Comprehensive Session Schedule Announced for 2026 NAMM Show

NAMM will feature more than 200 educational sessions for its member communities at the 2026 NAMM Show. The five days of events and education will begin Tuesday, January 20, as a global audience gathers to check out the 4,000-plus brands on display.

"The 2026 NAMM Show has expanded its education to include a new, robust suite of half- and full-day summits during the first two days, along with a lineup of complimentary education sessions on those days and throughout the week, covering the most vital and in-demand industry topics," says John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. "Each and every year, the NAMM Show delivers the most relevant and game-changing programming to help build a strong future for our music industry."

NAMM U will feature nearly 50 sessions to help elevate businesses, focusing on such topics as AI, leadership, marketing, customer experience, and future retail strategy, along with social media, tariffs, and lesson programs. "Industry Insights," the opening NAMM U breakfast session, will return to kick off Thursday morning and explore what makes some companies, products, and ideas withstand the test of time. Other session highlights include "NAMM Marketing Summit," "Women of NAMM: Leadership Amplified," "Retail Financial Summit," "The Future Favors the Bold," Guitar Center CEO Gabe Daporto on "The Evolution of Music Retail," and "How to Lead with Confidence When the Future is Unclear."

In audio, more than 65 sessions will cover new ideas and trends in recording, live sound, music technology, and music business. The entertainment technology track offers more than 25 sessions and training opportunities catering to professionals in lighting and production design, rigging, touring, and event safety. Wednesday's Entertainment Technology Summit and sessions will count toward ETCP credits. Key topics include lighting networking, insights from live event production legends, and mental health on tour.

The newly reimagined Music Education Experience invites music teachers, college faculty, and school counselors to explore tools, teaching strategies, and industry connections to help more students make music and envision careers in the creative economy. In partnership with the College Music Society, the 2026 NAMM Show also offers GenNext, a dynamic set of nearly 20 sessions and events designed for college music students and emerging professionals.

Other key events include the TEC Awards on Thursday, the She Rocks Awards and Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand Plaza Stage on Friday, and the Parnelli Awards on Saturday.

Learn more at www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend.