A group of NASMD 2025 attendees gather for a photo on the top of the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.
NASMD headed to New Orleans for its annual four-day convention boasting education sessions, networking mixers, festive parties — and even a second line parade. — By Katie Kailus People’s Ana Dobrian. Good Times in the Big Easy NASMD attendees gather for a photo during the Opening Night Party. From left: C.A. House Music’s Melissa Ceo, Ernie Wil- liamson Music’s Amanda Rueter and Donovan Bankhead, Royalton Music Center’s Lauren Amanfoh and The Music Rovner Products’ Lynn and George Reeder dress in their Mardi Gras best for the Closing Night Party.
F rom March 19–22, school music dealers headed down to the “big easy” for the annual National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD) convention. The four-day event included dozens of educational sessions, networking events, an opening party with a second line parade, and a closing night party that featured NAMM band Printz’s first road gig. Some 383 attendees gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel New Orleans for the event, bringing with it poignant discussions about succession planning, rental night best practices and the effects of the recent tariffs on the school music market. “This year’s event wasn’t just about business — it was a sym-
phony of learning, networking and community-building, complete with a signature New Orleans second line parade to kick off the convention,” said Cris Behrens, president of NASMD. “This year’s NASMD convention was a reminder that, in the world of musical instruments retail, success isn’t just about selling products — it’s about creating moments, fostering connections and amplifying the love of music for generations to come.” Next year’s NASMD convention will be held from March 18–21, 2026, at the JW Marriott Turnberry in Miami. Across the next few pages, we’ve highlighted a few of the best sessions we attended during the four-day event. MI
36 I MUSIC INC. I JUNE 2025
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