There was quite a bit happening behind the scenes, e.g., Noel's discussions with Microsoft, Jimmy's with distributors, me with the MIDI Manufacturers Association re: the future of the MIDI spec (as well as finalizing an agreement with another company that will be very advantageous to SONAR users), answering questions about TASCAM's SONAR-based track factory, internal discussions about the Mac version and upcoming MIDI features, inquiries to Steinberg regarding Note Expression (why are only they using it - proprietary? licensing fees?), etc. Cakewalk was also well-represented in the TEC Tracks panels.
It's important to remember that NAMM isn't supposed to be a consumer show; it's about writing orders, meeting with distributors, etc. The reality is that with many software companies going the direct download route, NAMM isn't as relevant as it once was to companies devoted primarily to software. As some of you know I have friends at all the DAW companies, and talked to one that will pull out next year...joining Ableton, Magix, Sibelius, Propellerheads, and others who have already stopped participating in NAMM.
Those companies that do have a significant presence (MOTU, PreSonus, Avid, and Steinberg) are heavily involved in hardware interfaces, which have to be demoed in person and can't be downloaded. Cakewalk had its greatest NAMM presence when it was part of Roland, which is primarily a hardware company (interfaces, V-Studio products back in the day, etc.).