NAMM 2027 Booth Setup Guide | AppleDisplays
NAMM 2027 Booth Setup Guide
NAMM runs January 21-24, 2027 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. With approximately 70,000 attendees and 1,500+ exhibitors, it's the music products industry's biggest annual gathering. This guide covers what you'll spend on a booth, what kits work for the show floor, and the full week-by-week prep timeline.
Quick Facts: NAMM 2027
| Dates | January 21-24, 2027 |
| Venue | Anaheim Convention Center |
| Location | Anaheim, CA |
| Expected attendance | ~70,000 |
| Exhibitor count | ~1,500 |
| Move-in dates | January 18-20, 2027 |
| Drayage (advance warehouse) | $138/cwt (200 lb min) |
| Drayage (showsite) | $195/cwt |
| Standard booth electrical (5 amp) | $215 |
| Internet (basic wired) | $1,640 |
| Industry | Music / Audio Equipment |
| Official site | https://www.namm.org/ |
How Much Does a NAMM 2027 Booth Cost?
Real exhibitor cost (booth setup only, not including show fees, drayage, or labor). Custom builds quoted by traditional vendors compared to tool-free portable kits from AppleDisplays:
| Booth Size | Custom build (incumbent vendors) | Tool-free kit (AppleDisplays) | Setup time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 inline | $9,857 - $22,178 | $1,500 - $3,500 | 10 minutes |
| 10x20 inline | $18,482 - $43,125 | $3,500 - $7,500 | 15 minutes |
| 20x20 island | $55,446 - $147,857 | $19,000 - $42,000 | 30 minutes |
Drayage math for NAMM: A typical 10x10 setup ships ~150 lbs. At Anaheim's advance rate of $138/cwt with a 200 lb minimum, you're looking at $276 minimum drayage just to get your booth from the dock to your space. Showsite drayage at $195/cwt adds another ~50%. Tool-free kits ship via FedEx Ground direct to advance warehouse — you pay shipping, not drayage, on most major US convention centers.
Recommended NAMM Booth Setups
Browse setups that fit NAMM attendees and venue constraints. Each links into the Booth Builder with your show pre-selected:
Week-by-Week NAMM 2027 Prep Timeline
- 12 weeks out (October 29, 2026): Lock booth size, sign show contract, kick off design + display order. Get your quote in 5 minutes if you haven't.
- 10 weeks out (November 12, 2026): Finalize graphics design and approve printer proofs. Order any custom signage.
- 8 weeks out (November 26, 2026): Confirm electrical, internet, and any AV rentals. Order any flooring or rigging.
- 6 weeks out (December 10, 2026): Ship to advance warehouse to lock the lower drayage rate (saves ~30% on most shows).
- 4 weeks out (December 24, 2026): Confirm hotel + flights for booth team. Brief staff on lead capture process.
- 2 weeks out (January 7, 2027): Print collateral, swag, and lead capture cards. Confirm freight delivery confirmation.
- 1 week out (January 14, 2027): Final staff briefing. Test your CRM lead capture integration.
- Show week (January 18-24, 2027): Move-in Jan 18-Jan 20, show January 21-24, 2027. With a tool-free kit, expect ~10 minutes total setup time.
What Most Exhibitors Get Wrong at NAMM
- Live demo audio bleed between booths is real — order acoustic panels.
- Trade-only days vs public days have very different traffic patterns.
- Artists and influencers often visit between shows — keep demo gear ready.
Build Your NAMM 2027 Booth
Got a budget and a deadline? Use the Booth Builder. Tells you what fits NAMM, ships in 5 days, and arrives at the Anaheim advance warehouse before the deadline.
Start Building →
