NAMM 2009, January 15-18th, Anaheim, CA[/b]


I'm curious which members are planning on attending the 2009 NAMM show in Anaheim in January.

As always, I'd be happy to meet any members who plan to be there.

Of course, if you know about any parties, manufacturer/supplier hosted events, or just want to buy your favorite forums founder Frank B. a drink... Let me know!

Speaking of which, do we know when/where The Piano Travler's will be this year?

Also, if you're working a booth/room, let us know where you will be.

For those of you who aren't familiar with NAMM, it is a twice yearly event where the manufacturers/suppliers/reps get together with the retailers.
Every conceivable instrument is represented.

The winter show is held at the Anaheim Convention Center, a huge venue (the NAMM show takes over the entire building, plus other buildings in the area.

IT IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (sorry).

Some feedback from last years show (2008) here...
http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/1/20852.html

Do I have a choice?

;-)

I attended my first NAMM show in 1967 or 1968, when I was just a kid in the business, so this will be at least the fortieth convention. Even though we work hard (in wholesale), meeting with dealers from morning till night for the entire four days of the show, I still look forward to going and seeing old friends in the industry. It's similar to a homecoming or class reunion in that regard.

I'll be in town that weekend, so if there's a PW party....

And will the election be over by then?

I went in Jan(uary) '07 when I was working for the local Steinway/Yamaha dealer. In '08 I didn't go.

I'm not currently connected with a dealer right now, but if there is a way I might like to go in '09. Is there a way that might be possible, or should I stay home? (Also, I probably won't know for sure if I would be going until somewhat closer to the time, but hopefully it's at least a month in advance. Last time I had to get a motel a few miles away because there wasn't anything closer under $65/night and take the bus between the hotel & the show.)

I'm not sure who Jan in Anaheim is, but if you want to make sure she's attending shouldn't you send her a private message?

Jennifer and I may spend some time in the Alfred Publishing booth sign some of out books. After than prowling the piano displays and seeing old friends in the industry.

Frank,
Love to buy you a drink.
As for the piano travelors, they can always be found in the bar, or face down in the lot a little later.

Not real funny Marty.

Sorry Vince,

I have been friends with several piano travelors for over twenty years. All that I have known have had pretty well developed senses of humor. I didn't mean to offend anyone with my light-hearted post.

I thought that was a scream -- obviously hyperbole and a good joke on its own merit. All of the Piano Travelers I've ever met have highly developed senses of humor and usually have the best jokes.

I mean, it's a lot easier to sign for a shipment of pianos when you're smiling, right?

I will visit the piano display area on Saturday - and hope to see many of my industry friends at that time. It's been a tradition for many years, and I look forward to it each year.

I also attend an industry meeting Sunday morning - and will see many of my industry colleagues there as well. Marty - maybe I'll see you there again in 2009!

Well, I was born in 1968, so I don't have your NAMM whiskers Craig. I've attended nearly every show since 1991 (when I[/b] was just a kid in the business ) both on the wholesale (exhibitor) and retail (buyer) sides. Every year I look forward to catching up with old friends. It seems we lose a few every year.

To all the old friends and the new ones, I'll see you in 14 weeks!

A clarification about attendees under 16 years of age (from an MMR Magazine email) ..


NAMM Clarifies Children Policy
Turns out the kids are all right.[/b]

Confusion arose to NAMM's recent policy change regarding minors attending their trade shows. They sent out a release to assure Billy Bob of Billy Bob's Music that Billy Bob Jr. is indeed welcome at the show.

NAMM writes: "First and foremost, NAMM recognizes and appreciates that our industry is very much a family business and many of our industry's leaders grew up attending the NAMM shows from a very early age."

Here's a summary of who is welcome to attend NAMM's trade shows:

Employees of NAMM member companies - regardless of age;
Family members of NAMM members who will grow up to work in the business - regardless of age; and
Endorsed artists - regardless of age.
For those family members and employees under 16, NAMM is asking that they be registered with an employee badge. At the show, they will have to sign a minor release form. "Only members in red or blue badges can sign the form for family members."

