By Michael Lyster and Sandi Cain
The NAMM Show, a musical instruments trade show that’s the largest convention held in Anaheim, has signed up to stay in the city through 2013.
The show, held each January, draws about 85,000 people.
Terms of the deal with the Anaheim Convention Center weren’t disclosed. NAMM has the option to keep the show in Anaheim for 2014 and 2015.
The renewal comes as the meetings and convention market has been hit hard by corporate cutbacks and a backlash against American International Group Inc.’s much maligned meeting last fall at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa in Dana Point.
Anaheim has lost five large corporate groups that had booked space at multiple hotels since the fall, according to the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.
Eight or 10 smaller groups that were set to meet within single hotels also have cancelled.
NAMM brings together makers of musical instruments and buyers from music stores. The show has an estimated economic impact of $75 million annually for the Anaheim area.
