NAMM 2026: Key Dates and Highlights
NAMM 2026 brings five days of gear reveals, live demos, and top product launches in Anaheim. Get key dates and what to expect.
NAMM 2026
NAMM 2026 arrives in Anaheim from January 20 to January 24, 2026 and promises five days of action. The event fills the Anaheim Convention Center with instruments, tech and a global crowd. It stands as the world biggest trade fair for instruments and music technology. The yearly motto declares “the music begins here” to set an enthusiastic tone.
Expect major product launches across guitars, basses, effects, recording and DJ gear. Because manufacturers reveal new synthesizers and software, rumours turn into live demos. Moreover, live streams and YouTube coverage will keep remote fans in the loop. Reporters and on-site staff from GearNews.com will track releases and live videos.
For professionals and hobbyists alike, NAMM Show buzz fuels networking and learning. However, the show also drives dealer deals and industry partnerships that shape the year. Therefore, whether you attend or watch online, prepare for fast paced news and demos. As a result, our guide will highlight key dates, must-see booths and what to expect.
Key Dates and What to Expect at NAMM 2026
NAMM 2026 runs from January 20 to January 24, 2026 in Anaheim, USA. The show spans five days and packs the Anaheim Convention Center with exhibits, demos and special events. This schedule keeps the floor active and gives attendees time to see product launches, attend sessions and meet brands.
Important dates and deadlines
- January 20, 2026: Pre show activities and industry meetups begin
- January 22 to January 24, 2026: Main exhibit hall open with manufacturer booths and demos
- January 24, 2026: Closing day and final showcases
- Registration now open: Sign up early to secure passes and preferred sessions. For official registration details visit NAMM Registration.
- Press and media deadlines: Apply early for press credentials. NAMM outlines media registration and requirements in its release at NAMM Media Registration.
Key activities to expect
- Product launches: Manufacturers typically reveal guitars, synths, effects and studio gear
- Live demos and performances: Expect hands-on demos, artist rigs and mini concerts
- Education and panels: The schedule includes sessions on marketing, production and business strategies
- Awards and parties: Look for TEC Awards, She Rocks Awards and industry networking events
- Live streams and online coverage: Because many fans watch remotely, expect broad YouTube and social coverage
Practical logistics and tips
- Plan for five full days: However, the busiest exhibit hours run mid-show, so plan visits accordingly
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will walk long distances between booths and stages
- Book hotels early: Anaheim fills fast during NAMM week, therefore reserve rooms now
- Bring chargers and adapters: Many demos require powering gear and mobile devices
Visual timeline
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NAMM Show Highlights and Top Product Launches
NAMM 2026 will be a hotspot for new gear and bold reveals. Manufacturers will debut instruments and pro audio tech across the show floor. Expect showstopping demos, quick hands on sessions and long queues at the most hyped booths.
Product launches to watch
- Neural DSP Quad Core Mini – A compact high power DSP unit designed for amp modelling and plug in hosting. Expect detailed demos showing low latency processing and expanded plugin compatibility.
- Hercules DJControl – Fresh DJ controller hardware aimed at club DJs and mobile performers. Look for integrated software mapping, large jog wheels and performance pads.
- Audeze LCD-5S – A premium open back headphone refresh with refined drivers and improved comfort. Manufacturers will likely stage critical listening booths for demo sessions.
- Cordoba Stage – New acoustic electric guitars aimed at stage players with upgraded pickup systems and player friendly neck designs.
- Binson Stereophonica – A boutique tube reverb and preamp unit inspired by classic designs, shown in studio demo rooms and boutique audio areas.
Music technology and product launches
The NAMM Show remains the place to see the latest in synthesizers, effects and studio tools. Because many brands time product announcements to the show, expect daily waves of news. Watch synth manufacturers for new modules, and pro audio makers for interface and monitoring updates.
Live streams and coverage
Remote audiences will follow live streams and video coverage. GearNews.com will aggregate news, scans, and YouTube clips during the show and provide minute by minute updates. Musikernetzwerk will also publish highlights and German language coverage.
What to prioritize on the floor
- Hands on demos – Prioritize gear you want to test in person because many products feel different live
- Manufacturer panels – Catch product deep dives and engineering talks
- Boutique and vintage areas – Small makers often show unique builds and custom gear
- Networking zones – Meet reps, artists and potential collaborators who can influence your gear choices
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Stay connected during NAMM 2026
Whether attending or watching from home, staying updated during NAMM 2026 is easy. The show runs five days in Anaheim, and many announcements happen fast.
Follow live streams on official YouTube channels, and check curated roundups. GearNews.com will aggregate news, scans, and YouTube clips during the show. Musikernetzwerk will publish highlights and German language coverage. Because these sites scan videos and live feeds, they catch product launches fast.
On-site staff updates matter; follow show-floor teams and reporters. For show schedules and official alerts, use the NAMM website. Also follow NAMM social channels for real-time schedule changes and stage updates. Therefore, enable notifications to avoid missing key demos.
Quick tips for staying informed
- Subscribe to official YouTube channels and enable notifications.
- Follow GearNews.com and Musikernetzwerk for curated coverage.
- Follow NAMM social handles and enable push alerts.
- Use the NAMM event app or personal calendar to save sessions.
- Set Google Alerts and follow brand accounts for rumours and leaks.
- Watch manufacturer live streams because they often reveal products.
- Save contact details for on-site PR reps and brand staff.
- Charge devices and bring a power bank for continuous streaming.
Stay flexible because news moves quickly; as a result you will catch the best reveals.
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Main categories of musical equipment at NAMM 2026
Here are the main product categories you will find at NAMM 2026. Use this quick chart to scan the show’s scope and plan visits.
| Category | What you will find | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Guitars | Electric and acoustic models, amplifiers and guitar pedals | New models shape player trends and tone options |
| Basses | Short and long scale basses, amps and dedicated effects | Bass makers reveal pickup and amp innovations |
| Effects | Stompboxes, multi-effects units and rack processors | Effects drive new sounds for stage and studio |
| Recording equipment | Audio interfaces, microphones, monitors and converters | Producers upgrade workflows and improve recording quality |
| DJ gear | Controllers, mixers, turntables and performance software | DJs test integration and live performance features |
| Music technology | DAW plugins, modeling systems, AI tools and controllers | Because tech defines modern production and creative tools |
| Synthesizers | Analog, digital, modular and software synthesizers | Synths push sound design and live instrument innovation |
Use the table to prioritize booths and demos that match your interests.
CONCLUSION
NAMM 2026 cements its place as the premier trade fair for music gear and DJ culture. Held in Anaheim from January 20 to 24, it gathers makers, artists and tech leaders. Because exhibitors unveil the year’s biggest product launches, the show’s impact reaches studios and stages worldwide.
Follow live streams and on-site reporting to catch announcements as they happen. GearNews.com and Musikernetzwerk will curate fast updates and video highlights. Also follow NAMM’s official channels for schedules and last minute changes.
Attend if you can, because hands-on demos shape buying decisions and spark new collaborations. If you watch remotely, engage with streams and social posts to join conversations. Therefore keep your feed tuned and your notifications enabled for real-time news.
In short, NAMM 2026 shows why the industry gathers each year. As the show proves every year, ‘the music begins here’.
