Before the exhibit floor even opens, The 2026 NAMM Show is setting the stage for two powerhouse days of learning, connection, and big ideas. On Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan 20–21), attendees can deep-dive into industry-specific sessions designed to sharpen skills, spark creativity, and set the tone for the week ahead.
This year, NAMM has expanded its education lineup with a series of focused summits that go beyond the basics. From half-day to full-day sessions, professionals across retail, education, production, and marketing can gain hands-on insights and strategies that are ready to apply the moment they get back home.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on the calendar:
Retail Financial Summit – Tuesday, January 20
Money talks, and at this summit, it’s speaking fluent retail. Veteran financial pros Alan Friedman and Daniel Jobe from Friedman, Kannenberg & Company P.C. are back with their legendary “Tommy Gunn Music Store” series — an entertaining, practical workshop on running a profitable music business. Expect updated insights for 2026, covering everything from fiscal management to best practices for every size of music store.
Registration fee: $100
Music Education Leaders Summit – Wednesday, January 21
Where the classroom meets the concert hall. This one-day gathering brings together music supervisors, lead teachers, and education leaders to explore how industry trends can shape the future of learning. Through keynotes, panels, and breakouts, attendees will discover how to bridge the gap between education and real-world careers — all wrapped up with a networking reception that hits just the right note.
Registration fee: $100
NAMM Marketing Summit – Wednesday, January 21
Marketing isn’t magic — it’s method. And Dennis Yu, CTO of BlitzMetrics, is here to break it down. In this hands-on, three-hour workshop, you’ll learn to build a marketing system that works — creating content that connects, converts, and drives real results. Expect to leave with your first campaign published, a one-page checklist, and a 30-day action plan to keep the momentum rolling.
Registration fee: $50
Entertainment Technology Summit – Wednesday, January 21
For those who live behind the lights. This year’s summit is all about mastering lighting console programming for stages of every size — from concert tours to corporate events. Perfect for programmers who want to refine their workflow and get hands-on experience in a console-agnostic setup.
Registration fee: $100
TEC Tracks Studio Summit – Wednesday, January 21
If the studio is your playground, this summit is your next upgrade. Learn from the pros shaping the future of recording — from AI-driven production to new-age studio design and revenue models. Get the inside track on what’s next in music creation and leave with actionable ideas to future-proof your sound and your business.
Registration fee: $100
Women of NAMM: Leadership Amplified – Wednesday, January 21
Power. Perspective. Progress. This interactive workshop is designed for women ready to level up in the music industry. Expect deep conversations on resilience, emotional intelligence, and intentional leadership — plus practical tools to thrive and lead with confidence.
Registration fee: $50
With a mix of free sessions and paid summits, NAMM’s education days are a goldmine of inspiration and insight. From marketing hacks to mastering acoustics, it’s all happening before the show floor even opens.
Space is limited, so if you’re planning to attend, now’s the time to book your seat and set your learning goals.
Pro tip: Don’t just attend NAMM — get ahead of it.
Register for NAMM 2026 and explore all education summits through your NAMM account or badge confirmation email.
