Massive industry events like NAMM, SXSW, and MUSEXPO can feel overwhelming. Tickets, hotels, panels, dates, companies, networking, logistics—there is a lot to plan, and if this is your first time, it can quickly turn into chaos.

That is exactly why we created this complete guide to NAMM Show 2026. Inside, you will find everything you need to know to plan smart, avoid common mistakes, and turn your trip into a real career opportunity instead of just another busy conference.

NAMM Show 2026 quick facts (to plan around reality)

Below is a quick overview of the essential details you’ll need to attend NAMM Show 2026, including dates and location:

• Where: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA.
• Core show-floor exhibit days/hours: Thu Jan 22 (10am–6pm), Fri Jan 23 (10am–6pm), Sat Jan 24 (10am–5pm).
• Badge will-call / customer service hours start: Tue Jan 20 (8am–6pm) onward.
• Important nuance: NAMM is not a public consumer show; attendance is restricted to industry roles (owners/suppliers/employees/endorsed artists/guests of NAMM member companies, plus other qualified categories).
• Education footprint: NAMM announced 200+ educational sessions for 2026.

Step 1: Set goals that actually work at NAMM

Do not go to NAMM just to “see what happens.” Set clear goals that you can measure and that match what you actually do.

Pick 1 “primary” outcome + 2 “secondary” outcomes

A good example for a composer or sound designer would be:

• Primary outcome (choose one):
  • Sign 1–2 paid projects (game/film/trailer/ads) within 2 months post-show.
  • Secure 3 serious leads with a defined next step (brief due date, intro to producer, NDA, etc.).
  • Land 1 strategic partnership (audio company, sample library, plugin maker, post house).
• Secondary outcomes:
  • Build a target list of 30 people and have 12 high-quality conversations (not “nice to meet you” chats).
  • Book 6 follow-up calls for the 2-3 weeks after NAMM.

Transform your goals into a short pitch about what you do

Have a quick version and a longer version ready.

• Short version (10 seconds):What you do, who you do it for, and why you are at NAMM.
• Longer version (30 seconds):Add examples of your work, your experience, and the kind of projects or clients you are looking for.

Step 2: Understand what to expect (and how NAMM is structured)

NAMM week is basically:

1. Tue–Wed: heavier on education, summits, community events (some require separate registration).
2. Thu–Sat: show floor is open (the “gear city” days).

Education highlights NAMM itself previewed for 2026 include pro tracks and summits (example: TEC Tracks Studio Summit, marketing, leadership, etc.). Some are noted as separate registration items.

What this means for you:

• If your goal is getting new clients or projects, Tue–Wed are great for deep conversations and targeted rooms.
• Thu–Sat are great for serendipity + brand meetings + product-scene networking, but also louder and more chaotic.

Step 3: The “find projects” playbook (how work actually appears at NAMM)

Where composer/sound-design work tends to come from at NAMM

• Audio brands & software companies (sound design for product videos, presets, demo tracks, artist content, launches)
• Game audio / interactive audio folks (middleware conversations, hiring managers, contractors)
• Post houses / trailer houses / agencies (less “booths,” more “meetings” and side conversations)
• Creators + influencer production teams (fast turnaround sound needs, ongoing retainers)
• Instrument companies (signature sound packs, performance content, installation audio)

Turn “nice meeting you” into a pipeline

What you ask matters. The right questions can reveal your experience and professionalism more clearly than any reel or portfolio. These three questions show you really know your craft:

1. Context ask: “What are you shipping in Q1/Q2 that needs music or sound?”
2. Constraint ask: “What’s the timeline and how are decisions typically made on the production side?”
3. Next-step ask (always): “Can we put 20 minutes on the calendar next week? I’ll send 2–3 relevant examples.”

Bring 3 “portable proofs”

When you’re meeting people in hallways, at booths, or over a quick coffee, you don’t have much time. You need to show your value fast. These three assets make that possible:

• A 60–90 second reel, tailored to the type of work you want more of (games, trailers, film, brand, etc.). One tight reel beats five generic ones. Make it easy to pull up on your phone or share via a single link.
• Three short case studies (one paragraph each). Focus on problem → your approach → result. This shows how you think and helps non-audio people understand your impact quickly.
• A one-page rate card (even if it’s ranges). Showing how you price your work signals professionalism, saves time, and helps both sides quickly see if there’s a fit.

If you’re heading to NAMM Show 2026, the real work doesn’t just happen on the show floor — it happens before and after. That’s where Pibox comes in: a simple way to share reels, demos, and references, gather clear, timestamped feedback directly on the waveform, control versions, and keep every conversation moving without losing context.

Instead of juggling emails, links, and notes post-show, you can manage follow-ups, versions, and approvals in one place. For composers and sound designers, Pibox helps turn NAMM conversations into real projects that actually move your career forward.

Easier, faster way to collaborate in real-time, collect feedback, manage reviews, share, and finish your projects effortlessly.

Get Started

Step 4: How to find specific people (NAMM app + show planner + directories)

Use the NAMM Show app for networking + planning

The official mobile app highlights:

• Interactive maps
• Exhibitor & gear search + bookmarking
• Personal agenda syncing
• Networking features (discover who’s attending, request meetings, messaging)

Use “My Show Planner” (MapYourShow) like a CRM

NAMM’s MapYourShow environment for 2026 includes:

• Exhibitor search, sessions/events, show map, and a planner.
• Key constraint: you must be registered for a badge and use the same email to access My Show Planner.

