Best Practices
A new idea. A useful technique. A fresh way of looking at your business. That is the focus of NAMM University—exploring and sharing the "best practices" between NAMM members.

In this time of rapid change in our industry, there is no better way to understand and profit from the changes than to hear the strategies of other members who have already found a solution. Instead of learning the hard way—through trial and error—you can tap into the knowledge and experience of other successful NAMM members.

At the NAMM Show and Summer Session, NAMM U hosts two types of sessions: Breakfast Sessions and Idea Center Sessions:

Breakfast Sessions are scheduled every morning before the show floor opens. These are in-depth panel discussions featuring industry insiders discussing their thoughts, ideas, and strategies for doing business in today's aggressive marketplace.

Idea Center Sessions are short, focused "How to" sessions that take place right on the show floor and start every 30 minutes. Designed so you can drop by and explore some best practices without taking too much time away from your business at the show.

Video Insights – The State of the Industry Address
The second in our series of video insights comes from the State of the Industry Address and Independent Retailer Town Hall Meeting that took place in Austin in July 2006. NOTE: QuickTime movies require QuickTime 7.

State of the Industry Address
NAMM President Joe Lamond discusses the state of the music products industry, as well the challenges and opportunities of the current marketplace.
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Retailer Aaron Soriero of Music Matters in Atlanta discusses his secrets for success.
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Bill Reim of Hoshino explains how he works to keep his company innovative.
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Dan Marshall of Marshall Music addresses how his company is adapting to today's changing marketplace.
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Jim Rupp of Columbus Pro Percussion discusses the importance of specialization in today's retail environment.
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Mathias von Heydekampf of Telex Communications talks about the pro audio market.
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Rick Drumm of D'Addario addresses the Internet and MAP pricing.
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NAMM President Joe Lamond closes the session with thoughts on adapting to change.
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Independent Retailer Town Hall Meeting
Moderator Alan Friedman opens the first-ever Independent Retailer Town Hall Meeting and introduces the industry professionals who make up the panel.
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An audience member asks about big box stores low-balling the independent dealer with prices below MAP.
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A retailer wonders when rental companies will increase their rates to "a realistic level."
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An attendee asks how the industry will address the challenge of Internet sales tax.
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A NAMM Members asks about the future of the NAMM summer show and why it can't move to the East Coast.
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A retailer inquires about how small dealers can survive in business without the capital to buy from large vendors.
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A retailer wants to know "how the industry can get the big suppliers to respect the small dealers" and if there is a gender problem in our business.
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An audience member asks Joe Lamond about NAMM's relationship with Wal-Mart.
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The topic is suppliers vs. dealers.
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Open Mike Question: How will the influx of inexpensive imports affect the future of the industry?
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Open Mike Question: Why isn't the association helping manufacturers get into magazines like Vogue?
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Open Mike Question: Bill Reim of Yoshino responds to current dealer frustration.
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Open Mike Question: Does the independent retailer need a separate association?
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Open Mike Question: Is it true that some major manufacturers have "no Internet sales" policies on new and used instruments?
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Open Mike Question: Do we still need to have protected territories for major franchises, when these products are now available on the Internet?
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Open Mike Question: Why is it that no one in the big booths wants to talk to me?
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Open Mike Question: My sales are the highest in history, while my profits are the lowest—how can our spread be greater? How are we supposed to make it?
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Open Mike Question: A small dealer discusses the challenges he faces.
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Open Mike Question: A Member asks about protected areas vs. big box stores.
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