NAMM 2026 (The National Association of Music Merchants) was another one for the record books, as this year marked the 125th-Anniversary for the organization. Founded in 1901, NAMM has become more significant than ever, as it continues to promote the newest in cutting-edge technology, with AI leading the way, offer exciting, unique products for performing artists, while establishing the most up-to-date trends that will certainly have an overall impact on the music industry for years to come.
The five-day event, held January 20-24 at the Anaheim Convention Center, showcased the latest in musical innovation and gear for musicians and merchants alike. NAMM 2026 attracted over 60,000 attendees, 1650+ exhibitors and nearly 15,000 artists presenting brands and products, with the turnout garnering a 25% increase over last year’s attendance.
Along with the weeklong educational seminars and extensive array of exhibits, which featured San Diego’s own Taylor Guitars, Satellite Amplifiers, Austin DIY Ribbon Microphones and Iconic Guitars, the show played host to a legion of local talent: Sledd, Roni Lee, Santana vocalist Andy Vargas, Slack Key Ohana and the Monette Marino Keita Band were among the thousands of national and international performers that entertained the masses at NAMM this year.
An annual tradition that remains strong, vibrant a century later, after it all began, the singular goal of NAMM is to continue in its quest to unite artists and merchants from around the world, cultivate new ideas for the future and wellbeing of music, foster creativity, while encouraging the global community, at large, to support those who tirelessly deliver all of this beautiful noise for the greater good of mankind.
NAMM 2027 will take place on January 26 – 30, 2027.
For more info: https://www.namm.org/node/75
