Convention lures Alicia Keys, maybe Van Halen, Snoop

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The private NAMM music show expects slightly fewer people, but attendees will pour millions into area businesses.

ANAHEIM - Singer Stevie Wonder joined a star-studded concert including John Legend and comedian Craig Ferguson last year during the biggest Anaheim convention. Previously, musicians such as Brian Wilson, Sarah McLachlan and Natalie Cole performed.

But this year, Buena Park-based Yamaha canceled its usual concert for the NAMM Show, one way companies are watching their spending at conventions in the slowing economy.

Even the glitzy music industry is feeling the economic pinch, to a point.

Slightly fewer people are expected to go to this year's annual International Music Products Association gathering, following last year's record-breaking attendance for the music-industry convention. The show runs Thursday through Sunday and is closed to the general public. (NAMM is the acronym for the group's previous name, National Association of Music Merchants.)

About 85,000 people are expected to clog streets and jam restaurants and stores around the Anaheim Convention Center, keeping on par with attendance of earlier years. Last year, the convention brought about $80 million to the area and drew more than 88,000 people – roughly the same population as Buena Park.

"It's better than I was prepared for," said Kevin Johnstone, NAMM director of trade shows.

The NAMM Show traditionally kicks off Anaheim's busy convention season, often drawing big names at booths and private parties. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen and rapper Snoop Dogg are rumored to be showing up.

This year, the show will give an indication of how convention business, vital to tourist-friendly cities like Anaheim and local companies, will fare in the immediate future during this soured economy. In 2008, more than 1.25 million people attended meetings and spent about $975 million in the area.

"In reality, it's still a very, very good meeting, very strong. It's just a little off from last year," said Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor &Convention Bureau. "But the economy is taking a little bit of a toll."

Official hotel registration is down between 3 percent and 8 percent compared to last year, Ahlers said last week.

NAMM officials are seeing about a 5-percent reduction in events, said Scott Robertson, the show's communications director, such as company-hosted lavish parties that sometimes feature major performers.

Also, fewer people were invited to some events, while other companies are scaling back on décor, food or drinks.

Some companies are expanding their booths, but others are doubling up to save money, Johnstone said.

Yamaha officials decided to cancel the concert at Disney's California Adventure partly because of the economy, but also so it can host a bigger concert next year for its 50th anniversary in the United States, said Tom Sumner, Yamaha senior vice president.

Still, Yamaha will host singer Alicia Keys at its booth on Saturday. Also, the company invested in a new display and expanded booths.

Still, local businesses are expecting brisk business from NAMM.

Morton's The Steakhouse is seeing about the same amount of reservations as prior years, said Lisa Olson, sales and marketing manager. The dinner-only restaurant is opening for lunch during the show.

The Anaheim Marriott increased staff by 10 percent to 20 percent to help run extra drink stands, a sushi bar and the busy lobby, said Steve Pufpaf, director of sales and marketing.

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