How Do You Explain NAMM to Non-Musicians?

[elsongs]

NAMM is a huge deal for us musicians (and those who are involved in the sales and manufacture of musical instruments), but it's relatively unknown to the mainstream media and most laypersons, unlike the CES show, for example.

So how do you explain NAMM to others?

I usually tell others (parents, non-musician friends, etc) that I go to a "music convention." When I explain it's like the CES show but for musicians, they get it. Also when I mention that I met or saw (insert famous musician here) they get interested. Other than that it's not anything they're concerned with.

"The what show? Who's performing there?"
"What does NAMM stand for?"
"I fought in 'NAM....still got the shrapnel in my back"

Although, I have a brother though who's familiar with the whole trade show/convention circuit, with him being a Comic-Con visitor to San Diego every July. So with that, he has heard of the NAMM show.

[MetroSonus]

considering namm is for industry folks (which i'm not one) and they don't have tons of them all over like sci fi / anime / fantsy cons I really don't have to worry about that. :cop:

[Brian Marshall]

personally, i hate talking shop with people who dont understand it. I can talk to gear heads all day, and we can sit there and chit chat about stuff for hours.

I get kind of tired of telling people what i do who have no interest in it.

If non musicians ask me what i do, i usually make it short and sweet, and change the subject.... or i point somewhere, and say look at that, and draw their attention away from me, and bolt for the door.

[danzigdan]

NAMM=Detroit Auto Show

A big industry deal, new models unveiled, press coverage, etc.

[hogberto]

NAMM=Detroit Auto Show

A big industry deal, new models unveiled, press coverage, etc.

so what's this 'Detroit Auto Show'? :bor:

[elsongs]

so what's this 'Detroit Auto Show'? :bor:

And where is it located? :)

[mmkco]

I hate to sound like an "Old man" here, but the non-industry types and autograph hound/band sluts that attend really make it hard to do business at NAMM. I like to meet Kerry King, Yngwie, and Slash like anyone else. This year I met Gary Hoey, who was the coolest guy ever! But it's really hard to do business when the dumbasses with 10 inch platform shoes and 6 foot yellow hair come marching up to the booth and want to know what you are going to give them for free because they are the next big thing. We are expected to conduct business there and you literally can't get from one meeting to the next due to the masses of people standing in line or clogging the halls. Sorry for the rant, but when you have to "Work" at the show, it Puts kind of a different spin on things.

Mike

[Viruse]

NAMM is a huge deal for us musicians (and those who are involved in the sales and manufacture of musical instruments), but it's relatively unknown to the mainstream media and most laypersons, unlike the CES show, for example.

So how do you explain NAMM to others?

I usually tell others (parents, non-musician friends, etc) that I go to a "music convention." When I explain it's like the CES show but for musicians, they get it. Also when I mention that I met or saw (insert famous musician here) they get interested. Other than that it's not anything they're concerned with.

"The what show? Who's performing there?"
"What does NAMM stand for?"
"I fought in 'NAM....still got the shrapnel in my back"

Although, I have a brother though who's familiar with the whole trade show/convention circuit, with him being a Comic-Con visitor to San Diego every July. So with that, he has heard of the NAMM show.

I tell people it’s like a porno convention for people who get wood from inanimate pieces of musical equipment.

[coyote-1]

We used to have the same problem at dental sales conventions.
I hate to sound like an "Old man" here, but the non-industry types and autograph hound/band sluts that attend really make it hard to do business at NAMM. I like to meet Kerry King, Yngwie, and Slash like anyone else. This year I met Gary Hoey, who was the coolest guy ever! But it's really hard to do business when the dumbasses with 10 inch platform shoes and 6 foot yellow hair come marching up to the booth and want to know what you are going to give them for free because they are the next big thing. We are expected to conduct business there and you literally can't get from one meeting to the next due to the masses of people standing in line or clogging the halls. Sorry for the rant, but when you have to "Work" at the show, it Puts kind of a different spin on things.

Mike

[techristian]

But it's really hard to do business when the dumbasses with 10 inch platform shoes and 6 foot yellow hair come marching up to the booth and want to know what you are going to give them for free because they are the next big thing. We are expected to conduct business there and you literally can't get from one meeting to the next due to the masses of people standing in line or clogging the halls. Sorry for the rant, but when you have to "Work" at the show, it Puts kind of a different spin on things.

Mike

Everything has glitter and fluff today. Can we even watch a serious news show without fluff about Britney? The music is what NAMM is about, so expect the music types to hang out there.

Don't miss out on an opportunity though. The kid with the high boots may make you money down the road. You never know. Sometimes when I'm in the market for a car I'll walk into a car dealership right after work with my torn bluejeans. The saleman will ignore me, yet I'm the guy that buys a new car within a few days.

Before you hand them the free tee-shirt ask "Are you interested in anything beside a free tee-shirt?" or "Why are you really here?"



Dan

[Lula]

NAMM=that Vesgas major Porn Event?...

[Bobsax]

same thing <> new package ;)

[mattzito]

I hate to sound like an "Old man" here, but the non-industry types and autograph hound/band sluts that attend really make it hard to do business at NAMM. I like to meet Kerry King, Yngwie, and Slash like anyone else. This year I met Gary Hoey, who was the coolest guy ever! But it's really hard to do business when the dumbasses with 10 inch platform shoes and 6 foot yellow hair come marching up to the booth and want to know what you are going to give them for free because they are the next big thing. We are expected to conduct business there and you literally can't get from one meeting to the next due to the masses of people standing in line or clogging the halls. Sorry for the rant, but when you have to "Work" at the show, it Puts kind of a different spin on things.

Mike


I think you and NAMM suck. I've been a musician for 40 years and I can't get a ticket.

Most musicians can't get in. I'VE NEVER BEEN TO A NAMN SHOW.

[haze63]

Namm rocked this year blisters and all...

I don't explain anything about NAMM, I don't talk about NAMM. People don't believe my stories anyway..
I hung with Joe Satriani..ha no autographs, no stupid pictures just a good conversation all to myself....

-j