Major music dealers from across the country attended a First Annual Dealer Summit at the corporate headquarters located in Elkhart, Indiana, February 17-18, 2009. Twelve influential music business partners participated in this meeting, which was hosted by John Stoner, CEO Conn-Selmer, Inc., and Dana Messina, CEO Steinway Musical Instruments. 

This was the “first of its kind” event which included sessions that provided information to assist dealers on Conn-Selmer efforts to enhance their business operations. “We are extremely excited about this great opportunity to provide our guests with the latest and most valuable information to enhance their sales potential”, said Scott Jennie, Vice-President of Marketing for Conn-Selmer. “Touring our manufacturing facilities convinced these business partners of the commitment and dedication that our employees have to superior product quality and to the entire music instrument industry as a whole”. 

New products highlighted during the event included the Avanti flute, and Bliss clarinet, with a special visit from Morrie Backun, designer of the new Bliss line of clarinets. In addition, there were several complete information strategy sessions on other Conn-Selmer brands including Selmer-Paris, Armstrong, LaVoix II, Bach, C.G. Conn and Ludwig/Musser. The entire event promoted the “made in USA and Great American Sound” concept that has made Conn-Selmer brands the best selling in the world. 

Conn-Selmer, Inc., the largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments and accessories in the United States, is a subsidiary of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. To contact Conn-Selmer, write to P.O. Box 310, Elkhart, IN 46515-0310 U.S.A. or visit www.conn-selmer.com.