Making sense of an industry in transition. (1997 National Association of Music Merchants'...

After A Torrid Run, Industry Growth Paused For A Breather. At The NAMM Show, Exhibitors And Retailers Scrambled For Explanations

People go to trade shows for a wide variety of reasons. Topping the list, in no particular order of importance, are meeting with friends, staying out too late, eating and drinking too much, getting away from home, and trying to make some sense of a shifting marketplace. Wandering through the recently completed NAMM International Music Market, held in Anaheim January 16-19, by all outward appearances most show goers achieved at least some of their