the show would be back. Visit Anaheim President and CEO Mike Waterman said when he started the job a year ago, NAMM was soliciting bids to take the conference elsewhere.
“And I’m like that’s not the first thing I want associated with the new president, losing NAMM to another city,” Waterman said. “So we did a hardcore press to make sure we provided through the whole community here a package that was so compelling to the board for NAMM.”
Mlynczak, who joined NAMM in 2023, said he was in a similar position. “I think we had a little mutual reason to work hard together.”
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said the NAMM Show is one of the most important annual events at the Anaheim Convention Center. The more than 60,000 visitors fill up local restaurants and hotels.
“When NAMM comes to town, our city comes alive,” Aitken said.
For the last decade, NAMM has partnered with the Anaheim Elementary School District through donations and an annual day of service. Music professionals go to local schools and give hands-on lessons with various instruments.
AESD Trustee Jackie Filbeck said NAMM has been a critical partner for the district’s musical education.
“It wasn’t just because of the generous donation that we always received from NAMM,” Filbeck said. “It was because of the critical investment of time and talent and engagement that is always given to us. That’s what’s really important.”
The district serves Pre-K through the sixth grade and has more than 14,000 students.
“In a time when school districts are fighting tooth and nail to keep arts and music in the schools, this is an amazing opportunity to find the next John Batiste, to find the next John Legend, to find the next Lady Gaga and get them that exposure that can really change their lives,” Aitken said.
While NAMM is committed through 2030, longer-term efforts to keep NAMM in Anaheim continue.
Mlynczak doesn’t see a reason to move the show.
“We’re very happy with Anaheim,” Mlynczak said .”Contracts are always three to four years. But yeah, the intention is always to stay and support. And with the support we’re feeling today and the support we’re seeing, I see no reason why we would ever leave a beautiful place.”