#United States #NAMM Show #Carlsbad, California #Trade Show #Music Products

The NAMM Show Shines Bright at the 2025 Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Awards

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has once again proven its mettle in the trade show industry by clinching the prestigious Grand Awards at the 2025 Trade Show Executive (TSE) Gold 100 Awards. Recognized for its remarkable growth and dedication to the music industry, The NAMM Show emerged as the Fastest-Growing Gold 100 Retail Show of 2024 and was also honored with the Staying Connected Award. This recognition highlights how the show sets a benchmark in the competitive trade show landscape.

The celebration took place from October 14-17, 2025, at Rancho Mirage, California, where over 200 show organizers, vendors, and industry experts gathered to reflect on the previous year's achievements and discuss trends shaping the event industry. The TSE Gold 100 Awards Summit brought to light the 100 largest trade shows in the U.S., showcasing exceptional performances across various categories.

For the past year, The NAMM Show has actively evolved, enhancing its offerings for a diverse range of attendees. It showcased its prowess as a vital platform for the retail sector, specifically recognizing its resilience as the largest bounce-back retail-oriented event in the country. This is a remarkable feat, considering the disruptions brought about by the ongoing global circumstances.

Additionally, the awards highlight the rising significance of the influencer and content-creator community within the show. As the landscape of marketing and attendee engagement continues to shift, NAMM's receiving of the Staying Connected Award underlines its commitment to cultivating relationships with this pivotal segment of its audience. The NAMM Show's focus on integrating influencers has contributed to its rapid growth and demonstrates the organization’s adaptability amidst changing market dynamics.

John Mlynczak, NAMM’s president and CEO, stated, "The NAMM Show is dedicated to serving our global retail audience while creating massive brand demand with our influencer audience. Winning these awards for two incredibly vital audiences demonstrates that The NAMM Show is truly the leader and visionary in adding value to the industry we serve."

Looking ahead, the upcoming 2026 NAMM Show holds significant promise as it will commemorate two notable anniversaries—NAMM's 125th year and its 50th in Anaheim. Set to take place from January 20-24, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center, the event will feature five days filled with educational opportunities, live performances, and numerous special attractions, alongside three days of engaging exhibits and activations from January 22-24.

As The NAMM Show prepares for this landmark occasion, expectations are high for expanded programming and immersive experiences that cater to the ever-growing audience. The event will also host the newly rebranded NAMM Retail Awards, previously known as the NAMM Dealer Awards, which honors excellence within the global music retail community.

In addition, NAMM has introduced an innovative online dashboard designed to facilitate registration and member engagement, making it easier for attendees to navigate the event's numerous offerings. This digital hub serves as an essential tool for attendees to update their profiles and stay connected throughout the event.

The NAMM Show continues to be a premier gathering for industry professionals, attracting tens of thousands from over 125 countries including manufacturers, retailers, educators, and musicians. It strives to foster the music products industry, a sector valued at $19.5 billion, by promoting active participation in music-making across all ages. With its commitment to supporting its vast network of members—around 10,000 companies employing over 475,000 individuals—NAMM stands at the forefront of advancing music's role in society. For more information on NAMM and future events, visit www.namm.org.