Every year, I come to The NAMM Show ready to learn, create and be inspired. There’s so much creativity happening all around you, from music spilling out of every hall and spontaneous performances to passionate conversations and countless opportunities to connect with people, brands and ideas that remind you why you love this industry in the first place.
As someone who lives in both the creative and professional worlds, I arrive at NAMM excited to capture as much of that energy as possible. I want to film content, collaborate with other creators and walk away with not just new footage, but new inspiration. Here are a few pre-show planning tips that help me make the most of every moment.
ATTEND SESSIONS AND STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
NAMM is more than booths and performances, it’s a week of learning. Attend a few education sessions, panels or networking events, even if they’re outside your usual niche. That’s often where the best inspiration happens.
The first time I joined a session outside my role as a marketer and creator, I walked away with ideas that completely changed how I approach storytelling. Plan your schedule around sessions that truly interest you and use them as chances to meet new people. Arrive early or stay after to introduce yourself. Those short conversations can lead to unexpected collaborations or insights.
PLAN YOUR CONTENT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE.
Before the doors open, think about what stories you want to tell. Are you focusing on innovation, education or the human moments in between? Having a few themes helps you stay intentional amid the nonstop energy.
Also, do a little research on hashtags and trends before the show. A bit of prep goes a long way when you’re trying to capture meaningful, in-the-moment content. Make a quick shot list — wide shots of the show floor, short interviews or reaction clips of attendees discovering something new. It doesn’t have to be rigid, think of it as a creative roadmap.
CONNECT BEFORE YOU GET THERE.
Start building connections before you even arrive. Use the NAMM app to plan meetings, find creators or companies you want to meet and flag sessions you don’t want to miss. A simple “looking forward to meeting you” message makes introductions smoother once you’re on site.
Networking can feel intimidating, but remember: everyone there shares your same love for music. Some of the best connections I’ve made at NAMM started from quick DMs or casual intros.
CREATE TOGETHER, GROW TOGETHER.
One of the best parts of being a creator is realizing you’re surrounded by people who understand the same creative rhythm. Don’t hesitate to start a conversation. Ask what others are working on, share ideas or capture a quick clip. Collaboration sparks ideas. Partnering with others helps you learn new techniques, gain fresh perspectives and find inspiration in someone else’s process.
PACK SMART AND STAY CHARGED.
This one sounds simple but makes a huge difference: pack a battery pack (or two). You’ll be filming, taking notes and navigating the app all day — and running out of power is the fastest way to miss a great moment. If you like steady shots, bring a small tripod.
KEEP CURIOSITY AT THE CENTER.
My biggest takeaway from The NAMM Show is always the same: connection and curiosity matter most. Ask questions, listen to stories and stay open to what’s unfolding around you. Every conversation can spark a new idea for the work you’ll do when you get home. MI
Angelica Primachenko is the marketing director at Baroque Violin Shop in Cincinnati and a member of NAMM YP.
