GENNEXT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR THE 2025 NAMM SHOW
JANUARY 21-25, 2025, ANAHEIM, CA
The NAMM Show 2025 – Call for Proposals
The GenNext collaboration between The NAMM Foundation and The College Music Society (CMS) offers community college, college, university, and music industry trade school students curated programming relevant to pursuing a career in the music industry, as well as professional development for faculty. GenNext session proposals will be reviewed by a committee comprised of NAMM Foundation and CMS representatives.
Examples of GenNext proposal topics that will be considered:
- Careers and Workforce Development
- Job Placement and Advancement
- Non-traditional Pathways
- Soft Skills
- Traditional Pathways
- The Innovative Music Program
- Music Industry Studies
- Music Technology
- Tools of the Trade
- Advocacy
- Artist Relations
- Basic Business Practices
- Copyright
- Event Management and Production
- Instrument Maintenance
- Metadata
Show dates are January 21-25, 2025. We ask that accepted presenters be available Tuesday, January 21 through Saturday, January 25, 2025 (typically, sessions occur Thursday-Saturday).
CRITERIA & QUALIFICATIONS
CMS and the NAMM Foundation will give preference to proposals that reflect topics as viewed through one or more of the following lenses:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Music and Social Justice
- Music and Wellness
- Community Making Across the Lifespan
The following qualifications apply:
- Submitter(s) must have demonstrated proficiency in the topic(s) proposed.
- Submitter(s) must become familiar with the audience and goals of the program(s).
- Submitter(s) must adhere to deadlines and guidelines.
SESSION FORMAT OPTIONS
| Type | Description | Time Limit | Set Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | One presenter, specific topic. In-person with option to prerecord | 30 Minutes | Theater seating, riser, one microphone, screen for PPT, lectern, sound tech |
| Session | Host + up to four panelists, discussion. In-person with option to prerecord | 60 minutes | Theater seating, riser, up to 5 chairs, screen for PPT, up to 5 microphones, lectern, sound tech |
TIMELINE
April 15: Submissions Open
September 9: Submissions Close
October 1: Final Acceptance Notification
October 15: Speaker Forms Due
November: GenNext Schedule Officially Published
December 9: Prerecorded Sessions, Slideshow Decks, and Handouts for NAMM Show+ are due
January 21-25, 2025: The 2025 NAMM Show!
GENERAL GUIDELINES & POLICIES
- Please review the NAMM anti-trust policies, as speakers cannot talk about pricing or promote their own organization/university during their session.
- All proposals that are accepted will be required to record their session prior to the event for the virtual platform, NAMM Show+.
- Once selected, all presenters must agree to—and return—the Speaker Form by October 15, 2024.
- All speakers will receive a complimentary speaker badge plus (1) additional guest badge to attend The NAMM Show. *Please note: If a speaker cancels, all associated badges will also be canceled.
- All travel-related expenses are the responsibility of the presenter(s). NAMM negotiates special NAMM Show rates, and we encourage presenters to book with one of our partner hotels. Housing for general attendees opens near the end of August.
- Due to the high volume of submissions, The NAMM Foundation is unable to provide direct feedback as to why a submission was not accepted. Submitter (session leader) must confirm and communicate with all co- panelists regarding their interest and availability to present at The NAMM Show prior to submitting a proposal.
- Submissions that do not follow the guidelines will be returned to the sender with a request to resubmit after meeting submission guidelines. Though we will consider requests, the session date and time are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of The NAMM Foundation.
- The NAMM Foundation reserves the right to edit session titles and descriptions and/or to request changes to format, length, and type of proposal.
SUBMISSION FORM
Please complete this form to submit your session (due September 9 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time).
The NAMM Show 2025 –Scholarship Opportunities for Faculty and Students
NAMM-CMS Faculty Fellows
The NAMM Foundation-College Music Society Faculty Fellows Program seeks to support individuals who develop curricula related to business leadership and innovation in music, pro-audio, and event technology, and who are committed to helping their students carve out a path for a career in music. A $500 stipend is given each year to selected college and university music faculty. Funds must be used to help offset expenses to travel to The NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, Jan. 21-25, 2025. The award also includes a complimentary NAMM Membership and a badge to the show.
TIMELINE
Application Opens: April 15
Submission Deadline: September 9
Award Notification: October 7
The NAMM Show: January 21-15, 2025
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicant must be a current member of The College Music Society (CMS). If you are not yet a member of CMS, you can register for a full membership or register for a 6-month trial membership for $20 by navigating to this link.
- Applicant must be currently employed as a faculty member at a two-or four-year college or university music program, with plans for continued employment during the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Preference will be given to applicants from institutions that serve traditionally underrepresented student populations.
- Awards are given once and are not renewable; recipients are not eligible to reapply for the same award.
REQUIREMENTS
- Resume or CV
- Short answers to:
- How will a NAMM Foundation-CMS Fellowship experience support your professional development and efforts to support students in their plans for careers in music?
- Describe your plans for developing or expanding music business offerings in your program, including ways to engage students with the music industry.
- Explain why you feel you are qualified to be a recipient of The NAMM Foundation-CMS Fellows Award.
- The Fellows will attend NAMM-curated sessions and industry panels on the music products industry, music technology, music business, and internship and career opportunities for students.
Submit your application here by September 9 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
Lamond GenNext Award
The Lamond GenNext Award honors college students who demonstrate excellence in the field of music (from performance to business to event technology, etc).
TIMELINE
Application Opens: April 15
Submission Deadline: September 9
Award Notifications: October 14
The NAMM Show: Jan. 21-25, 2025
AWARD DETAILS
- Supports individuals enrolled in two-or-four-year college and university programs and are preparing for a career in the music, sound, and event technology industry.
- Award recipients will receive a $750 stipend to help offset expenses to travel to The NAMM Show.
- Award recipients participate in professional development sessions, networking, and special events, and have access to the tradeshow floor to explore music products, pro audio, and live event technology exhibits.
Please note: the award also includes a complimentary badge to attend the show.
ELIGIBILITY
- Must be enrolled for the Summer 2024 or Fall 2024-2025 semester at a two-or four-year college or music (education, performance, business), sound or event technology program.
- Must be a sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student.
- Have an overall 3.0 or higher GPA.
- This is a one-time award. Past award winners are not eligible to reapply.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Resume.
- Spring or Fall 2024 transcript.
- Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty advisor).
- Short essay or video (500 words or a 3-minute video) outlining how your background and studies in music have impacted your life, what your music career goals are, and how attending The 2025 NAMM Show will advance your goals.
- College FAFSA Identification Number (if applicable). Visit the website here if you need to access the number.
Submit your application here by September 9 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.