WOMEN OF NAMM I BY HAILEY EARP The WoN Summit Effect
I will never forget the feeling I had during my first Women of NAMM Reception during The 2023 NAMM Show. In the midst of the usual networking buzz, the room paused to recognize past Women of NAMM Leadership Summit attendees. As these women proudly raised their hands, something clicked. I didn’t just need to know what the summit was, I knew I had to be a part of it. From then on, the Women of NAMM Leadership Summit became something I kept going back to. It took me two attempts to be accepted, and I’d encourage any woman still waiting on
the women in my peer group; tears were shed, honest feed- back was given, and some of us were given the space to share things that we might have never voiced elsewhere. From the daily workshops to axe throwing and late-night conversations, something un- expected happened. I found lifelong friends. Yes, there was incredible leadership training, but there was also this unfil- tered, almost summer camp-like energy in both the planned and the spontaneous moments we shared. I thought maybe I just got lucky with my group, but I hear this story time and time again from previous Summit graduates as well. That’s the magic of how Women of NAMM and Dr. Hall designed this experience. It’s an unrestricted space for real, genuine connection and growth. Adults rarely get to experience something like this, and I’m pro- foundly grateful that I now have 17 new friends. To any woman who’s think- ing of applying: Do it. It’s in- timidating to show up alone, but you won’t leave that way. You’ll leave with a group of women who are not only in your corner, but who may become some of your closest friends and deepest confidants. Most importantly, you’ll leave with your spark back — en- ergized and inspired with a brand-new support system and ready to show up in life as your best self. MI Hailey Earp is the chief operating officer of The Candyman Strings & Things in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a member of Women of NAMM.
her “yes” to stay persistent. Prior to the summit, each attendee completed a four-part assessment to gain deeper insight into our own individual leader- ship, coaching and mentorship styles, while also inviting colleagues to share thoughtful, anonymous feedback. All of this set the stage for what would become an unforgettable few days of learning, re- flection and vulnerability. The selection process led by the Women of NAMM leadership council team is masterfully curated; the unique group of women who joined me at the October 2025 summit not only immedi- ately clicked with one another, but they were the most inspirational, charismatic, honest and uplift- ing group of people I’d ever been around. To add to this astonishing group of women, Dr. Jennifer
Hall, a board-certified coach and licensed psychologist, expertly facilitated the summit. Dr. Hall’s coaching went beyond anything I had experienced before. MY SUMMIT EXPERIENCE As the Summit itself kicked off at NAMM’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California, it be- came clear that this wasn’t going to be just another professional development event. It was something far more powerful. Dr. Hall’s approach to the Summit was focused on delicately uncovering what’s beneath the surface to face what may be holding each of us back, both professionally and personally,
One Women of NAMM Leadership Summit participant shares how her experience sparked connection and growth.
in a safe and supportive environment. Her teachings were so invaluable that, six months later, I’m still using what I learned at the summit almost daily, even in my personal life. One of my personal highlights was the peer group breakout sessions. These sessions gave us the opportunity to deeply connect with each other in very personal ways in a smaller group setting. It was an honor to be able to connect with
28 I MUSIC INC. I JUNE 2026
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