NAMM 2026: Dates, Location, Highlights, and Everything You Need to Know

NAMM stands for the National Association of Music Merchants. It is a global not-for-profit trade organization that represents the music products industry and hosts the annual NAMM Show, one of the world’s largest music technology and instrument trade events.

This year, NAMM 2026 has four tracks – Business, Audio Production and Music Technology, Entertainment Technology, Educator & College Student.

When and where will NAMM 2026 be held?

NAMM Show 2026 is scheduled to start from January 20 through January 24. The main exhibition floor will open from the 22^nd while professional summits are expected to be hosted on all days.

Like every year, it will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California.

What to look out for at the show?

• A Yamaha All-Stars Concert on January 23, featuring acts such as The War and Treaty and Alana Springsteen
  NAMM Retail Awards across seven categories, including Dealer of the Year, announced on January 21
  The Women of NAMM reception on January 23, bringing together women from across the industry
  Over 1,800 hands-on demo exhibits across the show floor over three days

What’s special about this year?

This year marks the 125^th anniversary of the NAMM show. To commemorate this, a bash will be held in the main plaza on the 24^th.

It also marks the 50^th year that the show is being held in Anaheim.

Speaking about the significance of these landmarks, John Mlynczak, NAMM President and CEO said, “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. 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.”

What can you expect at NAMM 2026?

One of the biggest draws of the NAMM Show is the sheer volume of music technology launches, with leading brands traditionally using the event to unveil their flagship products for the year. NAMM 2026 is expected to be no different, with companies such as AlphaTheta, FabFilter, Korg and Celemony already announcing new releases ahead of the show. Several more product launches across audio software, hardware and music production tools are anticipated during the event.

Some of the notable launches announced so far include:

1. KORG launches microAUDIO compact audio interface series
2. AlphaTheta Updates Its RMX Line with the New RMX-IGNITE Effector
3. FabFilter launches Pro-C 3 and updates Pro-Q 4

Who should attend NAMM Show?

NAMM is relevant for a wide range of people working in the music industry. It is a strong networking environment, whether that is for cross-collaborations, meeting the teams behind major music technology brands, or getting hands-on time with new gear and software. That said, it is not ideally suited for absolute beginners or producers with very limited industry exposure. NAMM makes more sense for professional artists, working producers, and businesses that want to explore new technologies, understand where the market is heading, and build meaningful industry connections.

Is NAMM open to the public?

Yes, NAMM is accessible to a wide range of attendees through different badge categories, including industry professionals, students and commercial members. While it is primarily a trade-focused event, there are talks, showcases and exhibitions available across the show, depending on the type of badge purchased.

The NAMM ticket pricing varies depending on attendee category and access level. Qualified attendees, including individual members, can purchase badges at a standard rate, while students and members exceeding their badge allocation are offered discounted options. There is also a lower-cost app-only pass for those who want digital access without attending in person.

Below is a breakdown of NAMM 2026 ticket prices:

Qualified Attendee (including Individual Members): $150
NAMM Member Badges (over allocation): $75
NAMM Show App Only (online/app access, free for members): $35
Students (valid student ID required): $75
Non-exhibiting Commercial Member: $325
Badge reprint fee: $35

For more such articles, read:

• LANDR Acquires Reason Studios as Music Creation Platforms Continue to Consolidate
• Apple Music Comes to the CDJ-3000X, but Will DJs Actually Use It?