NAMM NeXT Europe Connects Music Industry Leaders for Future Insights

NAMM NeXT Europe: Building Bridges in the Music Industry

The NAMM NeXT Europe summit concluded recently in Brussels, bringing together over 60 influential leaders from the European music products sector. Organized by NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), this inaugural event served as a platform for dialogue and strategic planning to enhance the industry's future.

Held at the Marriott Hotel Grand Place on June 4-5, 2025, the focus of the summit was to unite industry stakeholders, deepen collaboration, and share insights that could foster growth and innovation across Europe. John Mlynczak, NAMM's President and CEO, emphasized the global music industry's strength when leaders come together to share ideas and strategies.

The success of last year’s NAMM NeXT event in Nashville inspired the team at NAMM to replicate this collaborative environment in Europe. By doing so, they aimed to bridge various associations and companies under a shared goal of strengthening the music products landscape globally. This initiative highlights the importance of interaction between professionals to navigate the challenges and opportunities faced in today's ever-evolving market.

The agenda was rich with presentations, keynotes, and workshops designed to tackle pressing issues and explore innovative solutions. Industry experts participated in discussions that addressed topics such as consumer behavior, trade challenges, and compliance regulations. Notable speakers included Jacob Funk Kirkegaard from the Peterson Institute for International Economics, who discussed international trade and tariffs, and Anthony Short from the Music Industries Association, focusing on changing consumer behaviors reshaping the industry dynamics.

One significant outcome from this event was the establishment of strategic working groups that will continue to collaborate in the coming years. With support from nine European music industry associations, including AVHN and EMIA, the collective expertise shared at NAMM NeXT Europe will enable members to return to their respective markets with valuable insights and practices.

Participants shared enthusiasm about the event, underscoring the impact of engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds. James Gordon, CEO of Audiotonix, noted the significant value in combining external knowledge with industry-specific insights, emphasizing how such collaborations can drive growth.

NAMM foresees a bright future for the NAMM NeXT format, planning to not only sustain but also expand its reach, ensuring it remains an investment in the global music community. The annual continuation of these summits is designed to address contemporary business issues while bolstering the industry's infrastructure and support networks. The NAMM NeXT Europe summit stands as a testament to the power of unity in navigating the complexities of the music products industry.

As the industry looks to the horizon, NAMM is committed to enhancing participation in music-making and advancing initiatives that support music education and community engagement, underlining its dedication to creating a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem for all music enthusiasts.

For more information about NAMM and to stay updated on future initiatives, please visit NAMM's official website.