Marking 125 years of NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the annual gathering wrapped January 24 after five packed days of concerts, product launches, education sessions, and high-level networking. More than 60,000 attendees from 122 countries flooded Anaheim alongside 1,650 exhibitors representing over 5,400 brands, making this one of the show’s largest and most globally connected editions yet.
It was loud, fast-moving, occasionally overwhelming—and exactly what the modern music business looks like in real time.
“The 2026 NAMM Show once again delivered an incredible week of unity and energy for our global NAMM members, and while showcasing products are an important element of the show, it’s also where business strategies, partnerships and new technology such as A.I. are discussed,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “NAMM continues to be the global stage for our industry where products go from vision to groundbreaking announcements to impacting the global music industry in real time.”
One of the clearest signals of NAMM’s expanding influence came from its rapidly growing digital footprint. The show’s Electronic Press Kit—an online hub for product announcements—tripled in size compared to last year, with nearly 400 brands unveiling new gear and software during the event.
Meanwhile, NAMM Global Media Day brought more than 500 product announcements and business reveals directly to an invite-only audience of journalists, podcasters, and creators, reinforcing the show’s role as the industry’s launchpad for what’s next in sound, music technology, and production.
Across the exhibit halls, nearly 15,000 artists demonstrated instruments and technology, blurring the line between trade show and live performance venue. Whether it was boutique pedals, next-gen recording tools, or emerging A.I.-powered workflows, the floor buzzed with experimentation and future-facing ideas.
Beyond product reveals, NAMM leaned heavily into community-building and recognition. Sold-out crowds turned out for the TEC Awards, The Bass Awards Show, She Rocks Awards, and the Parnelli Awards, honoring achievements across performance, production, and live entertainment.
Education remained a major pillar, with more than 200 sessions and over 550 speakers addressing everything from creative entrepreneurship to the evolving realities of touring, publishing, and digital distribution.
One of the week’s most meaningful moments came during the Grand Rally for Music Education, featuring appearances by Victor Wooten and Chad Smith, who helped drive home the importance of keeping music accessible and alive for future generations.
A standout highlight was the presentation of NAMM’s Music for Life Award to producer, educator, and YouTube mainstay Rick Beato. In a candid onstage conversation, Beato reflected on his early influences, the tools that shaped his career, and how artists and educators can adapt in an increasingly A.I.-driven industry.
For many attendees, the moment symbolized the modern musician’s reality: part artist, part educator, part digital creator, and constantly evolving.
While the show honored its 125-year history—including the digitization of NAMM’s full historical archive—much of the conversation centered on growth and global expansion. The return of NAMM NeXT Europe and the launch of NAMM NeXT Latin America signal a deeper investment in leadership development and international collaboration.
The NAMM Foundation also announced $250,000 in new funding for music education initiatives, supported by a matching contribution from former NAMM chair Chris Martin.
The next chapter is already underway: the 2027 NAMM Show is scheduled for January 26–30 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
