NAMM NeXT Europe 2026 Brings Global Music Industry Leaders Together in Amsterdam

NAMM NeXT Europe 2026 concluded in Amsterdam after two days of executive-level discussion on the future of the global music products industry. The summit brought together senior leaders from musical instruments, pro audio, live events, retail, education and distribution to address market shifts, technology trends and long-term growth.

Hosted by NAMM, The National Association of Music Merchants, the event took place June 10–11 at the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel. NAMM described the summit as part of its wider effort to support strategic collaboration, innovation and industry development across international music markets.

Executive summit builds on 2025 Brussels debut

NAMM NeXT Europe 2026 followed the inaugural Brussels summit in 2025 and expanded the format as a forum for high-level industry dialogue. The Amsterdam event focused on market intelligence, strategic discussion and collaborative working sessions designed to help companies navigate change across the music products sector.

“The continued growth and engagement around NAMM NeXT Europe reflects the importance of creating spaces where industry leaders can collaborate on the opportunities and challenges shaping our global business environment,” said John Mlynczak, president and CEO of NAMM. “The conversations in Amsterdam reinforced a shared commitment to innovation and expanding the global community of music makers.”

Participants included representatives from global and European companies across manufacturing, distribution, retail and live event production. Companies represented at the summit included C.F. Martin Guitar, Henri SELMER Paris, Buffet Crampon, GEWA Music, Roland Europe, Taylor Guitars Europe, Thomann, Gear4music, Adam Hall Group, Audiotonix, Focusrite Group, QSC, Solid State Logic, MUSIK MEYER, ALGAM and Hal Leonard Europe, among others.

“Many have tried to bring Europe’s music industry together in one place. None have really pulled it off, until now. NAMM NeXT in Amsterdam made it happen. That’s what sets NAMM apart as the global, leading association of our industry: they deliver,” said Marcel Messner, CEO of GEWA Music.

Trade, AI and education among key themes

The 2026 summit featured presentations from economic, technology and education experts, alongside interactive executive working groups. Discussions covered global trade and economic trends, artificial intelligence, changing consumer behavior, developments in retail, manufacturing and live events, and music education advocacy.

Featured speakers and sessions included:

• John Mlynczak, President & CEO, NAMM — Welcome and Opening Remarks
• Koen Berden, Managing Director, Trade Impact B.V., and Senior Fellow, European Centre for International Political Economy — European Economic and Trade Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
• Reinier Evers, Founder, TrendWatching — AI and Consumer Trends
• Finn Schumacker, Executive Director, Association Européenne des Conservatoires; Romain Asselborn, Board Member, European Music School Union; and Benno Spieker, Board Member, European Association for Music in Schools — Strengthening Advocacy Through Education-Industry Collaboration

A central part of NAMM NeXT Europe remained its executive working-group format. Participants collaborated across three strategic tracks: Commercial, Retail and Live Event. The sessions focused on growing the industry, adapting to disruption and creating more music makers.

“It was a pleasure to be part of NAMM NeXT Europe and engage with industry leaders on the economic and geopolitical forces shaping our future,” said Koen Berden, managing director of Trade Impact B.V. and senior fellow at ECIPE.

Berden said his session examined Europe’s geo-economic and trade outlook, including control of chokepoints, changing trade policies, shifting global alliances and broader economic trends. He added that music products businesses will need to stay informed, adaptable and prepared for unexpected developments.

Education-industry collaboration gains focus

The summit also highlighted the growing importance of cooperation between the music products industry and European music education organizations. Education leaders shared updates on advocacy initiatives and discussed opportunities to expand access to music education across Europe.

NAMM said the NeXT platform will continue to support leadership development, global collaboration and long-term industry advancement. The next NAMM NeXT summit will be NAMM NeXT Latin America, scheduled to take place in São Paulo, Brazil, in November 2026.

Additional details about the 2027 NAMM NeXT event calendar, including programs in the United States and international markets, are expected to be announced at the January NAMM Show.