Firstly, I and all at AMI would like to wish all of you a very happy new year, as we return from the Christmas break and get ready to embark on what will no doubt be another hugely challenging, yet hopefully more prosperous 12 months.

Indeed, words like, ‘happy’, ‘hopeful’ and ‘prosperous’ sit uneasily alongside the mounting uncertainty so many face right now in light of the spiralling state of the pandemic, and what feels like an inevitable escalation into another national lockdown here in the UK. Yet, if 2020 taught us anything, it is that we are part of one of the most resilient industries on earth.

The immense hardships that 2020 presented for so many across the pro audio world, particularly with regard to the many freelance and self-employed professionals that reside at the heart of this incredible market, are well documented. But the way the sector came together via initiatives such as We Make Events and charities like Stagehand demonstrated a sense of togetherness and support for that was inspirational and often quite moving. It’s a spirit that we will no doubt be harnessed once again over the coming months, during what may well be the most challenging period of the pandemic yet. But if we can continue to hold strong, there is certainly cause for optimism in 2021.

With a vaccine now being rolled out, there is genuine hope that we may see a return to live music, theatre and festivals this year, the appetite for which will be stronger than ever before. There is also hope that in-person trade shows will make their return to the industry calendar, with ISE’s long-awaited migration to the Fira in Barcelona pushed back from February to June in the hope that it will be able to take place in a physical format. Of course, great work has been done to ensure that trade events continue to run effectively throughout the pandemic in the digital realm, but a return to physical gatherings this year would undoubtedly be welcomed warmly by the business.

As for the immediate future, we are very excited to see what the virtual NAMM 2021 event has to offer. Having spoken to the show’s organisers, there is much to look forward to in what will continue to be one of the most exciting pro audio events this year. Its status as a launchpad for the industry’s finest to unveil their latest products and plans for the year ahead remains untouched, and the digital aspect of the event promises educational and training opportunities unlike anything we’ve seen before. Be sure to watch this space for all the latest NAMM 2021 news and coverage.

Here at AMI we will also be serving up plenty of new and exciting content throughout the year. Our partnership with the amazing 2% Rising will continue in earnest, while we have plenty of exciting new announcements, partnerships and interviews in the offing.

So once again, to all of you, a happy and healthy new year from all at AMI.

Daniel Gumble,
Editor