2012 NAMM Show's Hands-On Training Zone to Add Valuable Mini-Conference Presentations Examining Music and Media Technologies/Operations

CARLSBAD, Calif., July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced that its Hands-On Training (HOT) Zone, which serves as an education center for pro audio, entertainment technologies and music business operations, will feature new mini-conference-style presentations that will run during all four days of the 2012 NAMM Show.

These compact events will offer keynotes, master classes and panel discussions, providing a concentrated look at basic and state-of-the-art technology and business niches such as audio recording technology and studio engineering that make up an increasingly important part of the music products industry. In addition, these mini-conferences likely will also include hands-on product displays and networking receptions.

"Most people attending the NAMM Show have a long list of things to do, manufacturers to see, or meetings to attend," said David Schwartz, producer, NAMM Show HOT Zone. "We wanted to evolve this area in a way that values the time constraints of the attendees and allows for a deep understanding of the topics they want to master through a very concentrated and effective format."

Some of the topics being developed into mini-conferences, as well as panels and master classes, include: Live Sound Engineering, Audio Recording Technologies, Studio Engineering, Social Media Marketing, Media Technology for Worship, DJ Operations, Audio Mastering, and Future Trends in the Business and Technology of Music Making.

Organizations that have already signed on to present sessions and mini-conferences include: Berkleemusic.com, SAE Institute, Ex'pression College for Digital Arts, USC Thornton School, MIDI Manufacturers' Association, Scratch DJ Academy, The Music Player Network (Mix, Pro Sound News and Electronic Musician magazines), SPARS, Worship Musician magazine, Glow Marketing, Studioexpresso.com, TEC Foundation and the Moses Avalon Company.

"Providing relevant and high-value education programs to the thousands of pro-audio and live sound members of NAMM is one of our key objectives," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "The role of technology continues to expand and we believe that this unique educational opportunity at the 2012 NAMM Show makes attendance a must for anyone working in this important segment."

The HOT Zone is a feature of the 2012 NAMM Show, which will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center, Jan. 19-22, 2012.

About NAMM

NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).

SOURCE National Association of Music Merchants