Over the last few years (if not longer), NAMM has gone from a pro audio industry trade show to more of a place to show off shiny doodads to off-the-street consumers. Most of the pro audio folks I work with have pretty much dismissed NAMM in favor of trade shows like InfoComm, so I'm not surprised Cakewalk doesn't feel it's worth a major investment.
 
I think what Andrew was saying, albeit much more diplomatically, is that NAMM is like Guitar Center on a Saturday afternoon.... You'll see a lot of people playing as fast as they can to impress anyone listening, and the newest and best-est products are set up prominently for you to ogle, but there isn't much real business happening on the floor.

Frankfurt Musikmesse has also been getting smaller over the years.
 
I will remember with fondness the conversation I had with Brandon Ryan after he'd demoed the Matrix in the Roland booth back then. Aint ever gonna happen again.
 
Then the Tascam days, a few PCs set up around a post, nobody around.
So the OP's Gibson experience is nothing new.
Spend the resources where it makes a difference, I say.

I agree with the people who say there is not so much benefit to gain from NAMM exposure. Yet there might be harm from lack of it. After all bakers have really something to brag about this year.
 
Also I would be grateful if CW team members are at MusikMesse this spring, some topics are easier for direct discussion than for a forum.

Trade fairs are not what they used to be, but it still makes sense to have a viable presence at them.  Costs are always a corporate issue and how the marketing $$ are spent.  But it requires spending $$ to make $$.   Sort of like the thoughts of many club owners - a band is considered a necessisary evil, if they don't have one then there are no customers.

I for one could not care less how many staff Cakewalk don't send to a trade show. Great response from Andrew - much more valuable to concentrate on the software.

Everyone I know who goes to NAMM for real business spends most of their time in smoky back rooms making deals. They are not on the floor demonstrating shiny do-dads. I am fairly certain that the internet takes care of supplying most of the information that music dealers want.
 
In fact my friend when he worked for KRK was back at the hotel most of the time meeting dealers.  I barely saw him once the whole time I was at NAMM about 7 years ago.  It seems to be more of a time to run up a bar bill and buy dinners you would never buy with your own credit card !
 
As a pro-sumer walking around the floor I was way more excited about NAMM than my salesmen friends.
 
JR

Paul P
 
Very lonely Sonar at NAMM   (@ 6:15)
 
Speaking of Craig...
 
 

That 'Frost Blue' 345 monotone sure looks white to me...

Perhaps next year, if Cakewalk cannot spare the people, you could ask for a few volunteers who are well versed and experienced and who have the time. Pay their transportation, room, and board and let them promote Sonar. I'm sure there are two or three people here who would not only be capable but would enjoy it. Of course you could give them a lifetime membership and NO, I do not qualify.
IDK, just an idea.
Or surely you could spare Willy and someone or maybe best, if you can't cut loose... Karl Rose. Karl should be REALLY good at something like this, or Scott Garrigus but Craig would be the one. People know Craig.
I'd do it for free but you would probably lose customers, lol.
 
I hate to hear this. What about CES? Does Cakewalk have better representation there?
 
I don't know the inner workings, deadlines, or finances and am NOT complaining. Just offering ideas. I trust that Cakewalk is doing the best they can do. I DO believe that they would be there if they could. I am sure there is more to the story. I am happy with Sonar and I believe many others would benefit from it.
If I am meddling in something that is none of my business, excuse me. I truly am a fan!
 
Julien

The Kiosk Project
That 'Frost Blue' 345 monotone sure looks white to me...

@ 11:16 you can see the blue tint more clearly.
 
After further review, I don't believe that's Sonar in the background, looks like something else entirely.
 

Given Gibson's unfortunate history with Opcode, it is indeed worrisome that they've given so little thought or attention to Sonar at the show. I certainly hope this isn't a precursor to letting Cakewalk go the way of Opcode.