I wanna go to the NAMM show!

[Newc]

I've been to Summer NAMM a couple of times and while it was fun for me, it's not the "giant music store" experience you hope it would be. Everyone is there to sell you their products and talk dealer business. There's price discussions between manufacturers and dealers which Joe Public really doesn't need to know ("Hey, I saw you at NAMM and I know you paid $150 each for those, so I'll give you $250 instead of the $800 MSRP you're asking", blah blah blah).

Ideally you'd go to meet up with other forumites you know and hang out with them at the various bars and restaurants after checking out the various booths that interested you, but as far as "can I check out that guitar/amp/pedal/etc", it's really not about that.

[charvelguy]

Depends. Yes, there are the vendor deals going on and those trying to sell their products out to stores, individuals who can spread the word.
I met a number of dealers who more than encouraged someone picking up their product or plugging in - they really wanted you to try things out and get exposure or feedback. Also, there is all the activities that go on surrounding Namm at night - again, who you know can really influence that because its usually by invite for the more major events.

I got exposed to many cool products I had not been aware of - its like leafing thru the back of guitar player's "what's new" on your feet.

Plus there's always the performances going on with the talent level being pro caliber. Most of the blockages in the traffic there were from 'famous' people making appearances.

Its just a pretty cool vibe if not overwhelming with all that is there. It best if you plan out a few activities/shows and what display options you'll take in during the day for at least a couple days there. Food cost is outlandish - parking is an event in itself as is the typical mecca trek into the arena unless you're staying right next door at the Hilton.
I usually parked at the Gardenwalk or Disney but some days Disney parking was full.

Ramada is close by to stay as well, but then again, so is a Motel 6, but rooms near the Convention Center/ Disney at this time of year are not cheap. I drove 20 miles each way but my hotel was about 50/night at a HoJo in a suburb (Pico Rivera) - it wasn't a bad stay at all.

There's your usual hot chicks hired to promote, and quite often very well informed and friendly conversationalists.

Then there's the odd things that happen just being around the center of all the industry.
I was going back to where I parked, on Thurs so I stopped off at Denny's to grab a bite before heading back to the hotel. The waiter seats me at a booth, its about after 6pm but its not really busy and I didn't have to wait.

Well, I look up and notice the guy facing me at the next booth. He looks like someone I know. Hmm, Toni Iommi? No, close tho. Carmine Appice? So, I'm watching, trying not make it to apparent or obvious while lookin over a menu.. so, I order soup. He's sitting with a woman and showing a drum catalog layout for DW, which, he's discussing with her and its obviously a picture of him promoting some signature drum for the catalog. So, yep.. its him, then he's on the phone talking about a tour, performances etc.

Just the little things like that which were interesting and fun along with the standout chicks in the slutty looking outfits vying for attention but not love. There was one that had hair which looked like a headdress for gay indian chief; rainbow colored mohawk. She dressed just as stylish... cross between a raptor and a peacock.