Summer NAMM in Nashville Draws 13 Percent Increase
July 16, 2015
This year’s Summer NAMM show drew 13,936 attendees July 9-11 in Nashville, which was a 13-percent increase, compared with 2014.
The National Association of Music Merchants show saw another increase in exhibiting companies, making it the largest mid-year event since 2006, with 494 exhibiting companies representing more than 1,600 brands.
“With a tremendous respect for our industry's hand-crafted traditions combined with an exciting look to the future of music and audio, this Summer NAMM was perhaps the most important (and the most fun!) in recent memory,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM.
He added, “The NAMM team was grateful for the opportunity to serve and hopes that this event helped our members prepare for a successful fall and holiday selling season.”
The number of buyers attending Summer NAMM increased another 3% over 2014, which saw 8 percent growth, compared with 2013.
In addition, there was an increase in the number of buying firms, which was up 26 percent.
Segments of the showfloor also grew. This year’s show saw a significant 23 percent uptick in music technology companies.
“Summer NAMM is a lot bigger and better this year. I’m in the pro audio part of our business, so it’s great to see more pro audio exhibitors. I’m very pleased with what’s happening at the show,” said Ray Arsenault, Corner Music.
Part of the growing interest in Summer NAMM from the technology segment can be traced to the debut of TEC Tracks, according to show organizers.
The new technology-focused educational offerings for recording, live sound and music industry professionals spanned all three days of the show.
Besides the showfloor and education, Summer NAMM also had a bevy of networking opportunities that focused on, of course, music.
The opening party featured Insight, with country music icon Vince Gill and Two Old Hippies' founder Tom Bedell.
Throughout the show, the NAMM Acoustic Nation Stage also featured acoustic performances by dozens of artists, including breakout country star Dustin Lynch, mash-up queen Louisa Wendorff, Tony Lucca of The “Voice” fame, Sabrina Lentini and more.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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