The NAMM Show has long been the heartbeat of the global music industry, bringing together brands, artists, and innovators to celebrate the power of music. In this exclusive interview, John Mlynczak, President of The NAMM Show, shares insights into the show’s growth, its impact on the industry, and how it continues to evolve to meet the needs of the next generation of music professionals. From expanding international markets to championing music education, he discusses the key takeaways from NAMM 2025 and what’s in store for the future.
How has NAMM 2025 performed in terms of exhibitor participation and footfall compared to previous years?
The 2025 NAMM Show united and energised our NAMM members from the entire ecosystem of the music industry. NAMM is the global stage for our industry to announce groundbreaking products, establish transformative partnerships, and gain valuable education that will lead to a successful year ahead in 2025.
Per statistics for 2025 NAMM Show:
- 63,000+ show attendees, including 10,700+ international attendees from 125 countries, regions and territories
- 1,850+ exhibitors representing 4,400+ brands
- Nearly 8,700 artists demonstrating and endorsing products
What were the key highlights of this year’s NAMM Show that made it stand out?
The 2025 NAMM Show delivered in every possible capacity, from headline artist performances on multiple stages every single day and night to emerging music industry leaders delivering powerful messages inside the convention center, as well as hundreds of new products and partnerships announced that week.
How have recent wildfires in LA impacted the show’s logistics and attendance?
While concerning leading up the Show itself, the LA Wildfires had minimal to no impact on the Show as we kept our partners, both US and globally, well aware of the developing situation on a daily basis.
What feedback have you received from exhibitors and attendees about this year’s event?
Thus far, outstanding, positive feedback from our members as they believed that NAMM delivered the right attendees which led to successful business meetings all week at the NAMM Show. Lastly, the five days of events and three days of exhibits were all viewed very positively during the week as well as post-show.
How is NAMM supporting smaller and independent brands in gaining exposure at the show?
The NAMM Show is a special platform that can be utilised in any manner to drive a brands’ narrative or product introduction, no matter the size of the company itself. Utilising NAMM’s Global Media Day, Content Creator Lounge & Studios as well as Electronic Press Kit gives every company the ability to amplify their message that entire week.
What steps is NAMM taking to integrate more technological advancements into the event experience?
From the very beginning of how attendees secure their Show badges, we made significant tech advancements with registration and how/who companies are bringing to the Show. We strive to have more and more analytics that can be used post-show throughout the rest of the calendar year and even for the 2026 Show as we enhance the attendee experience at the event.
How does NAMM ensure it remains relevant and continues to attract the next generation of music industry professionals?
We will always pivot and position NAMM to what our members want and need from us. In the last two years, from live events to embracing content creators to bringing back top industry brands while cultivating new businesses it will always be a priority to listen and learn and enagage. And being a global association, it allows us to embrace new communities, new regions and new music makers so that we stay fresh and lively.
Can you share any updates on NAMM’s expansion plans, particularly in international markets like India?
NAMM represents a global membership and we were proud to have 125 countries represented at the 2025 NAMM Show. Trade data shows that emerging markets are rowing the fastest and NAMM is very focused on learning from our NAMM members in these markets and continuing to work with our partners to grow globally. We firmly believe that more music makers anywhere helps NAMM members everywhere.
What has been NAMM’s role in promoting music education and fostering new talent?
If you saw this year’s NAMM Grand Rally for Music Education, you would know how much passion and energy and dedication our team has for global music education! It is our duty to inspire and educate all forms of music, teaching and learning and that will be a cornerstone of NAMM.
Any major takeaways from this year’s show that will influence NAMM’s strategy moving forward?
Yes, continue to develop the right mix of attendees and exhibitors so that we have a global show that is a platform for business success and brings the music industry together to unite for one week on the importance of music around the globe. We will keep tracking Show analytics so that we know which communities are at the Show and how to maintain and grow each of them.
