Is The NAMM Show Back?
Winter NAMM Show – January 22–24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center
Is NAMM Back? Here’s the Breakdown.
Since COVID, the NAMM Show has struggled to regain its former momentum. Many of the familiar vendors that once filled the halls stepped away, including major brands like Marshall and PRS, and even Fender skipped certain shows altogether. Their absence had a noticeable impact on the overall scale of the event, with parts of the convention center feeling unusually empty. At times, the basement level wasn’t open, and sections of the second and third floors felt vacant.
The pandemic also disrupted NAMM’s traditional January schedule. In an effort to adapt, the organization experimented with different dates, holding two shows at unusual times of the year before eventually returning to the classic winter slot. For a while, everything was out of sync.
The Floor
This year, many of the familiar vendors were back, though PRS was once again notably absent. Some major brands scaled back their presence—Gibson operated by appointment only, and Fender didn’t occupy their usual large exhibition space. Instead, Fender hosted a dedicated sound area where various artists participated in Q&A sessions. Zildjian also opted for a private meeting room setup.
Once again, the basement level, which traditionally features smaller and emerging companies was non existent. In recent years, Yamaha has taken over the entire third floor, and while their display is impressive, it’s hard not to miss some variety.
On a positive note, the media room was excellent this year. It had couches and tables, a small stage and several private rooms for interviews and podcasts. It provided a comfortable place to recharge, charge gear, grab a cup of coffee and connect with artists and industry professionals. I actually saw some of Fender’s new line in there.
The Performances
Aside from there not being a major artist performing on the main outdoor stage, live music was everywhere. The surrounding hotels that participate in NAMM hosted packed performance schedules, and booth appearances throughout the show floor were strong as well.
Anyone who attends NAMM regularly knows there’s a group of artists who seem to appear every year. This time around, it felt like there was also a wave of exciting new talent. Performances took place throughout the massive convention center, with stages scattered across multiple areas.
The after-hours scene was active too, with shows happening throughout the entire area. Shoutout to Bass Player Magazine’s event at The Observatory and the NAMM Jamm at the convention center arena.
The Hotels
As someone who grew up in the 80’s music scene in the New York and New Jersey club circuit, the after-NAMM hotel shows have always been something I look forward to. The Hyatt and Marriott traditionally host late-night performances that capture a nostalgic, almost old-school rock vibe. It often feels like the entire NAMM rock crowd gathers there after the show floor closes.
If you’ve attended NAMM before, you know how much walking is involved—your feet definitely feel it by the end of the day. The hotel lounges have always been the perfect place to unwind.
This year felt like a step up compared to the last few shows, though it still didn’t quite match the energy of the pre-COVID era. The artists were fantastic, but some of that classic vibe seemed a little muted.
The Vibe
Despite the issues I mentioned, the overall energy of NAMM this year was surprisingly strong. The show floor was crowded, loud, and buzzing—exactly the way NAMM should feel.
Certain artists created the kind of excitement and chaos that longtime attendees expect. Crowd control was pushed to its limits during appearances by Paul Gilbert at the Ernie Ball booth and Lari Basilio at Seymour Duncan, just to name a couple. Lines were also super long to grab an autograph from your favorite players.
It was also great to see some vendors who normally exhibit in the basement moved up to the main floor, giving them more visibility.
Overall, while the show still isn’t quite what it once was, the excitement and spirit were definitely there.
So if you ask whether NAMM is back… the answer is almost.