NAMM 2017

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.).

You're very welcome, John. It was overall very positive. The main negativity still centers around expectations regarding support, and what Cakewalk can or cannot do to meet those expectations.
 
As I've hinted previously, MIDI is moving up Cakewalk's to-do list, so I suspect some of the concerns about lagging behind with MIDI will cease to be an issue over the next several months. The note searchback in the latest update is a good example. Cakewalk is also on top of upcoming MIDI spec enhancements.
 
Interestingly, even large companies are starting to pull out of NAMM - this was Behringer's last NAMM show. Native Instruments stopped years ago, and this year iZotope pulled out. This doesn't mean doom and gloom for NAMM - there are still many situations where it's ideal for some companies, and well worth doing. But it's no longer a "one size fits all" solution for all MI companies.