Winter NAMM 2017 marked a defining moment for StompLight when innovation expert Guy Kawasaki invited founder Michael Ahern to showcase StompLight during his prestigious "Art of Innovation" breakfast session. With 3,000 NAMM members in attendance, this represented a powerful validation of StompLight's vision for revolutionizing stage lighting.
The path to this breakthrough moment began when Michael had the opportunity to share StompLight with Kawasaki before the show. Kawasaki's immediate enthusiasm for the product was based on its potential to transform how performers approach stage lighting. When they later discovered both would be attending NAMM 2017, Kawasaki saw an opportunity to showcase StompLight as a prime example of the innovation principles he champions.
The Art of Innovation session itself embodied many of the key principles Kawasaki advocates for breakthrough products. StompLight's demonstration aligned perfectly with his first principle: "Set out to make meaning, as opposed to money." By democratizing stage lighting for performers of all levels, StompLight was making a meaningful impact on how artists present their work.
The NAMM show's impact extended well beyond the breakfast session. Over four days, the StompLight booth in Hall E welcomed an impressive 7,000 visitors, including legendary figures from the music industry. Pedal innovator Del Casher, known for his groundbreaking contributions to guitar effects, offered a particularly meaningful endorsement when he called StompLight "a lovely invention that people are going to really love." Such validation from a pioneer in music technology innovation carried special weight. Watch the interview with Michael and Del Casher below:
The Canadian Music Trades partnership further amplified StompLight's presence at NAMM, with the product providing stage lighting for their Thursday night party at the Sheraton Hotel. This real-world demonstration showed exactly how StompLight could transform any venue into a professional lighting environment.
This NAMM appearance marked a turning point in StompLight's journey. The enthusiastic reception from industry experts, combined with Kawasaki's endorsement, confirmed what Michael had envisioned – StompLight wasn't just a passion project, but a genuine innovation that could reshape how performers approach stage lighting design. This aligns perfectly with another of Kawasaki's principles: "Let 100 flowers blossom." Since NAMM 2017, artists across various genres have incorporated StompLight into their performances in ways that continue to surprise and inspire.
Today, the growing collection of performers featuring StompLight in their shows demonstrates the product's lasting impact. From intimate venue performances to larger productions, StompLight has evolved from an innovative concept to an essential tool for artists seeking professional lighting solutions.
The 2017 NAMM show represents more than just a successful trade show appearance – it marks the moment when StompLight's potential became clear to the wider music industry. Guy Kawasaki's recognition of StompLight as an exemplar of innovation principles, combined with the overwhelming response from industry professionals, validated Michael's vision for democratizing stage lighting. As StompLight continues to evolve and empower performers, that pivotal NAMM moment stands as a testament to the power of meaningful innovation in the music industry.