"NAMM recognises the importance of the live audio, house of worship and stage and lighting industries to the music products industry and welcomes these music industry professionals to the 2010 NAMM Show," says Kevin Johnstone, director of trade shows, NAMM. "This year, we're working closely with a number of partner organisations and media outlets that serve these segments to create a new and valuable education track to meet their needs and giving them even more reasons to attend this year's NAMM Show."
More than 15 industry partners, publishers, organisations and associations will offer a series of free special training seminars, face-to-face meetings, networking opportunities and one-on-one mentoring to strengthen the knowledge base of industry colleagues.
The 2010 H.O.T. (Hands-On-Training) Zone partners include: The U.S. Department of Commerce, Roland Corporation, the Society of Professional Audio Recording Services (SPARS) and Yamaha Corporation.
Meanwhile, despite these much-hyped recessionary times, a serious number of pro audio manufacturers and distributors - established and new - will debut new pro audio products at the Anaheim gathering.
Next Big Thing - Marina and the Diamonds and recent Sound Of 2010 winner Ellie Goulding are among the acts confirmed for next month's inaugural Next Big Thing festival. Paloma Faith, Rox, Young Guns, You Me At Six and Alex Gardner will all the play the event, held in a host of venues across London, taking place between 5-14 February. They join artists already confirmed including Little Comets, Hadouken! and Mystery Jets.
It is the first foray into the festival world by music retailer HMV who are organising the event alongside live music partner MAMA.
(Jim Evans)
