GenNext Submission Guidelines for the 2026 NAMM Show
January 20-24, 2026, Anaheim, CA

The NAMM Show 2026 – 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.

For Educators:

Education sessions are designed to broaden educators' understanding of the music, sound, and event technology industries, connecting them directly with professionals, innovations, and resources. By exploring real-world career pathways in the music products industry, educators gain tools to inform their curriculum and guide students toward meaningful futures. The sessions support workforce development by helping teachers prepare students not only for success in music, but in life.

For Students:

These sessions provide college and university students with targeted career development, professional insights, and access to industry leaders. By exploring the diverse roles and opportunities across the music, sound, and event technology fields, students are inspired to envision their future and take actionable steps toward it -- all within a supportive, connected community.

Together, these programs help build a bridge between education and industry, preparing the next generation of passionate, informed professionals to lead the music and sound ecosystem forward.

SHOW DATES ARE JANUARY 20-24, 2026

We ask that accepted presenters be available Tuesday, January 20, through Saturday, January 24 (typically sessions occur Thursday-Saturday).

PROGRAM AREAS & TOPICS REQUESTED:

The NAMM Foundation is looking for session topics geared toward two distinct audiences: educators (K-collegiate) or post-secondary students. Please note we are not looking for sessions on teaching methodologies, classroom techniques, workshops, or scholarly papers. 

Session content must focus on one of these themes:

• Exploring careers in the music industry
• Preparing students for careers in the music industry
• Collaborations to enhance workforce skills, such as:
  • Private teachers and schools
  • Nonprofits and education
  • Industry and education
• K-12 and collegiate
• Classroom resources for a life in music, such as:
  • Technology
  • Copyright and licensing
  • Industry curriculum in the classroom
  • Adaptive instruments
  • Instrument repair

CRITERIA & QUALIFICATIONS

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

Timeline

• April 21: Submissions Open
• September 8: Submissions Close
• October 8: Final Acceptance Notification
• October 15: Speaker Forms Due
• November: GenNext Schedule Officially Published
• January 20-24, 2026: The 2026 NAMM Show! 

General Guidelines & Policies

• Please review our anti-trust policies, as speakers cannot talk about pricing or promote their own organization/university during their session.
• This is a highly competitive process, and we have a limited number of session slots available. You are welcome to submit as many proposals as you would like, but if selected, we will likely select only one. 
• Once selected, all presenters must agree to—and return—the Speaker Form by October 15, 2025. 
• 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 not be considered for a session. 
• 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. 
• Presenters who give product pitches are at risk of not being asked back. 

Submission Form

Please complete this form to submit your session (due September 8 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time).

Submit Your Session

The NAMM Show 2026 –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, California, Jan 20-24, 2026. The award also includes a complimentary one-year NAMM Membership and a badge to the show.

Timeline

• Application Opens: April 21, 2025
• Submission Deadline: September 8, 2025
• Award Notification: October 8, 2025
• The NAMM Show: January 20-24, 2026

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 post-secondary educational institution (trade school, two-or-four-year college or university music program), with plans for continued employment during the 2025-2026 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 The NAMM Foundation-CMS Faculty Fellows Program support a) your professional development and b) your efforts to support students in their plans for a career in music?
  • Describe your plans for developing or expanding program offerings connected to the music industry, particularly as these plans pertain to student engagement with the industry.
  • Explain why you are a strong candidate for The NAMM Foundation-CMS Faculty Fellows Program.
• 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 by September 8, 2025 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.

Submit Your Application

Lamond GenNext Award

The Lamond GenNext Award supports students enrolled in a two- or four-year college, university, or technical program and are preparing for a career in the music, sound, and entertainment technology industry. 

About the Award

The Lamond GenNext Award honors college students who demonstrate excellence in the field of music (from performance to business to event technology, etc.). Selected applicants will receive a complimentary badge to attend The NAMM Show as well as a $750 stipend to help offset expenses to travel to The NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, Jan. 20-24, 2026. Award recipients participate in professional development sessions, networking, and special events, as well as have access to the tradeshow floor to explore music products, pro audio, and live event technology exhibits.

Timeline

• Application Opens: April 21, 2025
• Submission Deadline: September 8, 2025
• Award Notification: October 8, 2025
• The NAMM Show: January 20-24, 2026
• Report Deadline: February 3, 2026

Eligibility

• Must be enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester at a two-or-four year college or music (education, performance, business), sound or event technology program. Note if you are graduating in the Summer 2025 or at the end of Fall 2025 you are still eligible to apply.
• 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.
• Transcripts from the two most recent semesters you were enrolled.
• Two letters of recommendation on letterhead (one must be from a faculty advisor).
• Short essay or video (500 words or a 3-minute video) outlining your background in music, what your music career goals are, and how attending The 2026 NAMM Show will advance your goals. 

Submit your application by September 8 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.

Submit Your Application