The Crossroads Between Passion and Career
Music Industry Management students gain major industry exposure at national trade show
By Katelyn Crain
Communications Specialist
Joe Lamond, president and CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants, with Ferris State University Music Industry Management recent grad Megan Polisuk-Balfour at the NAMM trade show.
It’s not always possible to merge a passion with a career pursuit, but the 21 Music Industry Management students who attended the National Association of Music Merchants annual trade show in January have found a way.
Taking place in Anaheim, California, the NAMM show is the largest music products trade show in the U.S., and is the “industry trend-setter” for introducing advanced technologies, highlighting emerging brands and uniting each segment of the music products industry. The show typically attracts the industry’s most influential decision-makers, sales representatives, engineers and developers, venue buyers, and touring, theater, and entertainment companies. Thanks to the NAMM Foundation’s GenNext program, students also can attend the exclusive event with access to professional development sessions and networking opportunities.
“NAMM spares no expense in developing programs exclusively for the students who are attending,” said Dan Cronk, associate professor and coordinator of Ferris’ MIM program. “It’s an incredibly high-value educational opportunity, in addition to the time they get to spend at the show, on the floor and making those crucial connections for their career. Students gain depth and breadth of understanding of the industry in
a much broader context.”
Of the 21 students in attendance from Ferris, 12 were awarded the NAMM President’s Innovation Award, which provided winners the opportunity to meet the president of NAMM one-on-one, as well as access to exclusive events and classes, and a cash award to help with travel expenses to the show.
Approximately 60 students are selected for the award each year, and selection is based on an extensive application process. Included in the evaluated criteria is a student’s resume and college transcript, at least two letters of reference, as well as an in-depth essay questionnaire relating to the student’s accomplishments and future goals. Of the 16 different colleges and universities with award recipients, Ferris State had the second highest number of award recipients at this year’s show.
“We are proud of the fact that our percentage of awards tends to be substantial from year-to-year,” said Cronk. “All of the affiliated schools in North America are in contention, not that we are competitive or anything, but when you look at our percentage of awards,
it says something, and we are proud of that.
“Ferris students are conspicuous at the NAMM show because of how they conduct themselves, their ability to engage in those types of conversations in terms of the fundamentals, and in being prepared to move into a professional environment and network, they’re ready to go,” he added.
Because attending the NAMM show allows students to gain exposure to industry leaders, explore career opportunities and obtain insight on professional advancement, it’s not rare for future internships and full time employment to be found while at the show.
“Here is your academic life. Here is your professional life,” Cronk said. “And this trade organization, NAMM especially, understands that we need this connective tissue, and provides that opportunity for the transition from student to young professional, and it’s such a high value experience in terms of the investment and what the students get in return. It’s unprecedented…there are very few things that can compare to the ultimate value of this time.”