POTSDAM -- The Crane Institute for Music Business has again been invited to sponsor a forum by NAMM, the international music products association, during the 2011 NAMM Show Jan. 13 to 16 in Anaheim, Calif.

NAMM represents 9,000 member companies to unify, lead and strengthens the $17 billion international musical instruments and products industry. Activities and programs promote music making to people of all ages. The 2011 NAMM Show will bring together 85,000 registered attendees from 100 countries with 1,400 exhibitors.

The Crane-sponsored roundtable, “Enhancing the Music Education and Music Business Partnership,” will feature international music industry leaders and will focus on exploring career opportunities in the music education and music products sectors.

The event, which is open to all 2011 NAMM Show badge-holders, will be hosted from 4 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15 in the NAMM Foundation Learning Lounge located inside the Anaheim Hilton's California Ballrooms A and B.

Crane School of Music Dean Michael Sitton will give introductory remarks at the roundtable. Crane Institute for Music Business Executive Director Carol "Kickie" Britt will serve as moderator.

The roundtable panelists include:

* Andy Zildjian, president of Sabian, Ltd.

* Larry E. Thomas, chief executive officer of Fender Musical Instruments Corp.

* Jay Wanamaker '77, senior vice president of percussion for KMC Music

* Susan Lipp, president of Full Compass Systems

* Joe Lamond (Hon. '09), president and CEO of NAMM

In addition, 13 students from the Crane School of Music will hobnob with industry leaders by interning with several companies throughout the duration of the NAMM Show. The following companies will work with Crane students: Buffet Crampon, D'Addario & Co., Korg USA, Latin Percussion, Roland U.S., Sabian Ltd., Samsung Technologies and SKB Cases Corp.

For more information about the 2011 NAMM Show, visit www.namm.org/thenammshow/2011.

To find out more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/Crane/cimb/index.cfm.