Fender is returning to the 2025 NAMM Show after a period of absence. However, CEO Andy Mooney has clarified that this return will not be business as usual.
Fender NAMM 2025 Return Focused on Dealers
We reported last year that Fender would be back for NAMM 2025, and now their CEO has revealed more details about the return and what to expect from the Californian guitar brand.
In an interview, Mooney emphasized that the primary focus of Fender’s presence at NAMM will be on strengthening relationships with dealers.
“We really missed the personal interaction with the dealer base,” Mooney stated. “NAMM had become about ‘Booth Wars,’ with companies competing for the biggest and flashiest displays. We questioned the value of this approach.”
Mooney explained that the pandemic forced Fender to re-evaluate its trade show strategy. Online events proved to be more cost-effective while still reaching a wide audience.
However, these virtual experiences lacked valuable in-person interactions with dealers.
Key Takeaways
- Fender is returning to NAMM 2025 with a renewed focus on dealer relationships.
- The company will prioritize in-person conversations and will not be exhibiting a large booth.
- This shift in strategy reflects a desire to move away from the traditional “Booth Wars” model of trade show participation.
Dealer Focus
“We’re going back, but we’re going back for one reason only: to spend time with the dealer base, listen to their concerns, and communicate our vision for the future of the industry and the brand,” Mooney said.
More Information
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