Photo Credit: NAMM Foundation
NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global nonprofit music trade organization, has committed $50,000 to establish the LA Wildfires Relief Fund in response to the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area. Additional donations to NAMM’s fund are welcome as the trade organization prepares to kick off the 2025 NAMM Show in Anaheim this week.
This fund will provide needs-based assistance to NAMM members, employees of NAMM member companies, music programs, and music makers affected by the wildfires. The NAMM Foundation is performing a needs assessment and will provide more information in the coming days on the distribution and application of these funds.
NAMM has also made clear they have “taken every precaution” in preparing this year’s NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center. The music products community will gather for a week full of sessions led by industry thought leaders, over 100 concerts from up-and-coming artists and established stars, and endless gear innovation. Especially in the wake of the wildfires in Greater Los Angeles, this year’s NAMM Show is about coming together and celebrating people who serve the music industry.
“We continue to stay in close contact with our NAMM members and partners in Los Angeles, including those impacted by the wildfires. Anaheim has remained unaffected by the fires all week, which are located 60 miles northwest,” begins a statement from NAMM CEO John Mlynczak. “Air quality has remained safe all week, with no fire-related impact on Anaheim or the surrounding areas.”
“We have taken every precaution to confirm that we can gather for a safe and successful NAMM show while also supporting the ongoing relief efforts,” Mlynczak’s statement continues. “The 2025 NAMM Show will unite our global industry in support of those impacted in Los Angeles. We are coordinating relief efforts with our partners and continue to communicate with our members in Los Angeles on their needs. […] The NAMM Show will provide two dedicated LA Wildfire Relief Centers for attendees to learn more about how they can support the coordinated efforts of our members and partners.”
This year, the NAMM Show 2025 kicks off its full slate of events beginning January 21 through January 25 in Anaheim, California. Event highlights this year include a performance by Jack White at the 2025 TEC Awards, hosted by Skunk Baxter on Thursday, January 23; An Evening with Jon Batiste on Friday, January 24; and a performance by Jacob Collier at The Grand Rally for Music Education on Saturday, January 25, hosted by NAMM president and CEO John Mlynczak.
The Parnelli Awards, the industry’s highest honor for live event professionals since 2001, takes place on Friday, January 24. The award recognizes pioneering, influential professionals and their contributions, honoring individuals, companies, and game-changing products. On Saturday, January 25, the NAMM Show’s She Rock Awards kick off with live performances by Christina Perri, Samantha Fish, Amanda Palmer, Stitched Up Heart, Lindsey Stirling, AIJIA, Paula Cole, and more.
Other important events include a session called Master the Fundamentals of Audio in Hybrid Events: Techniques Every Technician Must Know. Presented in collaboration with AXIVA, the session promises to show attendees how to create a mix-minus quickly and effectively for broadcast or overflow rooms using fader flip mode on a digital console.
Those interested in attending the NAMM Show 2025 but who cannot make it to Anaheim can register for an online-only badge and access exclusive gear, product launches, networking, livestreamed and on-demand education sessions, and more.