NAMM Celebrates 125 Years at January Show

NAMM announces that the 2026 NAMM Show will celebrate NAMM's 125th anniversary, along with 50 years in Anaheim, California. Taking place January 20-24, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center, the world's largest music products trade show will feature five days of education, live concerts, and special events, alongside three days of exhibits and brand activations from January 22-24.

"The NAMM Show is more than a trade show; it is the global gathering where our entire industry meets at the crossroads of business, innovation, and technology," says John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. "This year, we celebrate not only the future of our industry but also the legacy of 125 years of uniting music makers and 50 years of partnership with the city of Anaheim. The 2026 show will be our most expansive, celebratory, and future-forward yet."

Beginning January 20, the show will offer an extended slate of education sessions, global networking events, and NAMM's annual Day of Service, which highlights the positive impact of music education on students' lives and society, with NAMM members partnering with the local Anaheim school district and community on the benefits of music education.

NAMM members engage in a variety of activities to support music programs, such as unpacking and tuning of instruments, assisting with music-making sessions, and providing professional development for teachers.

January 21, opens with Global Media Day, an exclusive preview event where top media outlets and industry influencers will experience breaking product launches and innovations from the world's most iconic brands.

Wednesday will also feature expanded educational opportunities, including a new suite of immersive half- and full-day professional development summits. This includes workshops on everything from leadership, marketing, and financial strategies to deep dives into recording and studio innovations, as well as new developments in entertainment technology.

That evening, NAMM will host the newly rebranded NAMM Retail Awards (formerly the NAMM Dealer Awards). With expanded categories and two new honors -- Best Omnichannel Operation and Best Music Lesson Program -- the awards celebrate excellence in music retail from NAMM's global membership.

On January 22, the NAMM U breakfast session: "Industry Insights," hosted by Mlynczak, will feature a live panel of industry luminaries in conversation about key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the global music market. At 10am sharp, the doors of the exhibit hall open for more than 1,800 exhibitions from brands and companies based all over the world.

That evening, the NAMM TEC Awards will recognize achievements in audio excellence, honoring innovators in recording, live sound, and technology with legends of the industry on stage through the night.

Friday night shines a spotlight on the She Rocks Awards, which honors the women who are changing the face of music and audio with live performances and powerful speeches.

Friday evening also draws thousands of NAMM attendees to the center point of the NAMM Show campus, the Yamaha Main Stage. This live performance stage will feature a star-studded performance.

Saturday, January 24, opens with the motivating Grand Rally for Music Education. This flagship NAMM Foundation event combines live performances with inspirational stories to spotlight the role of music education in society.

Once the exhibit halls close at 5pm, a special 125th-anniversary bash will take place in the main plaza, leading into the Parnelli Awards, honoring individuals and companies in the live event production industry. Live music will continue throughout the NAMM campus well into the evening to keep the energy going.

Registration for the show opens this fall. For the latest information, visit namm.org.