Practical workflow to find specific people:

1. Start with companies (publishers, brands, studios, agencies).
2. In the app/planner, bookmark the booth + relevant sessions.
3. Use the networking feature to request a meeting (or message) where available.
4. If the person isn’t listed, search:
   • LinkedIn for “Company + NAMM” + their role
   • Their brand’s PR page (“press contact”, “artist relations”, “product marketing”)
   • Session speaker lists inside the sessions catalog (MapYourShow sessions pages exist for 2026).

Use official exhibitor listings as your master target list

NAMM’s “Show Directory” points you to the exhibitor list and explicitly encourages using the app to bookmark brands and locate them on the map. Here’s the full list of companies at NAMM 2026.

Step 5: Tickets/badges, eligibility, and what to buy

NAMM’s registration pricing page lists (among other categories):

• Qualified Attendee (includes Individual Members): $150
• Students (valid ID): $75
• NAMM Show App Only (online/app access): $35
• All NAMM Show registrations include access to The NAMM Show app.

NAMM states: “Access to The NAMM Show is a benefit of NAMM Membership,” and outlines that members manage registration in the NAMM dashboard.

Step 6: Lodging and travel (Airbnb and parking)

Where to stay (simple logic)

• Walkable to ACC (best for energy + networking): pricier, but you’ll actually go to morning things and late meetups.
• A short rideshare away (better value): Anaheim Resort area is common.
• Avoid being so far that you “skip evening networking” because you’re tired.

Airbnb tactics for NAMM week

• Book cancellable if possible; NAMM weeks can shift plans.
• Filter for:
  • Dedicated workspace (you’ll do follow-ups at night)
  • Quiet at night (you need good sleep for the rest of the night to be sharp)
  • Reliable Wi-Fi (non-negotiable for sending reels, scheduling)
• Expect higher prices and minimum stays around the event window (normal for major conventions).

Everything you need to know about NAMM Show parking

Official parking & fees

Paid parking is available at the Anaheim Convention Center and nearby official lots on show days, typically around $25 per vehicle per day. Payment is cashless, and ADA parking is available on a first-come basis.

Guidelines & timing

Parking validation is required for the standard rate. Overnight parking isn’t allowed, and lots fill up quickly (especially in the mornings) so arriving early is highly recommended.

Alternatives & tips

Nearby hotel garages, parking apps, rideshares, and shuttles are common alternatives. Street parking is limited and tightly regulated.

EV & accessibility

Some ACC lots offer limited EV charging (level 1), and mobility equipment can be arranged in advance.

NAMM 2026 parking costs and locations

Build in time buffers

Badge pickup lines and foot traffic are real. Badge customer service runs Tue–Sat with early mornings on show days.

Step 7: Your day-by-day NAMM 2026 plan

Having a clear plan turns overwhelming show floors into focused, productive days. Break your strategy into pre-show preparation, daily structure, and recovery, so you maximize meetings, sessions, and networking without burning out.

Before you arrive (2–4 weeks out)

• Build a list of:
  • 20 “must meet” people
  • 30 “must visit” companies/booths
  • 10 sessions aligned with your goals (audio, production, business, AI, etc.)
• Pre-write outreach messages:
  • “I’ll be at NAMM Thu/Fri. Are you free for 15 minutes near your booth / coffee?”

On-site (daily structure)

Morning (quiet, high leverage):

• 3-5 meetings + 1 sessionMidday (show floor):
• Targeted booth loop (10–12 stops max)Late afternoon:
• Follow-up messages + book next-day meetingsEvening:
• 1-2 networking event, then stop (don’t burn out day 1)

A note on show floor hours

Plan your booth routes around official exhibit hours (Thu–Sat) so you’re not trying to “do the floor” on education-heavy days.

Step 8: What to bring (composer/sound designer kit)

Packing smart can make all the difference at NAMM. Here’s a compact kit to help you show your work, hear clearly, and connect efficiently without being weighed down.

• Phone setup for fast sharing: QR code to your reel + website + calendar link.
• Headphones or IEMs (you’ll want to actually hear things).
• Earplugs (non-negotiable).
• A tiny demo rig only if it supports your goal (don’t carry a studio).
• Business cards still help because NAMM is fast-paced, but QR-first wins.

Step 9: The follow-up system (this is where NAMM ROI happens)

Within 24 hours of each meaningful conversation send:

1. A thank-you line
2. One relevant link (not 10)
3. A concrete next step (“20 minutes Tuesday?”)

Within 7 days after NAMM create a simple pipeline:

1. Hot (meeting booked)
2. Warm (replied, needs follow-up)
3. Cold (no response yet)

A “starter checklist for NAMM show” you can copy

• Primary outcome + 2 secondary outcomes defined
• Offer statement (10s + 30s)
• Reel + 3 case studies ready
• Registered badge (and app/planner login tested)
• 30 target companies from directory/app bookmarked
• 10 sessions saved in planner
• Airbnb/hotel booked near ACC
• Outreach sent to top 20 targets

FAQ