Those not welcome: "Anyone under 16 who does not have a business-related reason to attend the show."

Interesting that more manufacts, reps, and company folk seem to be attending. I wonder how many dealers and their staffs esp from the East Coast will be attending in light of the financial situation? Also, its rumored that some of the manufacts wont be paying for dealers rooms this year and that there aren't going to be many banquet type events. I know a few dealers in the great Northeast that are going to be lucky to send 1 principal. Ugh stay at home and sell something!

Kenny, with all due respect, those day's have been gone for quite some time. Factories have done less and less of the lavish entertaining over the last few years.The wholesale people have to go, their companies demand it of them. Retail,
more and more,only the dealer principal and Mgr.
make the trip.Most of the non buyers that you see are from the far west.This used to be the time for dealers to look for new lines. And they wanted their salespeople opinion.Now I think they are more concerned with getting rid of the inventory they have.

I will be there with my employees.

I won't but our Program Coordinator, Anne will.

Go ahead and gossip about me.

I already KNOW about you Kenny, maybe I'll just give her some gossip :-)

Is she attending or exhibiting?

Gossip is good.

UWO is attending[/b] this year, so keep your eyes peeled for Anne after hours. (Hint, she likes Beer!) [Oh, I'm in trouble now.] Ask her to tell you about the enormous chickens she raises.

Hugs to you Frank!!
BTW, I'm back in Southern California for Christmas.
I remember a couple years ago when I picked you up in Penny's backyard and drove you to the airport and you were gaga over the warm weather in January.
Now (since I'm on vacation from the Piano school in Canada) I love the lack of snow here.
How's the weather there? :p

Frank, I told Anne about the mass Exodus 4 years ago when
Bush got reelected and pooopoo hit the fan and you . . ehm. . . . librerated us.

I'm in Southern Florida myself now.
Can't say I particularly miss the snow and ice.

But I do miss the New England forums contingent.

Forcast this week, sunny and upper 70's here :-)

So, your in SoCal now huh?
Hmmmn, you still have time to organize a forums party :-)

So Florida?
I'm jealous.
I spent a 2-week vacation in Key West a zillion years ago.
What a blast, tooling around on mopeds, sailing, snorkeling and drinking rum at that Joe-something bar.

Doubt we'll do a party on such short notice.
Plus people are preoccupied during the holidays.

I've made a few treks to Key West since landing down here. Will be there New Year's Eve.

I think you mean Sloppy Joe's (One of Hemingway's hang outs).

Geesh, you'd think with 37,000+ members, and lots of piano industry people watching the forums, I could get someone to buy me a drink while I'm at NAMM:-)

What night is the piano peddler's gathering?
And... where is it this year?

:sigh: sorry i'm going to miss out on the fun this year. last year it was such a blast hanging out with everyone. but especially frank.

Frank, the Piano Travelers Meeting/party is Saturday Jan 17, 7:00 P.M at the Hyatt Regency,Orange County. 11999 Harborr Blvd. Garden Grove.I will not be there this year,can't buy you a drink.

Thanks Vince, sorry to hear you won't be there.
Was looking forward to introducing a friend to some long-time pros in the business.

I've started a new thread with details about...

Piano Travelers Meeting & Party 2009

Frank, I was wondering why you were not on PTA's mailing list for the newsletter.I see now you are.
I'm not going to NAMM because it's at the same time as my Yearly cruise.I do think I might go to the Summer NAMM in Nashville this year.
Vince

As I am from beautiful anaheim, i will definitely be in attendance.

All this talk about florida makes me wish it was there instead of here though! its still pretty cold around these parts. (around 50-65 degrees)

John,
Look for the chubby guy with the Piano World logo on his shirt, that will be me :-)

I'm hoping Anaheim can warm it up a little before we arrive. Whether for tomorrow (Tues 01/06) here in Pompano Beach ... Sunny / 80 degrees.

I agree though, Anaheim is beautiful.
I actually prefer SoCal to South Florida.