NAMM History: Anchoring the Trade

Chicago Coliseum, c. 1910
The 1911 Convention and Trade Exhibition was held at the Chicago Coliseum and was opened by President William Howard Taft.  The event drew an estimated 6,000 people, who flocked to the exhibits to see the player piano demonstrations.

As a reflection of the times, the National Association of Piano Merchants of America (NAPMA) called its 1916 gathering the Prosperity Convention. Activities included the most popular entertainments of the time: motion pictures, an automobile ride for the ladies and dancing.

The convention and trade show were combined for the first time in 1918. In a patriotic gesture, gate receipts were donated to buy instruments and music for the army and navy fighting in Europe.

NAPMA changed its name to the National Association of Music Merchants in 1919. Between 1910 and 1929, the association accomplishments included:

• Establishing uniform trade practices

• Joining the Music Industry Chamber of Commerce

• Adopting a Code of Ethics to eliminate fraud

• Monitoring railroad freight rates for members

• Helping to eliminate the war excise tax on pianos

• Endorsing piano instruction in the public schools

• Publishing a range of helpful materials for members

• Sponsoring National Music Week, instituted in 1923